I just wanted to thank those of you who've contributed to this thread. For as many things I've had to deal with in my life, I'm humbled and moved when I read about what other people have gone through--and the strength and resilience that they exhibit. I wish we didn't have to go through those things in the first place, but the fact that we survive and thrive in the wake of hardship is very life affirming.

I hope, too, that my comments about happiness as a choice aren't misinterpreted. I certainly don't want to suggest that people choose to have bad things happen to them. Certainly, all manner of tragedy strikes for no reason at all. I wish it came easier, but my day-to-day happiness is something that takes work. In that sense, I try more often than not to choose to work at it, e.g., by employing healthy ways to cope, by acknowledging my feelings, by reaching to people. I hope that makes sense.

Kate