So, yes, in my more human moments, sometimes I'm just thankful that a difficult day is over. All joking aside, I do feel changed for having been ill. I find myself less caught up in other people's behavior and their bad choices (even though sometimes I'm the one called in to 'clean up the mess' and smooth things over). I'm more willing to let things play out the way they are going to (especially at work). I'm interested in adding a more spiritual quality to my life-- which occasionally feels self absorbed, but also feels like the right thing to do at this time in my life. Maybe it's just a fact of getting older, but I feel my LC was a catalyst to getting there. I want better 'energy' around me and I want to spend my remaining years and energy on activities that I think will have an impact in a more spiritual and positive way for others as well.
And I'm willing to bet I'm not the only here that feels changed and propelled forward for having been ill.
Carol