Wednesday, February 28, 2018

Inspirational quotes and story...Coffee On The Wall...

I sat with my friend in a well-known coffee shop in a neighboring town of Venice, Italy, the city of lights and water.
As we enjoyed our coffee, a man entered and sat at an empty table beside us. He called the waiter and placed his order saying, “Two cups of coffee, one of them there on the wall.”
We heard this order with rather interest and observed that he was served with one cup of coffee but he paid for two.
When he left, the waiter put a piece of paper on the wall saying “A Cup of Coffee”.
While we were still there, two other men entered and ordered three cups of coffee, two on the table and one on the wall. They had two cups of coffee but paid for three and left. This time also, the waiter did the same; he put a piece of paper on the wall saying, “A Cup of Coffee”.
It was something unique and perplexing for us. We finished our coffee, paid the bill and left.
After a few days, we had a chance to go to this coffee shop again. While we were enjoying our coffee, a man poorly dressed entered. As he seated himself, he looked at the wall and said, “One cup of coffee from the wall.”
The waiter served coffee to this man with the customary respect and dignity. The man had his coffee and left without paying.
We were amazed to watch all this, as the waiter took off a piece of paper from the wall and threw it in the trash bin.
Now it was no surprise for us – the matter was very clear. The great respect for the needy shown by the inhabitants of this town made our eyes well up in tears.
Ponder upon the need of what this man wanted. He enters the coffee shop without having to lower his self-esteem… he has no need to ask for a free cup of coffee… without asking or knowing about the one who is giving this cup of coffee to him… he only looked at the wall, placed an order for himself, enjoyed his coffee and left.
A truly beautiful thought. Probably the most beautiful wall you may ever see anywhere!

Inspirational quotes and story...

In old times, fable retells the story of the young athletic boy hungry for success, for whom winning was everything and success was measured by such a result.
One day, the boy was preparing himself for a running competition in his small native village, himself and two other young boys to compete. A large crowd had congregated to witness the sporting spectacle and a wise old man, upon hearing of the little boy, had travelled far to bear witness also.
The race commenced, looking like a level heat at the finishing line, but sure enough the boy dug deep and called on his determination, strength and power… he took the winning line and was first. The crowd was ecstatic and cheered and waved at the boy. The wise man remained still and calm, expressing no sentiment. The little boy, however, felt proud and important.
A second race was called, and two new young, fit, challengers came forward, to run with the little boy. The race was started and sure enough the little boy came through and finished first once again. The crowd was ecstatic again and cheered and waved at the boy. The wise man remained still and calm, again expressing no sentiment. The little boy, however, felt proud and important.
“Another race, another race!” – pleaded the little boy.
The wise old man stepped forward and presented the little boy with two new challengers, an elderly frail lady and a blind man. “What is this?” – quizzed the little boy. “This is no race.” – he exclaimed.
“Race!” – said the wise man. The race was started and the boy was the only finisher, the other two challengers left standing at the starting line. The little boy was ecstatic, he raised his arms in delight. The crowd, however, was silent showing no sentiment toward the little boy.
“What has happened? Why don’t the people join in my success?” – he asked the wise old man.
“Race again”, replied the wise man, “this time, finish together, all three of you, finish together.” – continued the wise man.
The little boy thought a little, stood in the middle of the blind man and the frail old lady, and then took the two challengers by the hand. The race began and the little boy walked slowly, ever so slowly, to the finishing line and crossed it. The crowd were ecstatic and cheered and waved at the boy. The wise man smiled, gently nodding his head. The little boy felt proud and important.
“Old man, I don’t understand! Who are the crowd cheering for? Which one of us three?” – asked the little boy.
The wise old man looked into the little boy’s eyes, placing his hands on the boy’s shoulders, and replied softly, “Little boy, for this race you have won much more than in any race you have ever ran before, and for this race the crowd cheer not for any winner!”

Motivational quotes and story...A glass of Milk, paid in full...

