Lessons Learned

Suzanne F.

Mr. A., a newsman, taught me that a terminally ill person can will themselves to remain in this life with the anticipation of a specific event. Throughout the summer of 1997, all indications were that Mr. A's death was imminent. But he held ground until the October announcement of the jury's verdict in O.J. Simpson's trial. Mr. A. would not leave without following the story to its completion.

Mrs. W's eyesight was failing and she could no longer speak full sentences. At lunch, after her meal, she would stroke my hair and softly croon. Weeks into this ritual, I learned that Mrs. W. was murmuring the name of her beloved dog. Mrs. W taught me that there are so many ways in which we can provide comfort to others.

From the daughters of a patient with terminal cancer, I learned how spiritual faith will carry the bereaved through and then past their grief. After visiting with the patient, I would join the patient's daughters in the living room for prayer. Their faith was steadfast and strong. I came to learn how bright a guide faith will provide during dark hours. By bearing witness to their faith, my own was renewed.

Mrs. H., determined and tough, taught me that one can will themselves more time until their work is done. Having had a decades-long career in the Federal government crafting social programs, she was outraged to witness the unraveling of some of her greatest work.

Further incensed by the Iraq war, Mrs. H's fixed purpose was to vote in the November 2006 election. And she did. She was going nowhere as long as Republicans held the White House, the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate.