I think it's a good thing. You've been in touch with suffering firsthand in your own illness, perhaps it has removed a little of the shell we all get from being carefree and healthy...

That is a really compassionate thing you did, i'm sorry the kitten did not survive <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> But when I hear stories like this, kind of restores my faith in human beings.