My readings in Buddhism have taught me that we all have to suffer at some point in our life. Therefore, rejoice in each moment that has been given to you.
My readings in science and mathematics have taught me that there are multiple universes which are "parallel" to us. Whenever I am confronted with a friend or relative suffering, I also think that there is another existence where that person is pain- and disease-free.
Science comforts me more than any religion ever did.
The list seems endless.
A relative with lupus.
A relative with a failed liver.
A relative with ALS.
Many relatives with a severe heart condition.
Many relatives with high blood pressure, including myself.
Many, many relatives alcoholic.
A friend with an untreatable ear condition.
A friend with basal cell carcinoma.
A friend with ovarian cancer.
A friend with a brain tumor.
A coworker with chronic sinus infection from smoking.
A coworker with sleep apnea.
A coworker with severe high blood pressure attacks for no apparent reason.
A coworker with chronic bouts of severe nose bleeds.
Many relatives, friends, and coworkers with severe back problems.
When I was a kid, I imagined that I would die at age 35. If I had done so, the extent of suffering that I would have witnessed would have been restricted to a pet dog, and a great-grandmother. Even the great-grandmother didn't suffer much.
Now, that I have a few more years under my belt, I have watched many crumble under the forces of nature - some didn't survive those forces.
I've seen sickness, disfigurement and death. I've sat in emergency rooms, doctors' offices, hospital rooms, and funeral parlors more times that I can remember.
All this should be tremendously depressing. But, I have found, if I keep celebrating life and existence, I can keep going on. I love all the suffers, as I know I will someday join them.