>From: "Helen Dynda" <olddad66@runestone.net> >Reply-To: adhesions@obgyn.net >To: Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS <adhesions@forum.obgyn.net> >Subject: An example of Imagery...... >Date: Mon, 12 Jun 2000 12:44:49 -0500 > >[] Something to appreciate > >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." > >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 of 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. Forward this letter to five of your friends to whom you >wish good luck. You will see that something good happens to you. >