A Child Called It Essay Example

A Child Called It Essay Example A Child Called It Paper A Child Called It Paper A Child Called It The novel A Child Called It is a compelling moving true story written by David Peeler. As a child he was brutally starved and beaten by his alcoholic mother. His mother Catherine treated him awful. She did not think of him as one of her sons but as an it , to her that was his name. This book was one like no other, it is the first in the series of three. I was really hooked on this book and I didnt want to put it down. The theme portrayed through out this novel is the ability to overcome remarkable odds. He also started the Greenhouse project, which gave the poor health benefits. He gained happiness from these types of things. The Greenhouse project is mainly a selfless-good deed that helps others with their health problems. The act of assisting people will provide Morrie with personal fulfillment and in turn, bring about true happiness. Through all of this, I feel the most important part about Morries life was the fact that he found contentment in his life while being on the verge of death. I concentrate on all the good things still in my life. On people who are coming to see me. This quote shows how one must learn to love themselves. People have to sometimes be satisfied with their lives, no matter how bad it may seem. In Morries case, he is facing the ultimate distress, which is death. However, instead of wasting away his final weeks, he makes it a celebration. After learning how love is the center of Morries life, I will contrast this idea by explaining how Dave Pelzer was left without any love whatsoever. In A child called it, we see what life is like if love is not present within our lives. Dave was forced to live a traumatic childhood, divested of any form of love, and replaced with violence and hate. Daves situation was a horrible life to deal with in the sense that he had no one for moral or emotional support. He says, I had no one to talk to or play with. I felt all alone. He could not count on any family members or peers to get him through this ordeal. His isolation from society was a big part of the problem that added to his sadness. In one instance, Dave came home and tried to show his mom the good grade he got on a paper. Rather than experiencing any form of love from his mom, he instead was verbally abused. This shows how Dave is desperately eager for love and compassion from his mother. But no matter what he does, he will never attain any adoration from her. Another degrading incident in the book was when Dave was stabbed by his mother. He tried to go to his father for support and love, but only got the cold shoulder. I interpret this case as a form of neglect. Although being neglected does not involve any physical damage, some people feel that neglect is far worse than any other type of abuse. It forces a child into isolation, when he or she needs special attention at an early age. It damages a child more than one would expect. Also, at one point in Daves rough life, he was given some love and attention he had been wanting from his mother. For a few fleeting moments, my pain, my hunger, and my miserable way of life disappeared. I felt so warm, so alive. Although this was an evil facade that Daves mother was showing, we see the true power of love. The fact that Dave was tormented, beaten, and unloved for so many years gives me the impression that he will never forgive. But for one moment, Dave was experiencing love from his family. This love was so strong, that it made him actually forgive and forget about the numerous drawbacks that he went through earlier in his life. Now that one is able to see what it is like without true happiness in life, I will switch gears and speak about the love that Mitch Albom is lacking. I would wake up in the morning, brush my teeth, and sit down at the typewriter in the same clothes that I had slept in. This is a general routine for Mitchs lifestyle and the work he needed to accomplish. His hectic work-life generates a lot of money, but as Morrie says, people embrace material things and expect a sort of hug back. I feel that since love is such a strong thing to take in and give out, people dont want to show any form of love. Thus, they shower themselves with fancy material objects that are replacing true love. Mitchs relationship with Morrie taught him this concept. Among others, it also brought about a fatherly figure for Mitch, and taught him great life lessons that will help him live a more serene lifestyle. Mitchs first encounter with his changing ways was brought about through the physical affection he showed towards Morrie. I leaned over to give him a hug. And then, although it is not really like me, I kissed him on the cheek. These emotions that he shared with Morrie is the first steps in which his life becomes more meaningful and consumed with love. Ironically, Mitchs new life takes a greater course at the end of the book, when he sheds his first tear. Once he allows himself to express love to others, he can finally live a life of true happiness. As you can see, both books shared a common thematic reference that is an important life lesson. The way we observe how Morrie gains happiness in life at his ill old age is inspiring. The way we understand how love can sometimes be deprived from us, like in Dave Pelzers case, is enlightening. And the manner in which we learn how to change our lifestyles to find happiness like Mitch has done, is all but surreal. Our society is filled with many barriers, but the key is to find our path in life and keep moving to hold on to the love and companionship from our friends, family, as well as ourselves.