Everybody puts up walls to some degree. Some people’s walls have huge gates that are never closed. Some are thin and easily breached. Some are thick as bricks with massive gates. Still others are more like medieval stone—heavily fortified and nearly impregnable.

I’ve learned that the thickest walls often hide the tenderest hearts. Once you’ve been fortunate enough to be granted entry within those walls, it’s important to be very, very careful, because such hearts are sensitive, and feel pain more deeply than most. If you are allowed inside, it is imperative that you be gentle with both your actions and your words. Gentleness has never been my strong point, but I will learn it.

I have to.