pass it on

**miss_thrifty** · 01-28-2007, 06:17 PM

Hospital 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."

The origin of this letter is unknown, but it brings good luck to everyone who passes it on.

**frugalfriend** · 01-28-2007, 06:29 PM

What a beautiful story, thank you for sharing!

**FrugalMomof3** · 01-28-2007, 07:22 PM

Such an inspiring story, thank you so much for sharing.

**Darlene** · 01-28-2007, 07:57 PM

We all have the power to make others feel on a daily basis...the easiest starts with just a smile andd a gentle hello to everyone we meet during a day. It makes me so sad to think of how many people go through their days without a hello, how are you. My day to really spread the love is when I go shopping, I talk to strangers and if I don't talk to them I am smiling and we've had eye contact & they know someone has smiled at them. Everyone so needs to be cared about from someone else. What does it cost me? Nothing except my time & I reap so much more than I sow.
Thanks for that Miss Thrifty.

**kaykwilts** · 01-28-2007, 08:50 PM

Thanks for sharing this beautiful story.

**wwe11** · 01-29-2007, 03:29 PM

Thanks for sharing.

**miss_thrifty** · 01-29-2007, 04:55 PM

yeah I was thinking of that story today with all the seniors cashing theor checks and some its their only day out once a month. Lots of smiles, friendly little conversations i had with some, gave up my chair at coffee shop of corse, and talked to the ones who looked like they needed just some little bit of attention. Like what they have to say is important. I find slot people dont recognize that in seniors , and the lonliness they go through.