The prophet and president of my church died tonight at age 97. He has served as the prophet for the last 12 years and as an apostle before that for longer than I’ve been alive. I was honestly surprised by my emotions at his passing.
I love him and I wasn’t sad, even for a second. I surprise myself with how little doubt there is in my mind that he’s with his Marjorie, the wife he’s been missing terribly for years. They are together now. He gave amazing service right until the end. He is one of my greatest heroes and examples. He did more good in his life than most people will ever think about doing and tonight he got his ticket home.
He died surrounded by family and he emerged on the other side surrounded by family. I don’t fear a death like that.
I’m sad because I’ll miss him.
I mean, I’ve expected his death for a while now, and know he is happy to be reunited with his (darling) wife. But I will absolutely miss him.
I’m having a hard time imagining President Monson filling his shoes, which sounds like a terrible thing to say, but there you go.
p.s. why does your red astro turf background have somebody else’s copyright and url on it? I’ve just now noticed it on my widescreen.
At 26, he has been President for almost half of my life… and during essentially the entire time I have been truly active.
It’s a sad moment, and a moment to mourn. But we need not worry.
President Monson has awfully big shoes to fill – but he will fill them with the grace he has filled his present position.
Hail to the Prophet, ascended to heaven.
Well said.
I’m with you, I didn’t feel sad at all. Not because I won’t miss him and his counsel, but because I know that he is probably much happier now to be reunited with his wife, and because things will move on. He was a great example, and I loved his warmth and his ability to cut through all sorts of nonsense to the simplicity that is the gospel.
I was first in shock when I saw the headline on my email forward.. but as I sat there within a few minutes I wasn’t sad anymore and I was filled with happiness at the beautiful thought of him being rejoined with his wife! What joy for them!
I can’t imagine loving another prophet more than him though. It’s hard to fathom how anyone could take his place, and be as amazing as he was. So he will be greatly missed, but still I am happy for him.
You put into words exactly what I thought when I heard of his passing. Thanks!
Amen and Amen.
Thank you for mentioning this. I too learned of his passing last night, and for a moment was shocked and saddened, but then truly happy for him. If anyone has deserved a bit of heavenly rest, it is him! Though I know it wont be long before he is given another mission to fulfill (really the same one, just continued), and he will be off and running with his beloved by his side. Look at how much he accomplished in his 90’s at such a remarkable pace! Now, without the ailes of an aging physical body, it is astounding to think of how much good he will be doing in building the Lord’s kingdom from his heavenly home!
DYM, I have read your column for months now, and this is the first time I have commented, so while I am here I want to say keep up the good work! Both at giving me a new perspective on homelife and parenting that both entertains me and encourages me, AND at doing what Elder Ballard has asked us to do, before even being asked!
(http://newsroom.lds.org/ldsnewsroom/eng/news-releases-stories/apostle-urges-students-to-use-new-media)
Oh yeah, and one more thing! I like you!
Amen.
Exactly.
This morning I turned on BYU TV and saw an awe-inspiring biographical documentary on President Hinckley. It didn’t have any information that was new to me, but hearing of all of his great accomplishments in a 1 hour tribute, was amazing. At the end, he bore a simple heart-felt testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel and I cried like a child. I am happy for him, but will miss his wit and wisdom.
beautifully said.
So well said. I will miss him. I’m sad for me. But I was SO overjoyed for him at hearing the news.
So nicely said, he was such a great man. He will be missed.
Thank you for your reminder of faith. When I heard President Hinckley died last night, I burst into tears and just sobbed. He was the prophet when I joined the Church 10 years ago, and I always liked to call him “my prophet”. Yet, he really was the Lord’s prophet. Though, it hardly seems possible that President Hinckley has passed away, and it’s hard to imagine things without him, it is comforting to know that he is now with his wife – and with Heavenly Father. There is no question to the fact that he was welcomed into Celestial Glory. Good bye, dear prophet… until we meet again!
I agree with you 100%. I wasn’t even sad last night. My good friend was in tears and very distraught and I felt bad that I was not. Yet, this morning I heard the hymn “We Thank Thee, O God, for a prophet” and I broke down for a few seconds. Just becaused I loved him so much and he will be missed.
He and his sweet Marjorie have always had a “Forever and all Eternity” relationship and I have always admired them for that. What a glorious reunion they must be having.
I loved the line in the paper today (from a recent interview) where he said that he planned to live as long as he could and then “cash in.” What a funny guy. Isn’t that a gambling metaphor?
I’m sorry your church lost such a wonderful leader. The tributes i keep coming across, such as this one, are so moving. What a great man.
You summed me up!
I will miss him, too. It was a good way to go, but it’s sad when people you REALLY like pass. I, too, am also sure he is in a very good place!