I am because you are, and you are because I am. As simple as this statement may seem, its impact cannot be overemphasized as it symbolizes the importance of support, empathy, and selfishness in building strong relationships and making a positive impact. To care for others is to care for yourself. Tia Walker puts it right when he opined, ‘to care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honors.’ The world revolves around our actions.
A story is told about 2 men who were on the sick bed. One laid on a bed just behind the window and had access to see what was happening outside. The other laid in the middle of the room and relied on his friend for updates regarding what was happening outside. Day in and day out, the story shared was about the nice cars outside, amazing weather conditions, the joy that exuded from the faces of people. This positive updates kept their hopes alive as they wished for a speedy recovery.
As days moved on, the friend was filled with envy and jealousy as he wished to lay besides the window to see the beauty of the world for himself. One night, he saw his friend struggling and needed urgent attention from the medical practitioners. The bell to press and signal for help was positioned in the middle of the room right besides him. Envy and hatred got the best of him and he thought within himself, if my friend is no more, I can then move to the bed close to the window. He refused to assist and eventually the friend died.
After the death of his friend, he quickly made arrangements and he was transferred to that bed. What he saw was terrifying. The window only gave him access to see the morgue (mortuary).From time to time, he only saw dead bodies being transported to the morgue. This scene made his condition grow worse by the day. He eventually passed on. What he didn’t know was that his friend was suffering from schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders that caused him to hallucinate and gave updates of things that really never existed. Those updates gave them a source of strength and hope as they prayed for a speedy recovery yet for envy they died before their time. How sad!
If only he knew. If only you know. I am because you are, and you are because I am.
Samuel Aboagye
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