President Hinckley

Yesterday was the funeral of our beloved prophet President Gordon B. Hinckley. All week long I have been watching the documentaries on TV of his life and legacy and feeling like someone very important and influential in my life is gone. He truly has left footprints in the sands of time and on my heart. He has been my prophet for so long it is hard to remember anyone else. I was 14 when he was sustained as prophet, seer, and revelator. He was my prophet all through high school, college, marriage, and the birth of my son - all very important events in my life. He always seemed to know exactly what I needed to hear. He has always been able to inspire me to stand a little taller and to try just a little harder to be better. Sunday night when I heard he had passed away, I sang the song he wrote 'My Redeemer Lives' to McKay as I was laying him down for bed. I have always loved that hymn but I think now it will have a very special place in my heart.
I know we will all miss President Hinckley. It was a little sad to see his chair between President Monson & President Eyring empty at his funeral. And yet, I can't help but think that even though we are all so sad he is gone, we must rejoice at his passing. He lived a wonderful life; one that was completely dedicated to the Lord and to building up the Kingdom of God on the earth. He worked hard right to the end; what a perfect example of enduring to the end. How exhausted he must have been and yet he got up every morning, put on his shoes, and went to work. Truly amazing! I can only imagine what his reunion with his sweet wife must have been like. He missed her so much and yet he carried on. I am sure there was something funny said - they both are wonderful examples of people who can find humor in any situation. When President Hinckley dedicated the Gordon B. Hinckley alumni building at BYU he mentioned that he wished his wife were there. She has a chair on campus with her name on it. He suggested maybe they could move her chair into his building so they could be together again. What a sweet yet humorous way to say how much he missed her.
I know President Hinckley was a true prophet and that he was the Lord's mouthpiece on this earth. Even though we millions who have been deeply touched by President Hinckley feel that something is missing from our hearts, the Lord has called his humble servant home and we should rejoice in the tremendous success of his life and in the happiness our prophet must now feel. President Hinckley left a legacy that will never be forgotten. Tomorrow the new first presidency will be announced. What a wonderful church the Lord has organized with perfect order. We have no need to fear. The Lord has a new prophet who has been prepared to lead and guide us in the coming years. What a marvelous time to be alive!