The Window

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 a midst 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."

>People will forget what you said...
>People will forget what you did...
>But people will never forget how you made them feel... 

Women

WOMEN have strengths that amaze men. They carry children, they carry 

hardships, they carry burdens, but they hold happiness, love and joy. 

They smile when they want to scream. They sing when they want to cry. 

They cry when they are happy and laugh when they are nervous. 

WOMEN wait by the phone for a "safe at home call" from a friend or 

relative after a snowy drive home. 

WOMEN have special qualities about them. They volunteer for good 

causes.

They are pink ladies in hospitals, they bring food to shut ins. 

They are childcare workers, executives, attorneys, stay-at-home moms, 

biker babes and your neighbors. They wear suits, jeans, and they wear 

uniforms. 

They fight for what they believe in. They stand up for injustice. 

They are in the front row at PTA meetings. They vote for the person 

that will do the best job for family issues. 

WOMEN walk and talk the extra mile to get their children in the right 

schools and for getting their family the right health care. 

They write to the editor, their congressmen and to the "powers that be" for things that make for a better life. They don't take "no" for an answer when they believe there is a better solution. 

WOMEN stick a love note in their husband's lunch box. They do without 

new shoes so their children can have them. They go to the doctor with a 

frightened friend. 

They love unconditionally. 

WOMEN are honest, loyal, and forgiving They are smart, knowing that knowledge is power; but they still know how to use their softer side to make a point. 

WOMEN want to be the best for their family, their friends, and themselves. 

They cry when their children excel and cheer when their friends get awards.

They are happy (or cry) when they hear about a birth or a new marriage. 

Their hearts break when a friend dies. They have sorrow at the loss of

a family member, yet they are strong when they think there is no 

strength left. 

A WOMAN'S touch can cure any ailment. They know that a hug and a kiss 

can heal a broken heart. She can make a romantic evening unforgettable. 

WOMEN come in all sizes, in all colors and shapes. They live in homes,

apartments and cabins. They drive, fly, walk, run or e-mail you to 

show how much they care about you. The heart of a woman 

is what makes the world spin! 

WOMEN do more than just give birth. They bring joy and hope. They give

compassion and ideals. They give moral support to their family and 

friends. 

And all they want back is a hug, a smile and for you to do the same to

people you come in contact with. Women have a lot to say and a lot to 

give. 

This was sent to you by someone who respects you as a WOMAN and who 

sees many of your qualities in this letter. Why not pass it on to someone 

you recognize and know? 

That which does not destroy us only makes us stronger!