How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #7
"Over the years, I met Norman a few times and he always tried to reconcile, but I didn't accept it. I wasn't satisfied with his explanation. I was prideful. I shrugged him off." (23.10)
In their talk about forgiveness, Morrie opens up to Mitch and tells him about an old friend whom he turned his back on because of a bad situation between them. He's sad about it now because he never had the chance to make things right, and tells Mitch that forgiveness toward friends is always more important than wanting to be right.
Quote #8
"I don't know why you came back to me. But I want to say this…"
He paused, and his voice choked.
"If I could have had another son, I would have liked it to be you." (23.33-35)
Here Morrie makes a statement that goes way beyond friendship. He's already said that family is the most intense friendship, and here he puts Mitch right there with his family, saying that if he could pick additions to the family he already has, it would be him.
Quote #9
"You… are a good soul." A good soul.
"Touched me…" he whispered. He moved my hands to his heart. "Here."
It felt as if I had a pit in my throat. Coach?
"Ahh?"
I don't know how to say good-bye.
He patted my hand weakly, keeping it up on his chest.
"This… is how we say… good-bye…" (25.31-37)
This is a snippet of Mitch and Morrie's heart-wrenching goodbye. After all Morrie's talking and coaching Mitch through life, it is Morrie who admits that his student touched his heart. We know it's the other way around, too, but this final statement sums up what friendship is all about and how Morrie shows us what counts until the very end.