Journal 5: Continuation/Circle of Life/Change

1) I see change as something that can become different. Change is natural to all people- it's life. It's part of the circle. Birth, live your life, death.... It is what every living thing goes through, and that is what can't be changed. Some things can be continued even after death. It's what is left behind in other people that lets the deceased live on. This is something I believe.

2) "It's not contagious, you know. Death is as natural as life. It's part of the deal we make."

Morrie is saying that death is natural; it's as natural as life. They are part of a never-ceasing cycle. As each person dies, another person is born. Then that person dies, and another is born. Every animal and plant go through this. When he says, 'It's a part of the deal we make', I think he is referring to the deal we make with God when we are born. We promise that when He wants us to join Him, we will go willingly. He gave us life, and he can take it away. Life is a gift, but so is death. You can follow your religion, if you have one, and you will end up with a life after death, whatever it may be.

"As long as we can love each other, and remember the feeling of love we had, we can die without ever really going away. All the love you created is still there. All the memories are still there. You live on- in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here."

He says that everything we had, everything we did, will be left in the ones you loved. In this way, you can die without ever leaving. You live on. By this, you should love everyone, make everyone know or remember you in some way so that, when you die, you will be carried on in the lives of those you loved. They won't forget you, and this will keep your spirit with them. Remember the people you know who have died, and keep their spirit alive.

3) Yes, I agree because what Morrie says is a lesson that we should understand. I agree that everything can be kept going by the people who remember you when you die. I agree and know that death is as natural as life and it goes on in a cycle. I know change is the one thing that can never be changed. I knew all of these things, even before reading the book, but I still enjoyed it.

4) What are changes you have experienced that YOU can or cannot change?

I always have the ability to change my grades, just by studying harder or getting help when needed. I can change what I eat-making the decision. I decided not to quit swimming when it got hard. When I made new friends or got rid of old ones. I decide how I live my life.....

I was unable to decide to stay at our old house when we moved. My grandmother moved in WITH my parents and I- she needed us. I can't ever change the final grade on a test or overall after it's over. I can't change the weather, no matter how much I want to. I can't change human nature. I can't stop wars and economic crises.... But that's just life. Some things you influence and can change the outcome, and others you can't.