NARRATIVE: In the hours following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln, his wife was inconsolable, repeatedly calling for one person to come and be with her, Elizabeth Keckley, her dressmaker and dear friend. Without knowing this, when Elizabeth heard that the President was shot, she felt compelled to run to Mrs. Lincoln to be with her, but was turned away by the White House guards. Mrs. Lincoln sent for Elizabeth repeatedly, yet the messengers could not locate her. Both women, up all night unable to sleep, longed to be together.

Around 11:00 am the following day, “Lizzy” was sent for, yet again, and this time the messengers located her. Elizabeth came to the White House at once and found Mary Todd sobbing on her bed in a darkened room.

I wonder what might have gone through Elizabeth Keckley’s head as she walked over to the White House, walked up the steps, and opened the door. She may not have known what to say or how to help but, in that moment, her words didn’t matter, simply being present was enough. Mourning with others in their time of deepest sorrow can feel intimidating, but doing so can change us and add a depth of meaning to life not found in many other ways. It allows us to bring a spark of hope back into the life of the one who is mourning and it can become a guiding star.