The Eleventh Tuesday We Talk About Our Culture Summary

Unlike Albom and Schwartz's earlier visits, when Albom would excuse himself from the room whenever Schwartz needed medical attention, he now not only stays but finds himself getting involved. After watching the physical therapist work to loosen the congestion in Schwartz's lungs, Albom asks if he can help. After being shown the proper technique, he begins pounding on Schwartz's back and shoulders. Schwartz jokes that he always knew Albom wanted to hit him. Albom agrees, smacking him one more time and claiming it's for the B he got his sophomore year. They all laugh, but it is an uncomfortable laugh because they all realize the act is only postponing the inevitable.

Albom is now considerably less self-conscious about the things that society says should be embarrassing. Society and culture...