Hospital windows

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.And 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 of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, 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 world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for himself. 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."

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 of the things you have that money can't buy.
author unknown

I corinthians for Mothers

If I keep my house immaculately clean,
and am envied by all for my interior decorating,
but do not show love in my family -- I am just another housewife.

If I'm always producing lovely things - sewing, art;
if I always look attractive, and speak intelligently,
but am not loving to my family -- I am nothing.

If I'm busy in community affairs, teach Sunday School,
and drive in the carpool,
but fail to give adequate love to my family -- I gain nothing.

Love changes diapers, cleans up messes, and ties shoes -
over and over again. Love is kind, though tired and frazzled.

Love doesn't envy another woman -- one whose children are "spaced" better,
or in school so she has time to pursue her own interests.

Love doesn't try to impress others with my abilities or knowledge as as a mother.
Love doesn't scream at the kids. Love doesn't feel cheated because I didn't get
to do what I wanted to do today -- sew, read, soak in a hot tub.

Love doesn't lose my temper easily. Love doesn't assume that my children are
being naughty just because their noise level is irritating.

Love doesn't rejoice when other people's children misbehave and make mine look
good. Love is genuinely happy when others are honored by their children