Part I, Understanding Where You Are Now, Chapter 1, Living with Physical Limitations Summary and Analysis

Morrie Schwartz was a social psychology professor at Brandeis University for four decades who focused on the psychology of mourning, loss and infirmity. When he received his diagnosis of ALS, he began to document his declining health, often in the form of advice to those who suffered along with him. Chapter 1, Living with Physical Limitations, advises the reader to first recognize that the lessening or loss of physical power will always seem to come on too soon. Preparing for it can make it easier. Morrie watched his nerves deteriorate slowly. Losing his ability to swallow and speak was the most surprising as he could never have imagined it before, always being forced to talk. Second, it is vital to...