My Tribute to President Hinckley 1910-2008

First I have to say, what an amazing man we had as our Prophet. He was gentle and kind, wise, loving, full of life, dedicated to his work......
a remarkable human being. And someone who bouyed up those he loved,

sustained those he loved, cheered on those he loved.....His eyes were full of sincerety, love, and hope.
A man full of love for our Savior, love for his life, love for all people

F Enrique and I jumped on the opportunity to go and pay our respects to a man that has taught us so much. We also decided to take Cman and Sister along with us to the viewing as this could be a once in a lifetime opportunity. We drove and headed to the conference center in dowtown Salt Lake City. When we got there, we headed to the front doors of the conference center. As we entered the building, a sense of calm reassurance filled me, and they had music playing sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. They then walked us through the main level of the conference center from one side to another and I was swept by my emotions and started to tear up. When we left the room we went up the escalators to the top floor. They led us into the Hall of Prophets and President Hinckley was lying in his casket. The feeling that swept over me of sadness and happiness at the same time was overwhelming, and tears started flowing. There were so many beautiful flowers. He looked so serene and happy. We only were allowed to stop for about 30 seconds so Enrique and I could lift the kids to see President Hinckley one last time, and then we headed out a door onto the top floor of seats overlooking the pulpit where this Latter-day Prophet had spoken to us many times. This same pulpit that was made from one of his trees, this same building that he had imagined in his head and set to work to build. The spirit was so strong. As we walked from one end to the next there were 3 floral arrangements. One from his children that said "With Love" and all 5 of his childrens names. One from the grandchildren which had 5 different cards, one from each family of his children. I wrote these down to share with you all. They are all very touching, and you can tell how much he was loved by them.

One Family:

Like the trees you have planted

you have taught us each how

to stand tall.

The blossoms will blossom

the trees will grow

the spring will come

the sun will always shine

in East Millcreek.

We love you!

Another Family:

"Christmas is not the same

without your Grandmother."

Christmas won't be the same

without you either.

We love you!

Another Family:

"There is no end in sight for the good

you can do. The work of the world

isnt done by geniuses. It is

done by ordinary people who have

learned to work in an

extraordinary way."

Thank you grandpa, for

loving us, for believing in

our capacity to do good.

Another Family:

Thank you for your steadiness,

your laughter, your love,

your testimony.

We will keep the chain

unbroken.

We love you!

Another Family:

Dear Grandpa,

How we love you! We will

"stand a little taller,

rise a little higher,

be a little better."

You have shown us the way!

Then there was one from the great-grandkids as well.

Dear Grandpa,

We will always

be grateful

be smart

be clean

be true

be humble

be prayerful

because we love you!

This was one of the most amazing experiences of my life which I will always cherish and remember well.