Compassion Quote by Miriam Toews
![“I told her [...] that I would bow down before her suffering with compassion, that she could control her life, that I understood that pain is sometimes psychic, not only physical, that she wanted nothing more than to end it and to sleep forever, that for her life was over but that for me it was…” quote by Miriam Toews](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/e29/miriam-toews-3632_compassion_i-told-her-that-i-would-bow-down-before_2147120.jpg)
““I told her [...] that I would bow down before her suffering with compassion, that she could control her life, that I understood that pain is sometimes psychic, not only physical, that she wanted nothing more than to end it and to sleep forever, that for her life was over but that for me it was still ongoing and that an aspect of it was trying to save her, that the notion of saving her was one that we didn't agree on, that I was willing to do whatever she wanted me to do but only if it was absolutely true that there were no other doors to find, to push against or storm because if there were I'd break every bone in my body running up against that fucking door repeatedly, over and over and over and over.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “All My Puny Sorrows” by Miriam Toews, 2014
A narrator describes deep empathy and struggle with a loved one’s suicidal thoughts, feeling torn between wanting to help and recognizing limits.
In simple terms: Caring for someone in pain can feel overwhelming and conflicted.
Key Takeaway
Offer love, respect boundaries, seek help.
Themes
suicide
compassion
boundaries
mental health
family
grief
Mood
sad
determined
empathetic
Type
literary
philosophical
When to use this quote
- crisis counseling
- family meetings
- therapeutic support
- self‑care
- legal considerations
Key Concepts
ethics
psychology
existentialism
caregiving
Questions to Reflect On
- What are healthy limits for you?
- How can you support without losing yourself?
A Different Perspective
Attempting to “save” someone can cause personal burnout and may not be possible.
