In "Tuesdays with Morrie," after Morrie learns that he is ill, what surprises him the most is that he is not as upset as he thought he would be. He had always been a person who valued emotions and believed that people should feel their feelings deeply, so he expected to be devastated by the news of his diagnosis. However, when he receives the news, he finds himself more concerned about his family and friends and how they will cope with his illness. He realizes that he has been preparing himself for this news for a long time, and that his acceptance of death as a natural part of life has made it easier for him to face the reality of his illness. This realization inspires him to begin a series of conversations with his former student, Mitch, in which he shares his wisdom and insights about life and death.