Sunday, January 27, 2008

A Reunion Made in Heaven

Our dear prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, passed away this evening. My sister, Kim, called me with the news just a little while ago. I was so shocked and my heart swelled with so many emotions. I cried (because that is what I do) and cried some more.

I am so happy for President Hinckley because I know that he is having a wonderful reunion with his sweet wife. Since her passing he has repeatedly expressed great sadness and longing for her. I was able to hear President Hinckley speak a few weeks ago, at a Stake Conference when I was in California. He spoke about the importance of treating women with the respect and love that they deserve. He of course mentioned his dear, sweet wife of whom he always treated in a respectful manner. He now gets to hold her hand again as they continue their journey together. And so, I am happy.
And yet, I am sad for me, because President Hinckley was scheduled to dedicate "our" temple one short week from today. I was so looking forward to hearing the prayer and blessing that he would pronounce upon that special House of the Lord and those who will serve there. I was so excited to know that any time I went to the temple, I would be walking where President Hinckley walked.
I will miss President Hinckley's sweet sense of humor, his bright smile that lights up his eyes and the room he occupies. I will miss hearing him say that he loves us all. I will miss listening to him speak of his lifelong sweetheart. I will miss his ambition and joy for life. I will miss the anticipation I always felt knowing he was "up next" to speak in a meeting. I will miss his sweet and simple and pure testimony of Christ. I will miss him.

But, above all, I am so thankful for President Hinckley. I am so thankful for the things that I was able to learn from him. I am thankful for the love that emanated from this great man and that through the Spirit I was able to feel that love. I know that he is a prophet of God. I know that the things he taught are true. I know that by living the precepts that he has taught I can be a happier me.

God bless you, President Hinckley.

June 23, 1910 - January 27, 2008

11 comments:

Talia said...

My heart is full with so many emotions. You have such an eloquent way of expressing yourself. Thank you for expressing your feelings to all of us!

Melissa said...

I have had mixed feelings and emotions ever since I found out about his passing tonight. I was also excited to hear the prayer that he would on the temple in Rexburg. It has been great having the opportunity to help out with the open house. As my friend told me about it and was writing a short article for the Post Register I started thinking about all he's taught and his example.

Christie said...

Amen, sister. Amen.

Lauren in GA said...

That was so beautiful! I know you don't know me, but I have lurked several times...sorry...I really love your blog and you are such a cute commenter. I love how you said "oh, pooh...now I am crying again...on Denae's blog. I have wanted to comment several times on your blog but I didn't want to scare you.
I simply had to comment to the winner of Stie's recipe contest, though didn't I? :)

Lauren in GA said...

I forgot to mention how I love how you included a picture of his sweetheart Marjorie Pay. Infact, I love all of the pictures you used!

NT Weekes Family said...

LIsa, I to was in shock with a little Bitter Sweetness aswell.
Thanks for your post on him... I was not able to get one going... yesterday was the 1yr. mark for my Uncle's passing as well. (from MDS- Cancer) This date will definetly be remembered now with the Prophets passing in my family!
Thanks again Lisa!
~ Nickelle

Kim said...

the pictures you found speak a million words!!!!!!

Jake said...

That was the sweetest post. Thank you!

Hollyween said...

Great post! I'm going to miss him so much. I can't say it enough, but I do feel really peaceful about it too. Like he's finally with his sweetie and that makes me so happy!

Bridget said...

Stie said it the best. Amen.

He has been in church leadership for so long, it will be so strange to have him gone. I kind of started to believe he was just immortal. He will be greatly missed.

janelle said...

I loved your post. I especially liked that last picture of President Hinckley, close up and so happy. He was amazing.