In 1880, former president Ulysses S. Grant was hoping for an unprecedented third term. The Republican convention was divided over the prospect, and a compromise candidate was nominated. His name was James Garfield. From that moment on, there was significant tension between Grant and Garfield. Grant thought Garfield should give him more input, and he resented him for getting the nomination. It came to a point that the two rarely spoke or acknowledged each other.

On July 2, 1881, an insane, disappointed office seeker shot Garfield at a train station. At that time, Garfield’s wife was vacationing in Elberon, New Jersey, a seaside resort. Coincidentally, Grant was staying across the street. Upon hearing of the shooting, Grant went quickly to Mrs. Garfield’s cabin, took her hand, expressed sympathy, and tried to reassure her that he could survive. Grant also sent a telegram to Garfield which was warmly received.

Garfield would suffer for 80 days and never got up out of his bed. It was decided that he should spend his final days in a pleasant place, so he was taken to the Elberon resort. On September 19, Garfield died. When informed, Grant excused himself and went to another room and cried like a child. He went to Elberon to accompany the President’s body to Washington and attended the service.

Grant biographer Ron Chernow wrote that it was obvious that Grant regretted not being reconciled to Garfield. This story can be a warning to all of us to make our peace with those we have issues with, lest we find there is not more time to do so.