Oooh, I've just seen Colin's post. That's excellent. Suffering is what forces us to grow as human beings. No one enjoys it of course, and most everyone tries to avoid it because it is painful. Some people go to great lengths to avoid it. However, it is those who embrace it and accept it as a necessary part of life, who are able to learn and grow and become better human beings. The sorts of people you mentioned who are not pleasant but have health and wealth, are lacking that depth of character and spiritual wisdom that come through overcoming hardship.

In so many words, then, yes -- when you come through this you will be stronger for it, and you will have learned a lot. Sometimes it can be a real trial by fire. What matters is not what happens to us, but what we make of it.

Linda.