Michael, a Zen Hospice Project volunteer, was an English teacher who understood the power of story. He loved to spend time with patients, encouraging them to share moments from their lives. They would tell Michael stories of their childhoods or speak to him of their dead relatives and express love. They spoke of regrets and shared hidden secrets, and they talked about how they might have done things differently if given a second chance. Some had imaginary conversations with God. Michael would tape-record these exchanges. Later, at home, he would transcribe the tapes. Then he would craft
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