When Sorrow Walked With Me

I've been listening to John Bytheway lately, which not surprisingly always cheers me up. It seems as though whenever I'm having a bad day..or days and I feel low about myself and my situation that I feel impressed to listen to this talk and it always gives me a better perspective on things. So there was just a quote off of his talk, "Rough Start, Great Finish" that stuck out to me which says,

"I walked a mile with Sorrow and ne'er a word said she; But, oh, the things I learned from her when Sorrow walked with me."

It's kind of confusing 'cause I really like that quote, I'm just having the hardest time understanding it. That's what's confusing. I like it.. and I sort of get it, but then I don't at the same time. Why would the person who walked a mile with Sorrow not learn anything the first time? Why is it that he only learns something when Sorrow walks with him? Anyway, your suggestions or interpretations would be appreciated and accepted. :}