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From: MaryW
Date: 07-10-2003, 07:23 AM (1 of 8)
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The Window A great note for all to read. It will take just 37 seconds to read this and change your thinking. 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 color 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 color 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 detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene. One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it. In his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Days and weeks 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's why it is called the present." MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 07-10-2003, 08:19 PM (2 of 8)
Simply Beautiful ! ! 
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: luvmymunchkins
Date: 07-10-2003, 11:21 PM (3 of 8)
| Wow ... |
User: luvmymunchkins
Member since: 04-28-2003 Total posts: 32 
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From: bren
Date: 07-11-2003, 04:44 AM (4 of 8)
What away to start your day , That is nice , Sure makes a person think!!!!!! 
Bren:
Don't let anyone ...Live Rent Free In Your Head |
User: bren
Member since: 11-30-2002 Total posts: 489 
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From: MaryW
Date: 07-11-2003, 07:34 AM (5 of 8)
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Good advice for us all at any time.
MaryW
owner/editor of Sew Whats New |
User: MaryW
Member since: 06-23-2005 Total posts: 2542
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From: weB2cats
Date: 08-21-2003, 11:08 AM (6 of 8)
| The man in the second bed had more advantages than the blind man. And yet, the blind man was the "eyes" for the man who couldn't be moved. He gave the gift that he himself didn't have-the gift of sight. What a truly selfless person he turned out to be. A very humbling story. |
User: weB2cats
Member since: 11-07-2002 Total posts: 232 |
From: Dode
Date: 10-17-2003, 10:13 AM (7 of 8)
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That brings to mind the hymn -- Count your blessing Name them one by one Count your blessings See what God has done. When I start to do that it sometimes makes me wonder what I am whinning about.  Everyone have a great day eh.  
Dode
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User: Dode
Member since: 03-09-2003 Total posts: 15 
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From: kryzewski
Date: 10-17-2003, 02:20 PM (8 of 8)
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Mary - What a great story! Don't think the blind man was "blind" inside at all; but very sighted by the gifts around him - a heartwarming lesson for me!
Have a pieceful day! Kathy
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User: kryzewski
Member since: 10-16-2003 Total posts: 4 
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