President Hinckley

We were shocked when we received the first of many phone calls letting us know that President Gordon B. Hinckley, the president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, had passed away Sunday night.
I never met him personally, yet, I felt like he was my friend. He always gave me great advice, reminded me of things I needed to do better, and offered encouragement and praise. One of my favorite quotes from him is simply, "do your very best."
He loved his wife dearly. She was an amazing woman. She died almost 4 years ago. Although we are sad at his passing, we believe they are once again together and that brings peace and comfort.

When Esteban was a toddler and Ethan a baby, we left them with a friend so we could hear President Hinckley speak. We drove 2 hours south of the border to Monterrey, Mexico where he was speaking at a regional conference. While we were in the Mexican Consulate to get our visas for the day, we told the official we were going to a religious meeting. He told us there were lots of people going to a religious meeting that day. People came from all over the area to hear the teachings of President Hinckley. Thousands of people were gathered in the outdoor arena which was only partially covered by a canopy. Aaron and I happened to be outside of the canopy and it was raining. We were the only Anglos we could see in the audience. Not only did we stand out because of our skin color but, because we were sopping wet. We were strangers in the truest sense. Soon a garbage bag was passed down the row and we huddled together under it to hear the man we consider a prophet speak. When he was finished, as he was leaving, the entire congregation rose to their feet and sang "God Be With You Till We Meet Again." while waving white handkerchiefs. Aaron and I were unprepared and once again, white cloths were passed down the row for us to use. The arena was a sea of white as all of us bid farewell to our beloved leader. I learned what is mean to be brothers and sisters. Those people who sat nearby, did not know us, yet they cared for us. That day, I not only heard his teachings of tolerance and love, but I saw them put into action. I will never forget.

Tributes to President Hinckly have come from all over the world. It was the only news topic discussed on the local radio yesterday (it's the only thing I wanted to hear about). Politicians, reporters, and dignitaries all paid tribute to a wonderful man and leader. Yet, for me one of the most touching tributes came from ordinary kids who, upon hearing the news, spread word via text messaging to wear "Sunday Best" clothes to school on Monday in honor of the only prophet they have ever known. Schools in the Salt Lake area were filled with thousands of kids wearing dresses, suits, and ties. I'm sure it was their hope, in some small way, of saying God be with you till we meet again.