Summary

Eben's sister Phyllis arrives at the hospital and sits by his bedside, holding his hand as if to anchor him to life. Alexander writes about the strong relationship he has had with his family his whole life, as well as his previous relationship to religion and spirituality. He went to church with his family on occasion, but could never escape his doubts about "how any of it could really be" (34). Although he at times wanted to believe in something more, over the years his "scientific worldview gently but steadfastly undermined [his] ability to believe in something larger" (35). Alexander reiterates in this section his former belief that the brain is "a machine that produces the phenomenon of consciousness" (35). Without spirituality, Eben has always counted on his family, and now, more than ever, they are determined not to let him go.

In the darkness of...