On Sunday, January 27, 2008 Tyson and I heard that our beloved Prophet had passed away. When I heard the news I was shocked and automatically started thinking about how much the Prophet meant to me. We came home and turned on the news to hear more details. Tyson and I had a good talk and expressed how much we will miss him, but how happy we are to know that he is with the love of his life and with our Heavenly Father.
Tyson, Raymie and I had the chance to go to President Hinckley's viewing on Friday. We knew that it would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. There were so many people lined up around the Conference Center. I was amazed to see how many people were outside and then when we entered the Conference Center I was shocked. They had us weaving all throughout the building then we actually sat down we were able to watch President Hinckley's 95th birthday celebration. Then they directed us to stand up and move again. Finally after 3 1/2 hours we entered the Hall of Prophets where President Hinckley's body was located. What a neat experience to bid farewell to our beloved Prophet. Tyson made the comment that he felt something that he had never felt before. The spirit was very powerful. We both are so glad that we were able to attend President Hinckley's viewing.
On Saturday Tyson and I watched and listened to President Hinckley's funeral. President Hinckley's daughter Virginia H. Pearce spoke, and other tributes were given by Bishop H. David Burton, Elder Earl C. Tingey, President Boyd K. Packer, President Henry B. Eyring, and President Thomas S. Monson. During the whole funeral service, tears kept rolling down my face. President Monson said that President Hinckley was such a giant, a giant of knowledge, of faith, of love, of testimony, of compassion, of vision. Elder Tingey talked about how each of us will have a special memory of President Hinckley. He expressed thanks for letting us know that you loved us, and we are better because of you.
We love President Hinckley and are going to miss him very much!
