a great man

Gordon Bitner Hinckley   1910-2008

A Prophet of God. President of  the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

How does one express their feelings at the time of passing of this great man?

First, there was shock. But he wasn't sick! Was something wrong? How could this happen? I wasn't ready. I think our beloved Prophet, despite his 97 years of age, was somehow a timeless, indestructible, immortal figure in my mind.

Then sadness. Sad that I would never hear his voice at a Christmas devotional, conference address, or temple dedication. Sad to see an end to an era. Sad that the prophet of my youth would not be the one to continue guiding my life through young motherhood. Sad that my Maxwell would not remember him in life, but in his legacy. Sad to say goodbye to the man I met as an awestruck fifteen year old after attending his ward sacrament meeting in the Joseph Smith Building while visiting Salt Lake. 

Next there was joy. I am so happy that he is reunited with his beloved Marjorie.  I am happy that he was not sick and that he passed quickly. I don't think he would have wanted us to know what was coming, dreading the inevitable. He was too vivacious, too full of life to be remembered as a sick old man. I am happy my mom encouraged me to approach him a second time, as he was about to leave, just so I could shake his hand. So I could say I have touched the hand of the prophet, the very man who communes with Jehovah. I am happy to be a member of this church, to know that God has a plan for us, for ME, for MY FAMILY.  I consider myself so blessed to know that although President Hinckley is no longer living on this earth, he lives. And will live eternally. 

Last there was gratitude. I am so thankful to have known and loved this great man, to know that he was called of God, to know that his words are true and inspired, that if we do as he asks, we can have joy. I am grateful that throughout my life, even when my testimony has wavered or when I have doubted, or when making the right choice is difficult, that I have always had the faith and knowledge that President Hinckley was a prophet, a modern day man of God.  I am thankful for his influence in our lives. He will ever be remembered for it. I will remember his love of the people of the world and of his work, his smile, his humor, his sweet voice, his mission, his message. I will remember him.