1910 - 2008

I know many of my friends and family have already posted about the passing of Pres. Gordon B. Hinckley, but I want to add my thoughts... or rather some thoughts of mine and my girls. Last night when we heard the news, I was hesitant to tell them because Abby has been so worried about and so focused on death that I didn't want it to bother her. I ended up telling them and they said a few sweet things that I want to document. Brenna quickly said "well at least Papa gets to see him now in heaven even if we don't" and Abby then said that she "Papa is shaking his hand right now and talking to Pres. Hinckley."

This morning I was the mom helper in Abby's kindergarten class and I was helping some of the kids work in their writing books where they were asked to write about something they did this weekend. 3 or 4 of the kids I worked with chose to write about Pres. Hinckley dying and one of these kids wrote something about how the prophet is with his wife again in heaven... so sweet. Then when Abby came home, she told me that "all the flags in Utah are half down today to show respect for Pres. Hinckely."

I was able to shake hands with this amazing man several years ago at a regional young adult conference in Glendale, CA and I still relate to his talk on occasion. His cute wife spoke as well and it was one of the most casual, yet spiritual experiences of my life. They spoke to us as if they were our age and the humor that both he and his wife shared was adorable!

Living in Utah, we've had an almost non-stop news feed with stories being shared, family interviews, and make-shift memorials all over the state. I am in awe of the lives he has touched and how it's caused me to stop and reflect on his life and even my own.
I am so grateful for the legacy he has left us...