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Compassion Quote by Mary Doria Russell

“John Henry Holliday didn't have a mother to love him when he was grown, so I have taken him for my own. My fondest hope for Doc is that it will win for him the compassion and respect I think he deserves.” quote by Mary Doria Russell
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“John Henry Holliday didn't have a mother to love him when he was grown, so I have taken him for my own. My fondest hope for Doc is that it will win for him the compassion and respect I think he deserves.”

Mary Doria Russell

About This Quote

Source Novel: The Sparrow, Mary Doria Russell, 1996

The narrator adopts a child, hoping he receives compassion and respect he deserves.

In simple terms: A caregiver seeks dignity for a loved one.

Key Takeaway

Provide compassion and respect.

Themes

family caregiving compassion respect

Mood

empathetic hopeful

Type

personal narrative

When to use this quote

  • parenting
  • social work
  • community support

Key Concepts

adoption mentorship empathy

Questions to Reflect On

  • How can we best support those we care for?
  • What does respect look like in practice?
A Different Perspective

The adopted child may resist or feel conflicted.

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