The Window ( A Short Story From Afghanistan)
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 long hours. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, and where they had been on vacation.
His companion looked forward to those one-hour periods where his world would be 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 and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the wonderful scene.
Days and weeks passed.
One morning, the man by the window died peacefully in his sleep. The other man asked if he could be moved next to the other bed by 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 to take his first look at the real world outside. He slowly turned to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his roommate who just died to describe 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. You may be facing a wall now – something that’s keeping you from being happy. But God invites you to find a window there.
And that window is faith in God’s wonderful purpose in any and in every situation we may be in.
So isn't it better to leave the window of our imagination always open?
An old and wonderful story, always nice in the retelling. Now, who is that man in the photo with his arms around you? Does your husband know?
ReplyDeleteJerry, i am so glad you too have heard of this story, and as you say sometimes, when we get to hear it again, it works like a wake up call to us to imagine beyond the seemingly blank wall.
ReplyDeleteYour comment about that man is really making me laugh whenever i think of it. You have a good sense of humor just like the man in the picture.
What a thought provoking story Rama, thanks for sharing, I just loved it! Loved your header pic too! Very cute :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks padmaja.
Deletewhat a touching story..loved it! and the b'ful picture too :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Ankita.
DeleteThe message that happiness shared is doubled merits constant practice.The marvellous pictures made the known story look anew and fresh.Thanks
ReplyDeleteThank you KP. One can never get tired of reading such inspiring stories, they keep guiding us in the right direction.
ReplyDeleteRama this really inspiring story. It feels good every time I hear it. It is all about God's gift to a person to help and encourage others.
ReplyDeleteThanks Usha for dropping by.
ReplyDeleteThe pictures made the story more beautiful. Thanks Rama!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandhya. I also thought that adding pictures would make the story more interesting.
DeleteI liked the pathos in the story.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of O'Henry story , "The trembling Leaf".
Thanks Anil. What you have said is so true.
DeleteI have read the story, but its always a pleasure to read such inspiring one..
ReplyDeleteThanks Renu. Yes, we always hear/ come across such stories when we need them most in our lives.
DeleteYEs, we must leave the windows of imagination always open.
ReplyDeleteThis story was part of our lifeskill course for children and have narrated this story to class 5 children while i was a llifeskill facilitator. A beautiful story which my students listened with rapt attention. Thank you Rama for moodlifting posts:)
I am so glad it brought back memories of how you used the story. Thanks Asha.
DeleteBeautiful story! And I loooved the place, so beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI also liked a lot your photo. India is really perfect. I would like to visit someday...
Hugs!
Welcome to my blogs, Camila. I am so glad you liked the story. Yes India is a beautiful country, though it is not perfect. I hope you visit it someday.
DeleteSome stories never fail to inspire, thanks for reminding us that life is what we make of it:) I just loved the way you have blended in beautiful pics into it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Reshma. Although some of these stories are known moost of us, yet when we come across it again, it does gives us the boost to change our view of life
DeleteVery inspiring and very touching. Thanks for this story.
ReplyDeleteThanks SG. Yes it is a touching and inspiring story.
DeleteI know, I think I am really fascinated by such stories which keep reminding us to be grateful for all the things we already have , and not be cribbing all the time. It is true we may not get everything we want in the order we want, however if we can spare a moment for the people who don't even have the basic things in life, and still find ways not only to be happy but also have the heart to make others happy, I think then we have learnt something valuable in life.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ashwini for relating to this story.
That's such a thought provoking and an inspiring story! Thanks for sharing this. Yes, it is seen that when you encourage others and give them hope, you feel hopeful and energetic yourself!
ReplyDeletevery nice blog. More informative. Thanks for sharingDot Net Training in Jayanagar
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