I want you to read 'God Sees the Truth, but Waits,' " said Mother. "Tolstoy writes about a man, wrongly accused of a murder, who spends the rest of his life in a prison camp. Twenty-six years later, as a convict in Siberia, he meets the true murderer and has an opportunity to free himself, but chooses not to. His longing for home leaves him and he dies." I ask Mother why this story matters to her. "Each of us must face our own Siberia," she says. "We must come to peace within our own isolation. No one can rescue us. My cancer is my Siberia." Suddenly, two white birds about the size of finches, dart in front of us and land on the snow."
"Mother explains a story from Tolstoy about a man wrongly imprisoned for a murder who spends years in Siberia. When he finally meets the real murderer, he chooses not to reveal the truth, dying with his longing for home," I ask. "Each of us must face our own Siberia," she replies, emphasizing inner struggles. "My cancer is my Siberia."
Suddenly, two white finch-like birds land on the snow nearby, symbolizing hope or reflection in her metaphor. The story reflects on personal isolation and acceptance, suggesting that, like the characters, each individual must find peace within their own hardships."
