VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Frank F]

It will take just a few seconds to read this story and change your thinking.

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 pass ing by.

Although 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 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, which is why it is called: "The Present".

My best wishes to all who read this little story...

Toodles

Frank F

_________________
Be thankful for the bad things in life. They opened your eyes to the good things you weren't paying attention to before. email: thevoice@usa.com

[Lizden]

Thanks, Frank.
That was lovely.



Liz
_________________
Liz de Nesnera O.A.V. ~ Livin' The VO Dream!
English/French Bilingual VO w/ ISDN
HireLiz.com / liz@hireliz.com

[bobsouer]

Frank,

I thought that story sounded familiar, so I went looking on YouTube. This is the one I remember...

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=nbBv-eQ7Fgo

What's especially remarkable about the young man singing in this clip (Tony Melendez) is that he was a thalidomide baby born in Nicaragua without any arms. He taught himself to play the guitar with his feet. I got to interview him many years ago. Truly a remarkable man.

(edited to fix typos)
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

[Deirdre]

Thank you Frank!

This wonderful story is a present in itself.
_________________
DBCooperVO.com
IMDB

[louzucaro]

BAH! If you ask me, the old coot by the window was nothing but a rotten, stinkin' LIAR!!












(totally kidding)
_________________
Lou Zucaro
http://www.voicehero.com

"Well, yeah, there's my favorite leaf!"

[ronharpervoice]

Great story, Frank. And with all the events happening in radio right now, very appropriate.
_________________
"When I was your age, we had to dial to get online"
===============
www.ronharper.com
www.ronharper.com/blog
www.videosonyourwebsite.com

[CarynClark]

That was a beautiful story and a perfect way to start the day. I too have read/heard it before, but I love seeing these things again.... they're a great reminder.

And Lou, you crack me up!!! See, a perfect way to start the day in many ways.

Vo-BB for a complete and balanced breakfast...
_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

[bobsouer]

Caryn,

And best of all, no calories!
_________________
Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

[CarynClark]

Amen to that!!!! I say, as I sit here drinking the Coke my husband got me for Valentine's Day (it's my favorite thing besides sweet tea). Last year, he had a Pizza Hut pizza delivered to me for Valentine's Day... another favorite vice.

Ugh... I gotta go to the gym!!!
_________________
Caryn Clark... The Hip Chick Voice!

"A positive mental attitude and having faith in your ability is quite different from being irresponsible and downright stupid." - Dave

[bobbinbeamo]

Thank you Frank. A nice reminder that the present is indeed a gift. I wake up everyday being thankful to be present.
_________________
Bobbin Beam
www.bobbinbeam.com
blog.bobbinbeam.com