Where to begin? Well, as a small boy I was kind of curious and so I tried to see how the gas kitchen stove worked. I played with all of the knobs and at one point everything just exploded. I suffered serious burns, including my eyes, and the fire department put out the fire.
It took a while for me to recover from that one.
Ummm, let's see. I am currently in a tremendous amount of pain due to numerous physical injuries and illnesses I've suffered between then and now. Back injuries, serious head injuries, hit by lightening, car crashes, gunshot wounds (2), knife wounds (3), dysentery, sprains, breaks, hernia, and a multitude of various accidents requiring sutures and repairs. I'm used to it.
I live alone, have no "significant other" and few people I would call a friend.
Most days I am doing well to even walk, lack of pain is not an option.
But, you know what? I'm alive, have my self respect and my will to persevere. I get up and go about my business doing what I need to do regardless. I don't complain and I don't grumble. I make jokes instead because they're more fun.
My body may be broken but that which is me is still intact. My life is broken but that which is me is still intact. So far none of the myriad things that have tried have succeeded in killing me. Every time something tries to finish me off and fails I get stronger and more determined. That's who I am.
I know I am strong. I know I am good (most of the time).
Yeah, my life sucks, but I am still here and I still fight. I don't whine about it or seek pity from others. I reject pity for I am not to be pitied because I am stronger than those who would presume to dole out pity for me and I refuse to accept it.
Express pity for me and I'll bust you in the teeth. My life sucks but I still have some things that can not be stripped away from me. They are pride and dignity.