I'm like a lightning rod

I went to a funeral service this morning. For the mom of a friend who is also my coleader for the girl's scout troop. I go to things like this and I see the pain on people's faces and it travels right through me immediately. No, I don't just see it on their faces - but I also feel it in the air. I step inside and it's like I'm a lightning rod - the pain all comes straight to me. And hits me square in the gut.

I never met this woman, but I hope that by being there, I was able redirect even a little bit of the hurt from my friend and her family.