But what happened with Angel not only surprised me, but changed my whole perspective towards life. After the initial depression and shock, Angel started recuperating beautifully. Within four months, she insisted on getting back to her job, working half days at first, and managing her boisterous eight-year old with a little help.

She, in fact, began emerging as a stronger, happier and more determined woman. She laughed more, dressed better and looked more positive than ever before. Doctors had warned us that Angel’s condition might only get worse, but her optimism and courage continues to defy the medical verdict. She once said rather matter-of-factly, “You know, in retrospect, my illness seems to be the best thing that ever happened to me”, and it had left me stumped.

A few months later, I went through a health scare myself; tiny as compared with Angel’s, but nevertheless enough to leave me a little shaken and nervous for months. As I learned to cope, Angel’s words kept coming back to me and I finally understood what she had meant.

I still worry about Angel’s health. But, I know that regardless of how long she has to live, she’s living her life well. Her ambition and enthusiasm are almost contagious and when she visited me during Christmas this year, we sat late into the night giggling over how we’d age into graceful grannies and take long walks together while our husbands, like always, argued over cricket matches and corrupt politicians.

According to Angel, illness is not a negative crisis, but a life changing moment, a gift… another chance to rearrange your life. In her words, “…an opportunity to find more appreciation for aromatic barbecues and clinking glasses.”

timeslife@timesgroup.com

(Soul Curry is a column where we invite our readers to share their soul-stirring experiences)