17 September 2008

the view!

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 irony of this post, is that I’m not in a happy place right now. My first cousin (in Jamaica) got washed away in hurricane Gustav and has been declared dead, though his body hasn’t been found yet. A very close family friend died and was cremated on my birthday. Another first cousin’s husband was killed in a car accident. My granny had a mini stroke and was hospitalized. My male BFF’s father just passed away after a long illness. And my dude gave me a ration of drama over semantics. So, needless to say, the sparkle in the jewel is a little dim right now. In fact, to sum up my emotions, I’m feeling rather pissed off, tearful, lost, hurt, offended, and even a little angry, but I do know that it’s a passing phase. I will not allow myself to wallow or have a pity party. I know this all shall pass and life continues in spite of. I also know life is too short to watch it pass me by. I have life and I plan to live it and live it well. I know the Lord didn’t bring me this far to leave me, so like the blind man who saw the beauty in the world, I, too, shall seek and find all the joy, beauty, and happiness that exists around me and appreciate it all.

Excerpt from It's Gonna Rain by Kelly Price...
Count it on joy (Oh...yeah)
Mornin' will come (After the rain)
The sun will shine (So keep your head up)
Keep your head high ('cause God will take care of you)

It will rain (Oh, yes, He will)
There'll be pain (Some times there will be pain)
Trouble will come (Oh...whoa...ho...)
Understand (Count it on joy)


And today, I shall count it all joy!

Love!

14 comments:

Don said...

Talk about emotions running wild...

Blu, I read this post and was very inspired by the story told, then I get to the point where I see that you are undergoing spiritual and unfriendly turmoil.

I don't know what to say, losing a relative and not (at this point) being given closure upon death is a hard pill to swallow. So, I will say keep your head and your mind clear and continue to believe in that which is close to your heart and soul.

The sparkle doesn't really dim, not if you look closer.


*hug*

iriegal said...

Jewel, you will always be a jewel in God's eyes. I was very fortunate that my relatives in Jamaica were on higher ground. I can't imagine what you and your family are going through.

I wish I was there to give you a great big hug...

ONELOVE...IRIEGAL

Mr.Slish said...

I'm sorry to hear about your family...You'll get through this

Keith said...

This was beautiful BJ...You found a
poignant joy in between your tears.
You are right..Sadness, like Happiness is just a passing phase..neither one lasts forever.

ruthibel said...

Hey, hang in there and just be strong... trials works patience, which works character, which works hope, which does not disappoint

Hang in there, blu... a jewel never loses its sparkle...

achoiceofweapons said...

Much love and peace in your time of sorrow.
Jaycee from Long Beach

Mizrepresent said...

I really loved this! You are right there is so much joy in spreading joy. Thanks for sharing this with us!

LadyLee said...

I've always felt that when a rash of bad things happen, its purpose is to turn our face from God. I see that you haven't, and that is good. So sorry for the losses. You will get through this.

Chari said...

Love that story! :)

And yes girl, this too shall pass! (hug!)

BZ said...

AMEN Girl! Big hugs. I'm sending positive thoughts and vibes your way. I keep you in my prayers, as well as your family.

Keep your head up and choose joy!

Anonymous said...

HAY BLLLLUUUUUUUUUUU!!!

Believer said...

God is abundant in His love and grace for seasons like this—when the world seems colorless and makes no sense. Yet, our faith girds us up as we hold onto to the joy and blessings we cannot deny are evident in our lives.

I pray that your strength is increased minute by minute, hour by hour, and day by day. I thank Him for His rightful place in your heart and for the supernatural strength to stand when that’s all you can do.

Let God hold you at this moment. Cast your cares upon Him for He cares for you.

Blu Jewel said...

@ALL - thank you all for your kind words, your support, and your encouragement. it means so much to me to be surrounded by such wonderful people and even though i've never met any of you; you all still hold a special place in my heart. distance can never replace what one feels inside.

each of you has and continues to inspire and bless me in your own special way. thanks again.

Love!

Hawa Bond said...

Blu! I had no idea about your cousin. So much news to catch here. We must get away for lunch.

Your ability to purge through writing, prayer, and "counting it all joy" should inspire those who get lost in their sea of grief. As always... you inspire.

Love you much.
Hawa

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