It seems special to have my grandfather and the prophet pass so close to one another. I am deeply grateful for the influence of both men in my life. I'm sure Grandpa Bennion is greeting the prophet and I know President Hinckley is happy to be reunited with his wife.
I am saddened by President Hinckley's passing, but it is purely selfish in nature. I shall miss singing "We Thank Thee, O God, for a Prophet" to him at conference time. I loved him as the prophet and felt he loved me even though I never met him personally. I know the next time I sing that song I shall shed many tears.
I loved President Hinckley's humor. My favorite conference memory is Elder Nelson speaking exclusively about President Hinckley and giving him much deserved praise. President Hinckley was conducting the session and first challenged Elder Nelson to a duel in the basement of the Tabernacle and then later repented of his challenge.
I love how he used his cane to greet people and never considered it an impediment. He had a great love for Nauvoo and the Prophet Joseph and I was able to see him many times while growing up because of my proximity to that special place. His conviction that Joseph was a true prophet is stronger than any I have ever heard. I am grateful for his service to the church, to his example and words of wisdom, for his love of all mankind, and for the great love he had for his wife. The last time I heard him talk was at our stake conference on Sunday, January 13. He spoke about strong marriages and the sacred relationship between a man and woman. I am so glad he is again with his sweet wife.
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Well, first I would like to say that I have not been able to cry over President Hinckley's death, but I do feel like I "should" have. I did not know him personally, but many of his talks and even just his kindness and charity have touched me in ways that have made my life so much better. I truly believe that with his passing we should celebrate his life, and all he was able to accomplish. After reading his biography a couple of years ago I realized how much he has done to shape the church. Secondly, I realize how he was groomed to serve as the president and prophet of our church. From the time he was small until he was working with as an assistant to the President. He truly devoted his life to the church - something we all would "like" to do but so many other things get in the way. I believe that he is with his wife, something we could all see that he yearned for the past few years - yet was willing to stay until the next person was ready to step into his shoes. He served with faith, dignity, and love that I have never seen from another person. It was my first general conference as an investigator of the church that made me realize what a prophet really was today...that they were a normal person with a phenominal ability to serve and guide. For that he will be missed. I will miss listening to his talks and wondering if he had been spying in my journal. I will miss his jokes about his age. I will miss how much he loved his wife and family. But most of all I will miss what an example he was to all of us. When I think of Christ-like love President Hinckley is the one person on Earth I know that was full of it - always being guided and directed by the spirit. But, as he taught, those who come after him and take his place will fill the same shoes, perhaps with different jokes and a different background - but they are the one who is meant to lead, an soon we will feel the same type of connection. I think that connection comes from a recognition of something we knew from before we came to Earth - and that is seeing the true Christ-like love for others that is so rare today. So while he is gone I know he has left a small impression of that love written on each of our souls - and as we read his words and reflect on his life it will be like having a small part of him with us always. I look forward to what is in store for the church now. With all that President Hinckley has done we are left to wonder "What else is there?". I believe that this answer is going to be even more impressive than any of us can imagine, and for that I cannot wait. :)
Thanks Allison. You really should start your own blog so I can visit it and see pictures. ;)
I loved his statement about doing our best but making sure it was our very best.
Yes, people do keep harassing me to start one - which I have decided I WILL do as soon as I have my dissertation proposal written up and approved. See I am a bit of a procrastinator, something else President Hinckley told us not to do. And if I have anything else to work on my dissertation falls to the bottom. I know what I am doing, I just have to write it up. Sadly, I now have about two weeks before I should have it in, and I am not even closs. Thus, I am working on in as much as I can. The rest of the time I am using my other ways to avoid doing things. :)
Now (a horrible transition), as far as doing your very best, you are right. That was one thing he always talked about. And it is so hard to know what your best is...especially when I think that your best is constantly raising itself.
Great tribute to the prophet. He was extraordinary. He will be missed. We are going to try and go to his viewing tomorrow and pay our repects.
respects...
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