This week marks one year since the passing of our prophet Gordon B. Hinckely, a man I loved and respected. I wrote this the day of his funeral:
It may sound strange to say that the late Gordon B. Hinkley was one of the first men I ever loved but, in purely platonic way, it is true. For most of my conscious life he has stood as the example every thing that is good. In my mind he was the personification of faith, courage, power and absolute love. Though he was not a big man, he carried enormous burdens with humor and grace. One can not be in his presence and not feel goodness radiating from him.
Even as a hard-headed, cynical teenager I could not help but look at President Hinckley with awe and respect. Now that I am grown and married, I feel like he has been a grandfather to me, watching me grow, and offering me invaluable words of wisdom. He was with me when as a teen when I struggled to find myself and when I was homesick at college. He was with me when I got married in the temple and with me when my children were born. He was with me day I buried one of my babies, and his words helped me get back on my feet again. And now that he is gone, I can’t help but feel like I lost a small part of myself. Though the closest I have ever been to him was to watch him in an auditorium with thousands of people, I think that should I be worthy enough to meet him in the next life, he will hug me and welcome me with open arms.
I know that there is no one more deserving than he, to be in the companionship of his eternal sweetheart and bask in the glories of heaven. His life was many times more full than even the best of men and he did his work exceptionally well. I have no doubt that his rewards will be great. But back here, where our perspective is much more limited, he will be sorely missed.
3 comments:
That was really neat. I was thinking about it being a year ago that he passed away. Thanks for helping me not to forget him. (Not that I ever would...)
Ya know, I still haven't really moved on either. He's been on my mind a lot lately and especially now that I've started reading his biography--(which just adds to his awesome factor even more). I'm glad I'm not the only one who hasn't stopped missing him.
wow thanks for that post, it made me teary eyed, i love president hinckley and feel alot of the same things you did for him. he was such an amazing prophet and man. thanks for sharing!
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