Beloved Church President, Gordon B. Hinckley Dies at 97What an amazing man and inspiration to the world. While I am saddened at the death of our prophet, I can't help but feel happy for him that he is again with his wife and other loved ones that have passed. Today is a sad day on earth, but I'm pretty sure it's a joyous reunion in heaven.
This morning I sat Janelle down at the breakfast table to tell her about President Hinckley's death. I really wasn't sure how she would react since this is really her first experience with death. I sat down next to her and gently asked her if she remembered who President Hinckley was. She looked at me like I was crazy to ask her such a question, and quickly responded, "He's our prophet!" I then told her that we was really really old and when people get really old like that that it's time for them to go heaven to be with Jesus and Heavenly Father again. I then told her that President Hinckley had died last night. Immediately tears filled her eyes and I pulled her over to my lap to give her a hug. It was one of the sweetest moments in my whole life. You could just feel the love she had for our prophet even though she is only five and hadn't even ever met him. What a sweetheart I have! I assured her that President Hinckley was so happy this morning to be in heaven and see his wife and other friends and family who had died before him, and that someday we could see him again too. That seemed to console her a little bit and she was finally able to stop crying. I also assured her that a new prophet would be called to lead our church.
I was surprised to see how much she seemed to be impacted by the sad news. It broke my heart to see her tears, but at the same time I couldn't have been more proud to call her my daughter.
2 comments:
This is pretty much what I just posted too...you hit it right on. He was the epitome of humility, charity, and of so many other great characteristics. I'm glad that you posted about him. I keep trying to catch something about him on the news...all I hear is stuff about Heath Ledger...if the world only knew how much good President Hinckley did...
What a touching and meaningful experience. Obviously you have sone a wonderful job teaching her about our prophet. I think children are so close to the spirit.
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