Heavy Hearts

Last evening after I had risen from my death bed (I have a really horrible cold) to make Valentines with my daughters, Rich called from the computer room, "Jamie! President Hinckley died!" I wasn't sure I heard him right and I ran up stairs to see what he was talking about. There on the front page of the KSL news page was his picture and the years, 1910-2008. It was a punch in the gut. I felt sad, but then I kept telling myself not to be selfish--he was 97, afterall.And I expected him to closely follow Marjorie, as sweethearts often do. The one thing that brightened my night was that they were finally together again...
...and the song keps going through my mind:

" We ever pray for thee, Our prophet dear

That God may give thee Comfort and cheer

As the advancing years furrow thy brow

Still may they light within Shine bright as now."

***

President Hinckley, thank you for teaching me to be a better mother, wife, sister, friend, and neighbor. Thank you for inviting lost sheep back to the fold. Because of you, I only have to drive 100 miles (instead of almost 300) to attend the temple. Millions of people around the world now have that same privilege. Thank you for giving us the Proclamation to the World on the Family--it is something that becomes more precious to me and more neccesary each passing year. I strive everyday to be the kind of parent you and Marjorie were, to find ways to say yes, to trust my children, to build their faith, and above all, to have fun together.

To the Hinckley Family, thank you for sharing your Father/Grandfather with the world for almost your entire lives. The world and the church are so much better because of Him.

Now our prayers shift to President Monson, who, as my Grandpa said last night, "has really got his hands full."