I believe that no one values health and life itself more than when they have been on the verge of losing it. At that moment, your perception of life changes completely, and then you start to give value to what really deserves it: ourselves.
We aspire to many things in life, usually material goods, because that is how we think we understand success. However, happiness can be associated with the simple fact of being able to breathe without pain.
Isn't it interesting, that people seek that which they do not have?
Of course, but without losing your life in it. Many people feel guilty for allowing themselves to live, and life is a short time, today we are here and tomorrow we do not know.
My parents are a good example, they are Asian and live frugally, almost too frugal. I always think they could live their life better, but they cling onto their savings in their old age. Both of them have cancer and it makes me wonder if they could have lived their lives more comfortably if they didn't cling to their money so much.
Maybe it depends a lot on the belief system we have grown up with or the one we have been formed with.
Thank you for sharing such an intimate story. Cheers and life to your parents, my friend.