Memories of President Hinckley

Several years ago while staying in S.L.C. we had the opportunity to attend sacrament meeting at the Joseph Smith Building. Once seated we realized that we were in the home ward of President and Sister Hinckley and President and Sister Faust. We sat only two rows in front of Sister Hinckley. Dallin, only two years old, was restless so Jared took him out. The meeting concluded while Jared and Dallin were outside of the chapel. The doors opened and out walked President Hinckley, smiling and waving his cane at Dallin and Jared as he walked with his security to the elevator.

When Jared and I were dating, our student ward happened to meet in the oldest Lamanite building in the church. The building went through some renovations, and when it came time to rededicate it Jared heard there would be a special visitor. Jared and I were seated together, boyfriend and girlfriend, when all of the sudden everyone stood and in walked President Hinckley, and Sister Hinckley. I get chills just writing this. They each spoke and it was such an amazing meeting. I've always loved Sister Hinckley and have felt a special connection with her in sharing her name, Marjorie. What a wonderful, intimate experience with the Prophet, and his wife.

Finally, this last October Elder Robert Wood, my great uncle, provided tickets for our family to attend conference. We sat very close to the stand and felt of the Prophet's spirit. What a memory to never forget. While visiting Elder Wood and Sister Wood at their home, Dallin drew a picture of the temple and the Savior. He wrote on the pictures "To: President Hinckley Love, Dallin" He asked Elder Wood to deliver these to the Prophet. Elder Wood's office is in the same building as President Hinckley's office. You can imagine our surprise when Elder Wood reported that he had in fact delivered those pictures to the Prophet and that the entire First Presidency was standing there when he handed the pictures to President Hinckley. They all looked at the pictures together. A fun side note, when Dallin heard that the Prophet had actually held his pictures and was grateful to receive them he looked concerned. Jared asked, "Dallin, this is wonderful news, what is wrong? Dallin responded, "I hope President Hinckley knows those pictures were not from Dallin Oaks."

We love President Hinckley. He has blessed our lives in so many ways. The children were heartbroken to learn of his passing tonight. They found comfort in knowing that the Prophet is with their Grandpa and Grandma Great.