One day, a poor boy who was selling goods from door to door to pay his way through school, found he had only one thin dime left, and he was hungry. He decided he would ask for a meal at the next house. However, he lost his nerve when a lovely young woman opened the door.
Instead of a meal he asked for a drink of water. She thought he looked hungry so brought him a large glass of milk.
He drank it slowly, and then asked, “How much do I owe you?”
“You don’t owe me anything,” she replied. “Mother has taught us never to accept pay for a kindness.”
He said, “Then I thank you from my heart.”
As Howard Kelly left that house, he not only felt stronger physically, but his faith in God and man was strong also. He had been ready to give up and quit.
Year’s later that young woman became critically ill. The local doctors were baffled. They finally sent her to the big city, where they called in specialists to study her rare disease.
Dr. Howard Kelly was called in for the consultation. When he heard the name of the town she came from, a strange light filled his eyes. Immediately he rose and went down the hall of the hospital to her room.
Dressed in his doctor’s gown he went in to see her. He recognized her at once. He went back to the consultation room determined to do his best to save her life. From that day he gave special attention to the case.
After a long struggle, the battle was won. Dr. Kelly requested the business office to pass the final bill to him for approval. He looked at it, then wrote something on the edge and the bill was sent to her room.
She feared to open it, for she was sure it would take the rest of her life to pay for it all. Finally she looked, and something caught her attention on the side of the bill. She began to read the following words:
“Paid in full with one glass of milk.
Signed, Dr. Howard Kelly.”

Motivational quotes and story...The Blind Girl...

There was a blind girl who hated herself just because she was blind. She hated everyone, except her loving boyfriend. He was always there for her. She said that if she could only see the world, she would marry her boyfriend.
One day, someone donated a pair of eyes to her and then she could see everything, including her boyfriend. Her boyfriend asked her, “Now that you can see the world, will you marry me?”
The girl was shocked when she saw that her boyfriend was blind too, and refused to marry him. Her boyfriend walked away in tears, and later wrote a letter to her saying:
“Just take care of my eyes dear.”

This is how human brain changes when the status changed. Only few remember what life was before, and who’s always been there even in the most painful situations.
Life Is A Gift
Today before you think of saying an unkind word–

think of someone who can’t speak.

Before you complain about the taste of your food–

think of someone who has nothing to eat.

Before you complain about your husband or wife–

think of someone who is crying out to God for a companion.

Today before you complain about life–

think of someone who went too early to heaven.

Before you complain about your children–

think of someone who desires children but they’re barren.

Before you argue about your dirty house, someone didn’t clean or sweep–

think of the people who are living in the streets.

Before whining about the distance you drive–

think of someone who walks the same distance with their feet.

And when you are tired and complain about your job–

think of the unemployed, the disabled and those who wished they had your job.

But before you think of pointing the finger or condemning another–

remember that not one of us are without sin and we all answer to one maker.

And when depressing thoughts seem to get you down–

put a smile on your face and thank God you’re alive and still around.

Life is a gift – Live it, Enjoy it, Celebrate it, and Fulfill it.

Love quotes collection by famous people...

“In vain have I struggled. It will not do. My feelings will not be repressed. You must allow me to tell you how ardently I admire and love you.” 

― Jane Austen


“Perhaps all the dragons in our lives are princesses who are only waiting to see us act, just once, with beauty and courage. Perhaps everything that frightens us is, in its deepest essence, something helpless that wants our love.” 

― Rainer Maria Rilke


“You are, and always have been, my dream.” 

― Nicholas Sparks


“You are my best friend as well as my lover, and I do not know which side of you I enjoy the most. I treasure each side, just as I have treasured our life together.” 

― Nicholas Sparks


“The only thing worse than a boy who hates you: a boy that loves you.” 

― Markus Zusak

Love Quotes collection by famous people...

“One is loved because one is loved. No reason is needed for loving.” 
― Paulo Coelho
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” 
― Anonymous
“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” 
― Paulo Coelho

“We love the things we love for what they are.” 

― Robert Frost


“I would die for you. But I won't live for you.” 

― Stephen Chbosky

Attitude quotes collection by famous people...

