阅读理解。 At eigh years of age,I flew up to San Francisco to meet a pen pal who I had written to for over a year.The first thing we did when we got home was to bake (烘焙) chocolate chip cookies,and our strong_ties were formed.From laughing at the burnt cookies,to eating the chocolate chips instead of putting them in the dough (生面团),it was fantastic.We became best friends.Twelve years later,we still reflect on that moment,and laugh with silliness and joy. Fast forward to 2003,I was in my first month of training in radiation oncology (放射肿瘤学),and scared.I was in a new city,alone,and afraid of having to make a new start.One patientthat we were treating used to come into the department with freshly baked goods for everyone once a week with a smile on her face.She was treated with a really tough regimen (疗法) forher cancer,yet she still overcame the pain and exhaustion (精疲力竭) to bake for the department.I once asked her why,and she said it gave her purpose and meaning. This purpose was far greater for me than a cookie.I really didn't know how tobake,and I told her that.She then invited me to her home for lessons.With her as a guide I learned some of the art of baking.While baking we talked about life,regrets,and dreams.We soon became very close friends. A few weeks later,her husband came to the department and gave me a large box with a handwritten note.I opened the box.Inside was a Kitchen Aid mixer,and the note saying,"Please remember me when you bake,keep at it and you'll change the world." He told methat her cancer had spread.She was in her final stages of life.I cried and cried.It was simplythe most generous gift that I had ever received.