Hearts are strange. They beat all on their own. No maintenance seems to be required. Well, they do need a good workout every now and then. They beat as we sleep. We need our hearts to survive. They're somehow tied into our emotions. They speed up when we experience fear or nerves or a good kiss. We say, 'bless your heart.' Well, we do in the South! Today, mine is heavy. Did it gain weight? I suppose it gained awareness. Of others' pain.

Do you ever feel that way? Do you ever feel as if you have taken on someone else's pain? And yet you know you're not experiencing half of what they are. You think about them night and day. It's how I know to pray for that person. As they continue to come to mind all day, I just keep sending up little prayers.

Anyone else ever feel that way?