The author describes her visit to a Russian hospice, where patients were ushered into a "dying room" as their lives ended. I'm a student nurse and initially reacted as Behuniak's American companions did, curious as to whether patients were upset by this practice. Their questions reflect our culture's denial of death, as evidenced by the euphemisms we use to describe the dead, who have "passed away" or "expired." Death is treated as something to fear, yet it's a part of life. I agree with Behuniak that patients should be allowed to finish their lives with dignity in private rooms.

Port Orchard, WA