Deep down inside we are all aware that we are going to die. If we activate the spirit of hope or
wisdom through denial, as Mary did, that is our own business. In some situations, it can be of great
help and bring peace into our lives. In Mary’s case, perhaps what we were calling “denial” was her
knowledge that some part of her would never die. I did not know then, and now years later, I still
cannot draw a conclusion. I only knew that my own practice and training had given me the
grounding and openness to hold this woman’s life and death with respect and awe.
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