Empathy is very normal Sarge, at least I think so.
It's animals/birds too with me, when I see one at the side of the road having been run over, I always feel a small twinge of unhappiness.

I'm so sorry you had a crap day but pleased to read about your boys accomplishments and now the world is his oyster as the saying goes and I wish him the very best.

If it's not too impertinent what does he plan to do in life, or is it too early to tell?