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At a time when I was acutely aware of my less-than-perfect health condition, I found myself surrounded by family members who were celebrating some festive occasion.

I was determined to make the most of the party in spite of feeling poorly. Everyone there, used to my bouts, treated me just like I looked ordinary, and I barely realized that anyone was paying me extra attention.

It turned out that my youngest cousin, then only 4 or 5 at the time, was watching me intently and admiring an amethyst ring on one of my fingers.

"Is that a purple diamond?" he asked.

Softly, I explained that an amethyst is kind of like a diamond, but actually just a semiprecious stone.

Maybe I should have let him go on believing purple diamonds exist. Perspective can make mundane matters seem grander.

Leave it to a sweet child to find the magic bright spot on a frail hand.