Strange but true

Those readers who know me - at least those who have known me for some time - may not equate the concept of "joy" with me. And, to be honest, for several years before my diagnosis, I was not a very nice person to be round because I was not happy with my life. I've found, though, that having had a serious illness - yes, cancer is serious, I do know that, even though I may not always seem to take it seriously - has changed my outlook. I've moved from a 'glass half empty' to being a 'glass half full' position.

Why am I telling you this? Because I had a strange experience today when I went to have my eyes tested! I was chatting to the optician as he checked my sight and, during the course of conversation, the topic of my cancer came up. There was a long silence after it was mentioned. I finally broke this by saying, "It does seem to be a bit of a conversation stopper when I say I've had cancer." The optician looked at me and said, "No, it isn't that. It's because I've just understood something. I always listen to how people speak when they come in here and I couldn't work out why you sounded so joyful. Now I do."

Joyful is a good word for the change I feel in my life. Interesting, isn't it, that a total stranger noticed?