boy did I freak when I read and reread 17 months....what a nurturing nature you were born with. If you weren't born with that nature, you would never have done it.
I hope I have the patience to write this
In the Old Testament and the story about Abraham and Issac and how Abraham who didn't believe in human sacrifice was told to slay his only son who he waited a life time to get. Some interpret the story as a test from God for Abraham to go against his nature and show his utter faith in God..to do something that so went against his nature. He was going to. He passed the test and showed true faith in God.....I always think of that interpretation of the story when I am faced with something that goes against my nature.
It sounds as if you have a handle on the "sacrifice" you have to make in order to really help your friend and yourself. At least it sounds that way.
Bobby