Can you feel the pain?

I sat down today, for the first time in days, to read the paper. The front page alone had me in tears. I read story after story of people that had lost everything. I read the list of fatalities confirmed thus far, many noting this this person or that had died at home with their spouse, or their children. I read stories of courage, generosity, and valor in the face of diversity. One of the volunteers is actually someone living in a shelter because he lost everything he owns when his home was leveled to the dirt. But every day he has been unloading trucks, hauling supplies, and taking care of others. Selflessness like this amazes me, and gives me a little more faith in my fellow man.

I hurt so much for all the suffering I see around me. I wish I could fix it but I don't know how. Even for one person, I don't know how. What can you say that will take that kind of pain away? I cannot even begin to imagine what they are having to handle, and I cannot comprehend how they are handling it. All I can do is feel the pain of helplessnes. I feel it to the very bottom of my soul. And I wonder, can you feel the pain too?