>Once they make it past that first scare though things do seem to improve on life's outlook.

Perhaps this is why a lot of people get calmer with age - as they have likely faced death a little ore and realized, it is okay, may as well live while there is life. 

I have seen people have their first breakup at 30, their marriage, and they responded like a jealous fifteen year old. As expected. 

>Some things you just can not adequately prepare for, that is when you need to reassess and try to find solution you may not have thought about, or do not really want to do. (like selling your brand new cool truck at a loss to buy a piece of shit car that is more economical).

I think it is one of those character building exercises everyone should experience - forced into assessing the value of what they have valued. 

At the end of days, you have had an interesting life that no other has lived.