There are moments as a teacher when I'm conscious that I'm trotting out the same exact phrase my professor used with me years ago. It's an eerie feeling, as if my old mentor is not just in the room, but in my shoes, using me as his mouthpiece.

To be around someone whose self-confidence is more than what our first glance led us to expect is seductive.

She had always assumed that she would have years to sort out the meaning of life... As she bent over the child she realized that the tragedy of death had to do entirely with what was left unfulfilled.

By visiting patients in their home, by helping them come to terms with their illness, I could heal when I could not cure.

That's the funny thing about America--the blessed thing. As many people as there are to hold you back, there are angels whose humanity makes up for all the others. I've had my share of angels.

You live it forward, but understand it backward.

...guilt leads to righteous action, but rarely is it the right action.