Karen Wills

In the Heart of the Heart of the Country, Hearts in Atlantis, Any Human Heart, The Heart is a Lonely Hunter…. Titles that include “heart” or “hearts” always cause me to investigate the book, play, or movie. Some words just carry strong connotative attraction, appealing because of our prior associations.

Heart means life, love, spirit, or soul. The word’s archaic origin includes encouragement and sympathy. It also can refer to the deepest part, the heart of the matter. Valentine’s Day finds us awash in cards with hearts, candy hearts, heart-shaped boxes of chocolates, or, sadly, home listening to sad songs about broken hearts. Valentine hearts are usually red, taking us back to our life’s blood that our hearts keep pumping along, hopefully for years and years. Two people who are dear to me are each facing heart surgery in the near future. My heart goes out to them. They are brave, fragile, and cherish life.

When it comes to hearts, the quality I value most is that the heart is true: faithful and loving. I’m lucky enough to have found such an invaluable heart and married its owner. So I gave him my heart forever.

Happy Valentine’s Day!