Monday, May 16, 2011

Something to Ponder...


Food for thought...


Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room.
One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs.
His bed was next to the room's only window.


The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.


The men talked for hours on end.
They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation..
Every afternoon, when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.


The man in the other bed began to live for those one hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and colour of the world outside.


The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake.
Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every colour and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.








As the man by the window described all this in exquisite details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene.






One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.
Although the other man could not hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.






Days, weeks and months passed.

One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep.
She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone.
Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the real world outside.
He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.


It faced a blank wall. 











The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window. 


The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.



She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you'.








Epilogue...


There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. 


Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled.



If you want to feel rich, just count all the things you have that money can't buy. 



'Today is a gift, that is why it is called The Present .' 


The origin of this tale is unknown... but as I read this.... It occurred to me that sometimes we really don't have a lot to moan about... and I do have quite a lot to be thankful for.



I think I might start writing a thankful journal... just to remind myself.


9 comments:

  1. oh, princess! what a lovely tale for a monday morning! you are a true blessing in my life! xoxoxox

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  2. Dear Savannah,
    I've been in a bit of a funk of late ... mainly just plain old physical tiredness....

    Helping out at my little brothers business while he recuperates from his heart attack is catching up with me. I have a day off tomorrow so will have a rest filled day if I can plan it.

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  3. Truer words never spoken...
    Thank you Princess.

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  4. *sniff sniff* That was beautiful Princess.

    Another gut wrencher is this one about starfish on the beach. Yes, you've probably have heard it before but this is set to tinny music which makes it extra special.

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  5. Good morning Princess,

    That's a neat story. And food for thought.

    I just read about your brother. Wanted to stop by and wish the both of you well.

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  6. I loved this! and I want to put that in action - by being the blind man painting a picture of beauty for anyone stuck in sorrow. terrific!

    and I plan to get back in MCW this week even though its hugh grant week. er,,,,ah, never mind

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  7. Dear Wally...
    Have you tried tuning your rainbow to pink occasionally?
    Stories like these make life all the more worth living I think...

    Dear Mitzi
    fortunately I was spared the tinny music as it failed to load but the story ans sentiment was lovely.
    If only "chocolate starfish" could be disposed of so easily....

    Hi Karl and congrats on the haiku win!
    Brother is recovering well tho I am a little worse for wear. It is a lot to take on but I'm not really minding it. It is nice to know that what i do is helping him and his family out temporarily while he recovers... We are very lucky that we still have him around!

    Dear Chickory
    I was quite moved by this story too.
    Hugh Grant... I can't wait!

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