Part 4, Section 3, Giving Summary and Analysis

Anne likens the giving of one's self to writing as that of parenting a young child. She herself is a mother and often draws upon experiences with her son Sam. At times words will elude the writer much like a child running just out of reach. Other tender moments, such as toddler touching a mother's face, also happen when writing from a very personal experience.

Nearly everyone Anne is in contact with reminds her of patients awaiting treatment in an emergency room. With disconnected lives and emotional wounds, Anne believes people can use writing to soothe and heal. Writing has certainly accomplished this for Anne. This healing and greater purpose is one reason Anne finds to continue giving through writing.

A second reason Anne continues to give herself in writing is an opportunity to return the gift...