President Gordon B. Hinckley passed away yesterday, January 27, 2008 at the age of 97. I have such a soft spot in my heart for this man! President Hinckley became the prophet and president of the church when I was 15-years-old, so I think he will always be my favorite!I remember one General Conference I was able to attend live in the Tabernacle when I was a teenager. I had a seat in the first balcony, very close to the stage. Before the session began, when President Hinckley entered the room, the entire congregation rose to their feet and sang, "We Thank Thee, O God, For a Prophet." President Hinckley smiled and waved to the congregation. At that moment, I felt such an overwhelmingly strong witness that he was truly the Lord's prophet on the earth! I had no doubt about it!
This is probably my very favorite picture of President Hinckley! It makes me think of his warm words of encouragement and love, and his infectious enthusiasm and wit that I have looked forward to every General Conference.I know he couldn't stay with us forever (though I secretly hoped he would), still I can't help but feel a little sad. Sad for us, I keep thinking, but how wonderful for him! He's now united with his beloved wife, Sister Marjorie Pay Hinckley, who passed away in April of 2004.
It makes me smile to think of those two sweethearts back together at last!
