I can't imagine anyone less able to put themselves in someone else's shoes, and empathise with what they're going through, in times of suffering than you Bernie.
Having to experience the truly horrible suffering we sometimes see those we love go through, does make us stronger. We have to be strong. They make us strong.
Before your time hun.
I had a friend who was suffering.
We argued like cat and dog in the threads...and laughed our heads off in private messages.
He never, ever moaned. He encouraged me to be strong, and never, ever to give in.
I miss him, and our late night chats. Thinking about what he told me still makes me strong, or smile, even laugh. I never see a bottle of Merlot without thinking about my mate.
If I'm wrong, and you're looking down reading this, Ianto.
Cheers my friend.
