At first glance the man in each of these pictures could be the same person, study the cards and see how you feel about them, then try linking them up fom left to right in a simple story.

(Pentacles) This man as been very successful and is enjoying his acquired wealth(Cups)Hes content but is looking for something else hes probable over done it suddenly he clutches his chest to ease the pain(Wands)Hes over come many problems to get where he is this is just one more (Swords)now he will have to take bed rest to recover from his illness he may be in despair but he knows i will make a full recovery

Thanks Chris, I like the wands bit

wow, i must be missing something because the IX of Pentacles has always looked like a women to me, both in face and in dress.    
and i never ever though they looked aliked.  

IX of Pentacles: A rich women standing in splender and wealth.   touching her coin and holding a bird.  To qoute Little Jimmy Dickens and say "may the bird of paradise fly up your noise"

IX cups sit above a man sitting in front of them and they are raised aboved his head on a table.  He looks content and at ease with his cups a maybe even ready to share them if you approach and ask him nicely.

IX of Wands: Eight wands stand firm and tall blooming of green leaf.  A man battered and tired holds one as if it is only posession.  He's not leaning on it and he wont give it up without a fight.  He looks sharply to the side of him as if someone is apporaching.  what h is coming and what has gone to make this man look as if the only thing from his work is bruises and head wound always fighting to keep it.

IX Swords haunts my dreams and i can not get away from my own thoughts and fears.

(this card is so strong and feels very uneasy almost scary for me that it has stuck with me from childhood every seens i saw it in my mom's deck (i wonder what ever become of it because i can't find).   Its one of those cards that when you meantion tarot is strong in my mind and the images is there immedatly.)

but anyway, back to the lesson...

A women who is rich feels poor when she shares the cups with our friend with the cross arms, who is allowing all to drink of his goodwill and chairty.  A tired beaten man looks at him as if those cups could offer healing and water to wash his wounds.  And looks at hear  if all the wealth would stop his bleeding.  
Our lady with her nightsmares doesn't like at the man with the cups like i rich women or battered man.  She holds her face in her hands afraid of not having money, spiritualism and kindness, fruits of her hard work. She is stuck under IX swords in the fear of all her thoughts.

A man who has great wealth abuses the priviledge with partying and gluttony, perhaps losong all his money. He now is ill but his health will improve if he learns moderation. Exhausted, he goes to bed and weeps over the blessing he once had, but didn't appreciate.