“When you stop living your life based on what others think of you real life begins. At that moment, you will finally see the door of self acceptance opened.” 

― Shannon L. Alder


“We are perishing for want of wonder, not for want of wonders.” 

― G.K. Chesterton


“No matter how many people believe or don’t believe in you, you must be

the ultimate believer in yourself!” 
― Pablo

“Have you noticed how nobody ever looks up? Nobody looks at chimneys, or trees against the sky, or the tops of buildings. Everybody just looks down at the pavement or their shoes. The whole world could pass them by and most people wouldn't notice.” 
― Julie Andrews Edwards

“The only thing that stands between a person and what they want in life is the will to try it and the faith to believe it is possible.” 

― Rich DeVos

Attitude quotes collection in hindi...

“It is our failure to become our perceived ideal that ultimately defines us and makes us unique. It's not easy, but if you accept your misfortune and handle it right your perceived failure can become a catalyst for profound re-invention.” 

― Conan O'Brien


“With hair, heels, and attitude, honey, I am through the roof.” 

― RuPaul


“When a man is prey to his emotions, he is not his own master.” 

― Baruch Spinoza


“If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have the time to do it over?” 

― John Wooden


“Don’t let mental blocks control you. Set yourself free. Confront your fear and turn the mental blocks into building blocks.” 

― Roopleen

2 Lines quotes collection in hindi...

बात वफ़ाओ की होती तो कभी न हारते,
बात नसीब की थी कुछ ना कर सके।


नींद सोती रहती है हमारे बिस्तर पे,
और हम टहलते रहते हैं तेरी यादों में।


बहोत-सा इश्क है मुझे तुमसे,
बस तुम ज़रा-सा कर लो मुझसे।


बेजान तो हम अब भी नही पर..
जो हमें, जान कहते थे वो कहीं खो गये।


तुझ से जो इश्क़ है वो बेहद है क्यूँकि,
हद और सरहद ज़मीं की होती है दिल की नहीँ।


नहीं मालूम हसरत है या तू मेरी मोहब्बत है,
बस इतना जानता हूं कि मुझको तेरी जरूरत है।


लफ़्ज़ों के इत्तेफाक़ में यूँ बदलाव करके देख,
तू देख कर न मुस्कुरा बस मुस्कुरा के देख।


तेरी मेरी मोहब्बत का राज उस वक्त खुल गया,
जब दिल तेरी कसम खाने से मुकर गया।


सुनसान सी लग रही है, आज ये शायरों की बस्ती,
क्या किसी के दिल मे, अब दर्द नहीं रहा।


जरूरी नहीं है ईश्क में बॉहों के सहारे ही मिले,
किसी को जी भर के महसुस करना भी मोहब्बत है।

2 Lines quotes collection in hindi...

बात वफ़ाओ की होती तो कभी न हारते,
बात नसीब की थी कुछ ना कर सके।


नींद सोती रहती है हमारे बिस्तर पे,
और हम टहलते रहते हैं तेरी यादों में।


बहोत-सा इश्क है मुझे तुमसे,
बस तुम ज़रा-सा कर लो मुझसे।


बेजान तो हम अब भी नही पर..
जो हमें, जान कहते थे वो कहीं खो गये।


तुझ से जो इश्क़ है वो बेहद है क्यूँकि,
हद और सरहद ज़मीं की होती है दिल की नहीँ।


नहीं मालूम हसरत है या तू मेरी मोहब्बत है,
बस इतना जानता हूं कि मुझको तेरी जरूरत है।


लफ़्ज़ों के इत्तेफाक़ में यूँ बदलाव करके देख,
तू देख कर न मुस्कुरा बस मुस्कुरा के देख।


तेरी मेरी मोहब्बत का राज उस वक्त खुल गया,
जब दिल तेरी कसम खाने से मुकर गया।


सुनसान सी लग रही है, आज ये शायरों की बस्ती,
क्या किसी के दिल मे, अब दर्द नहीं रहा।


जरूरी नहीं है ईश्क में बॉहों के सहारे ही मिले,
किसी को जी भर के महसुस करना भी मोहब्बत है।

Tuesday, February 27, 2018

Inspirational story and quotes...Mothers day...

