He had that Texas swagger as he ambled down the hallway quietly tipping his cowboy hat to everyone he passed. He had a kind face and gentle eyes. I had been at my mother’s bedside for three days and nights determined to keep my promise to be with her when she died. I was exhausted as I leaned against the doorframe of her room. He was a welcome change of pace for my tired eyes and breaking heart.
As I turned to take my post once again at my mother’s side, I heard, “Excuse me, mam. I’m looking for Mrs. Kirkland. Is this the right room?”
Surprised he was here to visit my mother, I responded, “Yes, you’ve got the right room. I’m her daughter.”
“Ma’am, I hope you don’t mind, but I attend the Cowboy Church and we’ve been praying for your mama and your family. We’re so sorry she isn’t doing well.”
I struggled for words but managed to thank him for his thoughtfulness. There was something about his quiet voice and his calm spirit that touched my heart. He was a total stranger and had never met my mother, but here he was humbly standing beside me sharing my pain.
We were interrupted by a nurse who needed to confirm the name of the funeral home we had chosen for when the time came. I walked down the hallway to talk with her and left my new friend standing inside the doorway. The conversation took longer than I expected and I was anxious to return to my mother’s room. As I got to her door, I’ll never forget what I saw.
Kneeling beside my mother’s bed with bowed head, gently holding her tired, little hand, cowboy hat placed over his heart, he silently prayed for her. He didn’t utter a sound, but his silhouette in that darkened, quiet room is etched in my memory forever.
After a time, he lightly kissed her hand and stood to his feet. He put his big cowboy hat back on his head, gave me a sweet smile, and with tear-filled eyes, left the room.
This humble cowboy taught me that when our hearts are broken, we don’t need words. We simply need the silent presence of a kind soul who will take our pain upon themselves and carry it with us if even for a moment. May we all strive to be that kind, silent presence.