The Present

swimLive in the present. In the day and time we are in this is a good day for all it’s meaning.

Have a great Thanksgiving Day!

There is always something to be thankful for. I know some folks are not happy at all.The weather forecast can set them up for the day. But hey you’re alive, right?

Maybe you think your day is bad or nothing goes right for you, take a moment and think about what is going on? What have you accomplished today even the little things, like slowing down in the construction zone, hold the door for another person, thank someone for doing a good job or helping you out. Use your imagination there are things to be thankful for even though it seems you can’t find anything. Have a roof over your head? Have a Job? Friends or family to talk to? Food on the table? Maybe you have a special talent or special ability and ok even a pond that you could share a few hours with some who doesn’t have what you have. Tell you what the feeling is priceless.

On to the story I can’t remember where I found this maybe in an email or a forum post I came across. Very compelling. Please take a minute to read it.

Change Your Thinking:rc boat

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 details, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine this picturesque scene. One warm afternoon, the man by the window described a parade passing by.

goose wings eAlthough the other man could not hear the band – he could see it in his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words. Days, weeks and months 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 his 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 the window. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window besides 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 is why it is called   The Present.’

PS. Have a great Thanksgiving Day, be safe, and thank someone today. Just don’t eat too much at once, save some for later. Ok like they say just pace yourself 😉 shouldn’t every day be thanksgiving day? All rights go to the original author of the letter. Feel free to comment their always welcome.

About the Author: Darrell Rhoades is the founder of Whatpond.com. A one man business, works full time in tool & die. It all started when he built his own pond for the family. Ran into pond issues and started the research with pond suppliers and conferences for pond management. He writes about pond building and pond management and sells pond management supplies, aeration & fountains and Practical hands on experiences at Whatpond.com. . No physical store, but has items in stock.

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