A man stopped at a flower shop to order some flowers to be wired to his mother who lived two hundred miles away.
As he got out of his car he noticed a young girl sitting on the curb sobbing.
He asked her what was wrong and she replied, “I wanted to buy a red rose for my mother and I don’t have enough money.”
The man smiled and said, “Come on in with me. I’ll buy you a rose.”
He bought the little girl her rose and ordered his own mother’s flowers.
As they were leaving he offered the girl a ride home. She said, “Yes, please! You can take me to my mother.”
She directed him to a cemetery, where she placed the rose on a freshly dug grave.
The man returned to the flower shop, canceled the wire order, picked up a bouquet and drove the two hundred miles to his mother’s house.

Motivational story and quotes...Hospital...

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 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 th! e 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 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.”

Inspirational story and quotes...Black or white...

When I was in elementary school, I got into a major argument with a boy in my class. I have forgotten what the argument was about, but I have never forgotten the lesson I learned that day.
I was convinced that “I” was right and “he” was wrong – and he was just as convinced that “I” was wrong and “he” was right. The teacher decided to teach us a very important lesson.
She brought us up to the front of the class and placed him on one side of her desk and me on the other. In the middle of her desk was a large, round object. I could clearly see that it was black. She asked the boy what color the object was. “White,” he answered.
I couldn’t believe he said the object was white, when it was obviously black! Another argument started between my classmate and me, this time about the color of the object.
The teacher told me to go stand where the boy was standing and told him to come stand where I had been. We changed places, and now she asked me what the color of the object was. I had to answer, “White.”
It was an object with two differently colored sides, and from his viewpoint it was white. Only from my side it was black.
Sometimes we need to look at the problem from the other person’s view in order to truly understand his/her perspective.

Motivational and life story and quotes...The little boy...

Sally jumped up as soon as she saw the surgeon come out of the operating room. She said: “How is my little boy? Is he going to be all right? When can I see him?”
The surgeon said, “I’m sorry. We did all we could, but your boy didn’t make it.”
Sally said, “Why do little children get cancer? Doesn’t God care any more? Where were you, God, when my son needed you?”
The surgeon asked, “Would you like some time alone with your son? One of the nurses will be out in a few minutes, before he’s transported to the university.”
Sally asked the nurse to stay with her while she said good-bye to son. She ran her fingers lovingly through his thick red curly hair.
“Would you like a lock of his hair?” the nurse asked.
Sally nodded yes. The nurse cut a lock of the boy’s hair, put it in a plastic bag and handed it to Sally. The mother said, “It was Jimmy’s idea to donate his body to the university for study. He said it might help somebody else. “I said no at first, but Jimmy said, ‘Mom, I won’t be using it after I die. Maybe it will help some other little boy spend one more day with his Mom.” She went on, “My Jimmy had a heart of gold. Always thinking of someone else. Always wanting to help others if he could.”
Sally walked out of Children’s mercy Hospital for the last time, after spending most of the last six months there. She put the bag with Jimmy’s belongings on the seat beside her in the car. The drive home was difficult. It was even harder to enter the empty house. She carried Jimmy’s belongings, and the plastic bag with the lock of his hair to her son’s room. She started placing the model cars and other personal things back in his room exactly where he had always kept them. She laid down across his bed and, hugging his pillow, cried herself to sleep.
It was around midnight when Sally awoke. Laying beside her on the bed was a folded letter. The letter said:
“Dear Mom,
I know you’re going to miss me; but don’t think that I will ever forget you, or stop loving you, just ’cause I’m not around to say I LOVE YOU. I will always love you, Mom, even more with each day. Someday we will see each other again. Until then, if you want to adopt a little boy so you won’t be so lonely, that’s okay with me. He can have my room and old stuff to play with. But, if you decide to get a girl instead, she probably wouldn’t like the same things us boys do. You’ll have to buy her dolls and stuff girls like, you know. Don’t be sad thinking about me. This really is a neat place. Grandma and Grandpa met me as soon as I got here and showed me around some, but it will take a long time to see everything. The angels are so cool. I love to watch them fly. And, you know what? Jesus doesn’t look like any of his pictures. Yet, when I saw Him, I knew it was Him. Jesus himself took me to see GOD! And guess what, Mom? I got to sit on God’s knee and talk to Him, like I was somebody important. That’s when I told Him that I wanted to write you a letter, to tell you good-bye and everything. But I already knew that wasn’t allowed. Well, you know what Mom? God handed me some paper and His own personal pen to write you this letter. I think Gabriel is the name of the angel who is going to drop this letter off to you. God said for me to give you the answer to one of the questions you asked Him ‘Where was He when I needed him?’ “God said He was in the same place with me, as when His son Jesus was on the cross. He was right there, as He always is with all His children.
Oh, by the way, Mom, no one else can see what I’ve written except you. To everyone else this is just a blank piece of paper. Isn’t that cool? I have to give God His pen back now. He needs it to write some more names in the Book of Life. Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I’m, sure the food will be great.
Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don’t hurt anymore. The cancer is all gone. I’m glad because I couldn’t stand that pain anymore and God couldn’t stand to see me hurt so much, either. That’s when He sent The Angel of Mercy to come get me. The Angel said I was a Special Delivery! How about that?
Signed with Love from: God, Jesus & Me.”

