A man so strong…

I saw a man today and it broke my heart. I didn’t know him. I wish I could have given him a hug.
I was driving home and on my way I passed the funeral home. There were several people coming out but one man was already outside. He was tall and strong looking. He must have been a farmer or rancher if his suntan was anything to go by. He was leaning against the wall with his hands braced on his knees as if the wall was the only thing keeping him upright.
Another man, a younger man, came and stood by him as if he were standing guard against whatever devastating news had brought them to the funeral home.
As I continued on home I wondered what horrible thing had brought so strong a man to his knees? Was it the death if a parent or sibling or child?
I understand that man’s pain. I’ve been there over and over again. As fate would have it, I got news this evening that my uncle’s wife had died this afternoon.
Whether the news of death is sudden or expected because if illness, it is always devastating. It will always bring even the strongest man to his knees. But there will also always be someone there ready to stand guard over you as you grieve and someone who doesn’t even know you who will be ready to offer a hug if you need it.

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