One thing I've always believed is very similar to what you're saying. Whenever bad things happen or have happened to us in life, you have two choices:
One, look at it negatively, dwell on it, hold a grudge, and be negative.
Two, look at positive outcomes and make something better out of it.
As a youngster, I was "abused" physically by my correctional officer father. Being the oldest boy of 8 kids, I did things that he experienced for his first time as a parent. He was abused by his father too.
He always told me, he did it to me, I did it to you, and you will one day to your kids.
From that day, I made a promise to myself.
And it has made me so loving towards children. I don't have my own yet, but I love to make kids laugh. Kids love me. It's great.
So I often thank my father for making me that way. I could have just been a douche and hated kids and acted the same way. But I can't. So just proving my point.