Beloved President Hinckley

Isn't this a great photo? I found it online --always such a joyful and happy man!

I can remember the passing of only four prophets in my lifetime---each are very vivid because each has meant so much to me. President Hinckley was the prophet for 12 of my 13 married-years and he always had unique, specific, and special counsel that has touched me, influenced me, and shaped me to choose the path that I am on today.

When my mom called me last night with the news of President Hinckley's passing I had a swell in my heart for this amazing man of God. I have no doubt that another will be called to be Prophet that is meant for this day and time, but what fond memories I will carry with me of our beloved Prophet, President Hinckley.

My first thoughts were shame on me for not braving Sunday session of stake conference with 6 kids (1/2 of them sick) a few weeks ago to hear our dear prophet address us in the satellite feed! My friend, Erin Uda, specifically said she was going to 'brave' it with her 3 because she didn't want to miss out on an opportunity to hear our prophet address us. Maybe I should follow Erin's example more often! I guess we're all human.

He will be missed for his wonderful sense of humor that could engage anyone whether 8 years old or 80! I will always remember the stories my Mom and Grandma & Grandpa Brower related of their friendship with President Hinckley and his visits to my Grandparent's home in Venezuela & Columbia while they were serving as Mission Presidents. My mom was just a teenager then. On one of these visits President Hinckley came out of his room and asked my Grandma if he could borrow her iron so he could press his shirt at the foot of his bed. She said she'd do it for him and he insisted on doing it himself. A tug-of war over the shirt ensued! Well, for those that knew my Grandma Brower and her spunk...enough said! President Hinckley finally gave in for fear that his shirt would be ripped in half by my Grandma's insistance and strength.

On another occassion, my mom came down to the kitchen and found President Hinckley by my Grandma's side helping her make breakfast. He was getting detailed lessons on how to correctly fry bacon! He told my Grandma that "Sister Hinckley doesn't know how to make bacon lay flat so I'm going to teach her!" What an incredible example of a servant of the Lord that does not expect to be waited on or served by others. I love him because, although he is mightier in spirit than most, he is so very humble and incredibly approachable and real.

His legacy of temple-building will go on to affect and influence generations of members and non-members alike. I especially enjoyed watching our church become 'public' in that President Hinckely was never afraid to lend a voice to the national media so many more have been exposed to the 'word' and to the face of this amazing man and peculiar people we call 'Mormons.'

He reached out to the members of the church by writing books specifically for our youth like "Standing for Something", "Stand a Little Taller" and "Way to Be" among others. I will always remember him for his "9 Be's" that are hanging in my kitchen. And I believe I will always try to be a little bit better of a person because of his challenges and example. I could go on and on....How wonderful that he can reunite with his dear Marjorie. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered!