Rothesay Writings August 2003
We were all disappointed to learn of Bill Bailey’s
recent illness. Bill had a heart attack
the other week and spent about a week in the Wesley Hospital. He is now at home with his daughter. The Lodge wishes Bill all the best for his
recovery.
Nice to hear from Danny Fazldeen. He has had operations on his ankle and
feet. His has passed on his best
wishes to all the Brethren
Our next meeting should be interesting as we will
be hearing from Brethren who joined the Lodge in other states.
You will be all pleased to hear that Bert Crawshaw
got his announcement the next meeting correct at the last meeting.
Don’t forget the Christmas breakfast this year at
Noel and Jess Sharp’s place to be held on Saturday morning 6 December. Raffle tickets will be sent out to all
members next month.
Friends
Two men 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 fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the only window in the
room. The other man had to spend 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 room mate 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 colour 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 the flowers of every colour, and a
fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance, as the man by the
window described 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 bye, although the other man
couldn't hear the band, he could see it in his minds 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 for 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 a
look at the real world outside, he strained to slowly turn to look out of 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"
Foot Note:
There is tremendous happiness in making others
happy, despite our own situations.
A shared grief is half the sorrow, But happiness
when shared is doubled.
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