We all knew that this day was going to come soon...
Kris and I were at our appartment. I was cooking dinner and Kris said, "Hon, you might want to come read this..." I went into the living room and saw on the TV, the KSL News, that President Hinckley had died.
I was pretty shocked. The Prophet was old, but I thought he had a few years left in him.
President Gordon B. Hinckley, was someone I looked up to during the most difficult years of my life-- Teenage, College, and Dating. He was the one I grew up with.
I actually had the opportunity to shake his hand when I was in 6th grade. It was the Utah Centenial Celebration...June 29th, 1996. Where they put the new "This is the Place" Monuement.
Two kids were picked out of each County in Utah. You had to learn songs to perform for that event. We practiced in the Tabernacle. It was the coolest thing ever...and we sang with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as well.
Well, I got to be right in front of the Prophet...in front of the stage. As he was leaving a few kids and myself ran over to shake his hand. He said to us all, "I really enjoyed your singing kiddos." I got to shake his hand. I will never forget that. I am very lucky for that opportunity to been able to be in the program and to witness the Prophet for myself.
I looked forward to when Conference would come around, to be able to listen to the Prophet. He had such a personality, and always made the congregation laugh. I know all the other speakers had good talks, but his is the one I really payed attention too. I loved his smile and warmth. You could just tell that, not only because he was a Prophet but just because of the person he is, that he was someone you would enjoy just being in the pressence of.
I am really going to miss seeing him and hearing him give advice and knowledge. He was unbelievably smart and caring. He accomplished much and has given much to countries around the world with Temples to worship in...I know he was a Prophet of God.
He has really made me think of family and the blessing of the Temple to be sealed together for time and all eternity. First thing everyone thinks of is that he's back with his sweet wife...and I can picture how specail that reunion was. I know that Kris and I will be together for eternity, as well as Declan and our future kids. We are truly blessed to have this knowledge and truth.
I am excited for the future and who will be called next to be the Prophet of God and of our Church. We are very lucky to know that whoever is called, is called so by God and is called for a reason....
