Remembering

Last night Gordon Bitner Hinckley passed away at the age of 97. He was the Prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Is it strange to say that I miss him already? I didn't know him personally but have admired and respected him since I was 17. For me, he has been the prophet of my adult life. With his example, tireless energy and constant direction to the members of the Church, I have listened, laughed and tried to be a better person. He was a valiant servant to the Lord and I am grateful to have been an adult member of the Church during his lifetime. When I look at the things he has accomplished in his lifetime, I know I need to work harder.
There were two things that I loved about President Hinckley. The first was his humor. I often found myself chuckling when he would speak because his humor was so abundant. He had a sharp mind and endless energy, and when asked about his longevity, he would reply with a comment such as this, "The idea I try to follow is to go to bed every night and be sure you get up in the morning."

The second thing I adored was his relationship with his wife - Marjorie. When he spoke of her it was with honor and I believe their relationship was real and full of humor. One of the most touching talks I ever heard him deliver was called The Women In Our Lives, soon after he lost his beloved companion. The love and respect between the two of them was very apparent and it was beautifully stated in this comment,

"As I held her hand and saw mortal life drain from her fingers, I confess I was overcome. Before I married her, she had been the girl of my dreams, to use the words of a song then popular. She was my dear companion for more than two-thirds of a century, my equal before the Lord, really my superior. And now in my old age, she has again become the girl of my dreams."

His later stated that, "In our old age my beloved companion said to me quietly one evening, “You have always given me wings to fly, and I have loved you for it.”

His relationship with his sweetheart is one of many examples of his humility, character and love. He was truly an example for all of us and I will miss his sweet spirit.