[2nd amendment mama]

Have I missed something here? I didn't read this article and see a lack of compassion. Rather, I saw the compassion of a woman and her family wanting to take care of someone, not related to them, especially in death. They raised the money to give this man a dignified funeral and burial. They didn't allow the "system" to do a non-personal cremation and burial.

I guess I'm reading a different story or have a different perspective on it. Having worked with the homeless at a Christian-based mission I believe what the Roche family did was a blessing to Mr. Kern - they showed him dignity in life and compassion in death.

[fini]

I agree with you. Every small community has someone like him and the people around him usually adopt him. The guy in our community is called “Radio.” It is always good as a society that we show an affection for people like him.

[Holly_P]

I believe what the Roche family did was a blessing to Mr. Kern - they showed him dignity in life and compassion in death.

I would have put it the other way around - "Compassion in life and dignity in death" but I agree with your point.

I've been around too many elderly people who, either have no family or more likely, have a family that just doesn't care. I'm talking about older folks in nursing homes. I did some volunteer work in one when I was in college. Many there are starved for attention, just wanting someone to talk to, a hand to hold etc.