Once two men were admitted to the same hospital. One of them was allowed to sit up in his bed to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was along with the room’s window. There was only one window in the room. The second man was not allowed to sit up on his bed because of his ailment, and spent his whole time flat on his back. The two used to talk and discuss about their family, children, their military service, and a lot more.
Every day when the first man sits upon his bed, he spent his time describing to the second about the window’s view. He looks outside the window and explains to him how children are playing outside the window. So the man in the other bed to live for those one-hour periods; where he would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.
View from Window:
The man described that there is a beautiful park outside the window. He told the second how swans and ducks are playing on the water and how children’s sailed their model boats.
He describes the beauty of old trees that graced the landscape. He told the second that the city skyline are visible at a distance from the window. As they described all the views to the second in deep detail, the second man used to close his eyes; imaging the whole view by closing his eye. By closing his eyes, he enjoyed the whole view.
One afternoon he describes a parade passing by. He said that the young man is leading the parade and how others are playing bands. He elaborates on their dresses and also told us how children are enjoying the parade. Although the second man could not hear the band’s voice, he could see it with his mind’s eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with deep words.
Death of Man:
Days and weeks passed; one afternoon, the day nurse arrives by taking water for their bath. She called the man by the window but found him dead. She called the doctors they declared him dead they all were very sad. Finally, he died peacefully in his sleep. They took his body and sent his body to his home.
After some time, when it seems appropriate, the second man asked the nurse to switch his bed by the window. The nurse was happy to switch the bed. Then, after making sure that he is comfortable, she left him alone.
Painfully and slowly, he propped himself up on his elbow to take his first look at the world’s outside view. Then, finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.
When he looked outside the window, it faces a blank wall. The man called the nurse and asked him what could have compelled his deceased roommate, who described such amazing things outside this window. The nurse told him that the man was blind and could not even see the blank wall outside the window. She told him, “Perhaps the man just wanted to encourage you.”
There is incredible happiness in making others happy, despite our situations. Sharing the grief is half the sorrow, but happiness, when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich and happy, just count all of the things you have that money can’t buy. Real Treasures, blessings of Allah upon us, the gift of sound, sight, and smell. The gift of friends and family. The gift of life, wisdom, and knowledge, and most importantly, the gift of religion Islam!
Life laughs at you when you are unhappy. Life smiles at you when you are happy. But life salutes you when you make other people happy.