Attitude quotes collectionby famous people...


“The true definition of mental illness is when the majority of your time is spent in the past or future, but rarely living in the realism of NOW.” 
― Shannon L. Alder

“Fuck it... That's really the attitude that keeps a family together, it's not "we love each other", it's just "fuck it, man.” 
― Louis C.K.
“You are a human with one life and its up to you to make it the best life you can.” 
― Dan Howell
“Don't pretend to be what you're not, instead, pretend to what you want to be, it is not pretence, it is a journey to self realization.” 
― Michael Bassey Johnson
“Tough times don't last, tough people do, remember?” 
― Gregory Peck

Attitude Quotes collection by famous people...

“I am still determined to be cheerful and happy, in whatever situation I may be; for I have also learned from experience that the greater part of our happiness or misery depends upon our dispositions, and not upon our circumstances. a” 
― Martha Washington

“A young outcast will often feel that there is something wrong with himself, but as he gets older, grows more confident in who he is, he will adapt, he will begin to feel that there is something wrong with everyone else.” 
― Criss Jami

“Is my paranoia getting completely out of hand, or are you mongoloids really talking about me?” 
― John Kennedy Toole

“A stumble may prevent a fall.” 
― Thomas Fuller

“Anyone who teaches me deserves my respect, honoring and attention.” 
― Sonia Rumzi

Love quotes by famous people...


“The one you love and the one who loves you are never, ever the same person.” 
― Chuck Palahniuk


“Some people don't understand the promises they're making when they make them," I said.
"Right, of course. But you keep the promise anyway. That's what love is. Love is keeping the promise anyway.” 
― John Green


“I no longer believed in the idea of soul mates, or love at first sight. But I was beginning to believe that a very few times in your life, if you were lucky, you might meet someone who was exactly right for you. Not because he was perfect, or because you were, but because your combined flaws were arranged in a way that allowed two separate beings to hinge together.” 
― Lisa Kleypas


“Love is needing someone. Love is putting up with someone's bad qualities because they somehow complete you.” 
― Sarah Dessen


“When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love have always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it--always.” 
― Mahatma Gandhi

Love Quotes and story by Bob Marley...


