If it comes from "Civil Peace" by Chinua Achebe to he answer is that he feels lucky if his family is alive and has access to the basic necessities of life.
He used to be bitter about his position in life, but now he is optimistic no matter what happens.
He used to be optimistic about life, but losing a son has made him bitter and resentful.
He has not been affected by the Nigerian Civil War because he was out of the country until it was over.
no one really says whom anymore, but I believe if you wanted to sound like a 19th century person, whom is correct grammar instead of who in that context.
