Broke Quote by Adeline Yen Mah
“She was bedridden falling a fall which broke her hip. X-rays showed that she had cancer of the colon which had already spreed. To my surprise I found her cheerful and free of pain, perhaps because of the small doses of morphine she was being given. She was surrounded by neighbours and friends who congregated at her bedside day and night. In this cosy, noisy, gregarious world of the "all-chinese" sickbed, so different from the stark, sterile solitude of the American hospital room, her life had assumed the astounding quality of a continuous farewell party.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Falling Leaves by Adeline Yen Mah, 1997
Even in severe illness, community and humor can create a sense of celebration and comfort.
In simple terms: Support and joy can soften suffering.
Key Takeaway
Cherish supportive relationships during hardship.
Themes
community
humor
illness
comfort
celebration
Mood
comforting
reflective
hopeful
Type
narrative
personal
observational
When to use this quote
- hospital visits
- home care
- palliative settings
- family gatherings
Key Concepts
social support
psychological resilience
end‑of‑life care
Questions to Reflect On
- How does community influence coping with serious illness?
- What role does humor play in end‑of‑life care?
A Different Perspective
May not reflect all patients' experiences; cultural differences affect perception.