“He’s not perfect. You aren’t either, and the two of you will never be perfect. But if he can make you laugh at least once, causes you to think twice, and if he admits to being human and making mistakes, hold onto him and give him the most you can. He isn’t going to quote poetry, he’s not thinking about you every moment, but he will give you a part of him that he knows you could break. Don’t hurt him, don’t change him, and don’t expect for more than he can give. Don’t analyze. Smile when he makes you happy, yell when he makes you mad, and miss him when he’s not there. Love hard when there is love to be had. Because perfect guys don’t exist, but there’s always one guy that is perfect for you.” 
― Bob Marley

2 Line Quotes collection in hindi...

रोज़ मिट्टी में कहां जान पड़ा करती है,
इश्क सदियों में कोई ताजमहल देता है।


चिराग कैसे अपनी मजबूरियाँ बयाँ करे,
हवा जरूरी भी और डर भी उसी से है।


बिछड़ कर फिर मिलेंगे यकीन कितना है,
बेशक खवाब ही है मगर हसीन कितना है।


तुम्हें चलना ही कितना है सनम बस मेरी..
धड़कनों से गुजरकर इस दिल में ही उतरना है।


क्या बताऊँ उनकी बातें कितनी मीठी हैं,
सामने बैठ के फीकी चाय पीते रहते हैं।


नशा इन निगाहों का अब जीने ना देगा,
लग गया जो एक बार तो कुछ और पीने ना देगा।


जिन्दगी में हर साँसे मीठी लगने लगती है,
जब तुम कहते हो, हम आपके दिल में रहते हैं।


खेलना अच्छा नहीं किसी के नाज़ुक दिल से,
दर्द जान जाओगे जब कोई खेलेगा तुम्हारे दिल से।


भीगे कागज की तरह कर दिया तूने जिंदगी को,
न लिखने के काबिल छोड़ा न जलने के।


नज़रों से ना देखो हमें तुम में हम छुप जायेंगे,
अपने दिल पर हाथ रखो तुम हम वही तुम्हें मिल जायेंगे।

2 Line Quotes collection in hindi...

ये आशिको का ग्रुप है जनाब..
यहाँ दिन सुरज से नही दीदार से हुआ करते है।

न कोई वादा न कोई यक़ीं न कोई उम्मीद,
मगर हमें तो तेरा इंतज़ार करना था।


उम्र कैद की तरह होते हे कुछ रिश्ते,
जहा जमानत देकर भी रिहाई मुमकिन नही।


कमाल का जिगर रखते है कुछ लोग,
दर्द पढ़ते है और आह तक नहीं करते।


कभी कुछ रिश्ते इस कदर घायल कर देंते है,
की अपने ही घर लौट पाना मुश्किल हो जाता है।


उम्मीद ना करो इस दुनिया से किसी से हमदर्दी,
की बड़े प्यार से जख्म देते हैँ, शिद्दत से चाहने वाले।


ख्वाब हमारे टूटे तो हालात कुछ ऐसी थी,
आँखे पल पल रोती थीं, किस्मत हँसती रहती थी।


मेरी तमन्नाओं की दुनिया पर उदासी छा गयी,
भूली थी कभी जो दास्ताँ आज फिर याद आ गयी।


उनसे बिछड़े तो मालूम हुआ मौत क्या चीज है,
ज़िन्दगी वो थी जो हम उनकी महफ़िल में गुजार आए।


इश्क करने चला है तो कुछ अदब भी सीख लेना,
ए दोस्त इसमें हँसते साथ है पर रोना अकेले ही पड़ता है।

Monday, February 26, 2018

Inspirational story and quote...It's never too late...

