Just making it from day to day has often been a remarkable accomplishment. Obviously I come closer to the edge physically than most people ever do. However, I've watched some of the dynamics of what happens near the edge with fascination. As a result of all I have gone through I have acquired profound wisdom and regained a child-like curiosity. Another intrinsic side-effect is a profound affection for silliness, even when it applies to the illness.
Nothing is sacred.
An example was one time when I went to dinner with my mother and sister at a medical convention. There were medical sorts sitting at the table as well as their families. Each person at the table was telling what they did for a living. I felt tremendously left out. I was 18 and was not going to school or working, so I had nothing to say.