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April 1999

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From:
"Stephen R. Gregory" <[log in to unmask]>
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Date:
Wed, 14 Apr 1999 20:58:20 EDT
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Hi ya'll,

     I received an email from a freind of mine today that I think is one of 
the most meaningful emails I've read in sometime. I want to apologize because 
it doesn't have anything to do with printed circuits or assembly, but there's 
something very valuable in this email (in my opinion anyway). I consider you 
my freinds, and as my freinds I'd like to share this with you. I hope you 
find this as worthwhile reading as I did...

-Steve Gregory-

Enjoy and reflect…

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.  And 
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 he 
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 of the rainbow. Grand old 
trees graced the landscape, 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 world outside. Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for 
himself. 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 of the things you have that 
money can't buy. The origin of this letter is unknown, but it brings good 
luck to everyone who passes it on.

Do not keep this letter. Just forward it to five of your friends to whom you 
wish good luck. You will see that something good happens to you four days 
from now.

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