Tonight, as I found myself sitting at the computer looking up frivolous information for random happenings in my life, I was not surprised to hear the phone ring and see my brother's number come across the caller id. Mom answered as usual, but it was what I heard next that made today different from every other day. First silence, then "What? No... are you sure? Have you checked the internet or anything?" Then more silence. My questioning "What?" was ignored. Finally, she told him "Let us know if you find out anything else." and hung up.
"Tommy just got a message: President Hinckley died..."
My first thought was No... it's a rumor... It can't be true. Immediately, my focus shifted & my search went to LDS.org, KSL News & Deseret News. As can be expected, the world wide web was already being swamped by (my guess) millions of people, all asking the same question as myself; Is he really gone? Finally, the Deseret News site loaded with the headline confirming the news.
Tonight, January 27, 2008 at 7pm MST, our beloved prophet, Gordon B. Hinckley, at the age of 97, passed away in his Salt Lake City Apartment, surrounded by his family.
As I ready the news story & the comments posted by readers, I kept seeing mention of the sadness of this event. While it's true, he has been a life-long hero of mine and there is no doubt that he will be greatly missed, I found myself wondering why I didn't feel the stab of pain in my heart. As I looked over a few pictures from his time as the Prophet, I realized why I didn't feel sadness, but joy.
In 2004, another dear hero of mine, Marjorie Pay Hinckley passed away. My mind was brought back to a neighbor of ours who had lost his wife in much the same way. For a year after she had passed away, Alvin was often heard to say "I miss Mable. I want to go see Mable!" He longed, more than anything, to see his wife again. I know President Hinckley must have felt the same way. He must have felt that same constant longing to be with his eternal companion again. Oh, how he must have missed her!
The knowledge, not belief, but knowledge, that I have of the Plan of Salvation comforts me greatly at this time. I know that at this very moment, that wonderful man, Gordon B. Hinckley, is overjoyed in embracing, once again, his lovely wife Marjorie, as well as our Father and His Son, our Savior, Jesus Christ. How wonderful it would be to witness such a reunion!
So, at this time of seemingly great sorrow, my heart is filled with joy. For I know He lives. And I know that we will see Him once again, when we are called to that wonderful reunion. And now, as I sit pondering the countless tears of sorrow that are being shed at this very moment, those tears that I shed are tears hope, of comfort, of excitement, and of overwhelming joy for our prophet who has gone Home to be with those he loves more than any others and those that we all long to be with again.
In reading about his life and service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, my mind is called back to the words of a hymn...
Great is his glory and endless his priesthood.
Ever and ever the keys he will hold.
Faithful and true, he will enter His kingdom,
Crowned in the midst of the prophets of old.
Hail to the prophet, ascended to Heaven!
Traitors and tyrants now fight him in vain.
Mingling with Gods, he can plan for his brethren;
Death cannot conquer the hero again.
Death certainly cannot conquer this hero again. He has filled so many souls with joy and hope and understanding. May we all be filled with such now. I love President Hinckley and he will always hold a very special place in my heart. And I cannot wait to have that reunion with him & others.
It is my testimony, in the blessed name of Jesus Christ, that through the Temple, we will return to live with our Father in Heaven, our Savior, Jesus Christ, and all of those which we love who have remained faithful. I know that much like Joseph Smith, Gordon B. Hinckley was called of God to lead the restored gospel in these latter days. All that he did, he did as a testament to Jesus Christ. He has inspired countless masses and left his mark on the world as a tribute to the fullness of the gospel. His message will always ring true, that Christ lives, this is His true church, and his Atonement was and is the greatest sacrifice and gift the world will ever know. I cherish this testimony which I have, and I proudly proclaim it in the sacred name of Jesus Christ.
