A Fond Farewell

Tonight we say goodbye to a beloved man - our prophet, Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley. He died with his family around him tonight. We had a good idea it was happening today as his son was supposed to be our presiding authority yesterday and today at Stake Conference but was called away suddenly by way of a phone call from Elder Packer. As a result, many of the talks last night and today focused on stories of Pres. Hinckley. Did you know he didn't like spinach? Apparently when his daughter recently told him it was good for him and it contained lots of iron he told her he'd rather eat a horseshoe. What a funny man! When his doctor asked him how he stayed so positive when things were hard, do you know what Pres. Hinckley told him? That he would just think of a couple of swear words (I'm sure they weren't bad ones) in his head and get a chuckle and move on. He was an enduring optimist and such a wonderful example of a human man, with all his foibles, transformed through faith and hard work into a powerful leader that was able to touch so many lives. He will be sorely missed, though I know the legacy he leaves will continue on for years to come.

I loved this picture of him with his wife, Marjorie. I know that he missed her dearly and now they get to be together again. That's what it's all about, right? Thank you, Pres. Hinckley for being such a beacon of hope for all of us. At a recent conference for regional authorities, Pres. Hinckley chastised the men for looking so frowny. He told them how wonderful our world was and how much better it was getting - better and better every year. As the wicked get worse, the righteous get stronger and the gospel light gets brighter. I believe he's right. And what a great perspective he leaves for each of us. This moment is sad, but I know he'll be watching our work from above and cheering us on. Thank you, dear Prophet. We will never forget.