It was an unusually busy day for the hospital staff on the sixth floor. Ten new patients were admitted and Nurse Susan spent the morning and afternoon checking them in.
Her friend Sharron, an aide, prepared ten rooms for the patients and made sure they were comfortable. After they were finished she grabbed Sharron and said, “We deserve a break. Let’s go eat.”
Sitting across from each other in the noisy cafeteria, Susan noticed Sharron absently wiping the moisture off the outside of her glass with her thumbs. Her face reflected a weariness that came from more than just a busy day.
“You’re pretty quiet. Are you tired, or is something wrong?” – Susan asked.
Sharron hesitated. However, seeing the sincere concern in her friend’s face, she confessed, “I can’t do this the rest of my life, Susan. I have to find a higher-paying job to provide for my family. We barely get by. If it weren’t for my parents keeping my kids, well, we wouldn’t make it.”
Susan noticed the bruises on Sharron’s wrists peeking out from under her jacket.
“What about your husband?”
“We can’t count on him. He can’t seem to hold a job. He’s got . . . problems.”
“Sharron, you’re so good with patients, and you love working here. Why don’t you go to school and become a nurse? There’s financial help available, and I’m sure your parents would agree to keep the kids while you are in class.”
“It’s too late for me, Susan; I’m too old for school. I’ve always wanted to be a nurse, that’s why I took this job as an aide; at least I get to care for patients.”
“How old are you?” – Susan asked.
“Let’s just say I’m thirty-something.”
Susan pointed at the bruises on Sharron’s wrists. “I’m familiar with ‘problems’ like these. Honey, it’s never too late to become what you’ve dreamed of. Let me tell you how I know.”
Susan began sharing a part of her life few knew about. It was something she normally didn’t talk about, only when it helped someone else.
“I first married when I was thirteen years old and in the eighth grade.”
Sharron gasped.
“My husband was twenty-two. I had no idea he was violently abusive. We were married six years and I had three sons. One night my husband beat me so savagely he knocked out all my front teeth. I grabbed the boys and left.
“At the divorce settlement, the judge gave our sons to my husband because I was only nineteen and he felt I couldn’t provide for them. The shock of him taking my babies left me gasping for air. To make things worse, my ex took the boys and moved, cutting all contact I had with them.
“Just like the judge predicted, I struggled to make ends meet. I found work as a waitress, working for tips only. Many days my meals consisted of milk and crackers. The most difficult thing was the emptiness in my soul. I lived in a tiny one-room apartment and the loneliness would overwhelm me. I longed to play with my babies and hear them laugh.”
She paused. Even after four decades, the memory was still painful. Sharron’s eyes filled with tears as she reached out to comfort Susan. Now it didn’t matter if the bruises showed.
Susan continued, “I soon discovered that waitresses with grim faces didn’t get tips, so I hid behind a smiling mask and pressed on. I remarried and had a daughter. She became my reason for living, until she went to college.
“Then I was back where I started, not knowing what to do with myself – until the day my mother had surgery. I watched the nurses care for her and thought: I can do that. The problem was, I only had an eighth-grade education. Going back to high school seemed like a huge mountain to conquer. I decided to take small steps toward my goal. The first step was to get my GED. My daughter used to laugh at how our roles reversed. Now I was burning the midnight oil and asking her questions.”
Susan paused and looked directly in Sharron’s eyes. “I received my diploma when I was forty-six years old.”
Tears streamed down Sharron’s cheeks. Here was someone offering the key that might unlock the door in her dark life.
“The next step was to enroll in nursing school. For two long years I studied, cried and tried to quit. But my family wouldn’t let me. I remember calling my daughter and yelling, ‘Do you realize how many bones are in the human body, and I have to know them all! I can’t do this, I’m forty-six years old!’ But I did. Sharron, I can’t tell you how wonderful it felt when I received my cap and pin.”
Sharron’s lunch was cold, and the ice had melted in her tea by the time Susan finished talking. Reaching across the table and taking Sharron’s hands, Susan said, “You don’t have to put up with abuse. Don’t be a victim – take charge. You will be an excellent nurse. We will climb this mountain together.”
Sharron wiped her mascara-stained face with her napkin. “I had no idea you suffered so much pain. You seem like someone who has always had it together.”
“I guess I’ve developed an appreciation for the hardships of my life,” Susan answered. “If I use them to help others, then I really haven’t lost a thing. Sharron, promise me that you will go to school and become a nurse. Then help others by sharing your experiences.”
Sharron promised. In a few years she became a registered nurse and worked alongside her friend until Susan retired. Sharron never forgot her colleague or the rest of her promise.
Now Sharron sits across the table taking the hands of those who are bruised in body and soul, telling them, “It’s never too late. We will climb this mountain together.”