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Recently I and other Red Cross volunteers met a group of victims from Hurricane Katrina.We were there,as mental health professionals,to offer“psychological first aid”and I was struck by the simple healing power of presence.As we walked in the gate to the shelter,we were greeted with a burst of gratitude (感激) from the first person we met.I felt appreciated,but also guilty,because I hadn’t really done anything yet.

I first realized the power of presence many years ago when a friend’s mother passed away unexpectedly.I had received a call saying she had just passed away.I wanted to rush down there immediately,but didn’t want to intrude（打扰）on this very personal period of sadness.I was torn about what to do.Another friend with me then said,“Just go.Just be there.”I did,and I will never regret it.

Since then,I have not hesitated to be in the presence of others.Once I sat at the bedside of a young man suffering from the pain of his AIDS-related dying.He was not awake,and obviously unaware of others’ presence.However,the atmosphere was by no means solemn.His family,playing guitars and singing,allowed him to be present with them as though he were still fully alive.

In my life,I am repeatedly struck by the healing power of presence.In it,none of us are truly alone.It is not only something we give to others but also changes me for the better.

【语篇导读】本文讲述了作者和一群受伤者之间的事情，和对之后作者的做法，进而说明了在场的力量和重要性。