Sarah, it seems you are reinterpreting the illness as the blessing. Brilliant insight.

Rumi a 13th century poet says the emotional struggles rather than being a curse are actually a blessing that open us up to new talents and sensitivities that we may not even have been aware of.

"Fear not, for it is I." that has got me through a lot of the troubles of life. That reminder takes away my self concern. And I will dwell in the house of love and compassion forever.