Heroes..

A hero is a man/woman admired for his/her achievements and noble qualities; one who shows great courage; a person of extreme admiration and devotion. President Gordon B. Hinckley (1910-2008) is at the top of my list of heroes. Over the years as my prophet, he became a close friend as I knew how much he loved and cared about me. I felt as if I'd grown up knowing him as a neighbor because that's the kind of man he was. He had a heart full of love for people all over the world. He would never look down on anyone for being any different; instead, he would gently shake their hand or even hug them and make them feel special with his shining smile. When he spoke, I felt like he was often talking to me individually although I'm sure others felt the same. He was personable, a kind gentle leader of the church I love so much. He showed an admirable amount of love and respect for his wife, Marjorie, as he held her soft hand no matter who was watching. He was always a hard worker doing all he could for others, and making goals he would reach no matter what happened. His sense of humor will be remembered as he could make us laugh wether it be during a conference talk or while reading his writings. I have posted a quote from President Hinckley's General Conference talk in April 2004 regarding Marjorie's health. I love the way he talks about his angelic wife: "Now, my brothers and sisters, I reluctantly desire a personal indulgence for a moment. Some of you have noticed the absence of Sister Hinckley. For the first time in 46 years, since I became a General Authority, she has not attended general conference. Earlier this year we were in Africa to dedicate the Accra Ghana Temple. On leaving there we flew to Sal, a barren island in the Atlantic, where we met with members of a local branch. We then flew to St. Thomas, an island in the Caribbean. There we met with a few others of our members. We were on our way home when she collapsed with weariness. She's had a difficult time ever since. She's now 92, a little younger than I am. I guess the clock is winding down, and we do not know how to rewind it.
It is a somber time for me. We've been married for 67 years this month. She is the mother of our five gifted and able children, the grandmother of 25 grandchildren and a growing number of great-grandchildren. We've walked together side by side through all of these years, coequals and companions through storm and sunshine. She has spoken far and wide in testimony of this work, imparting love, encouragement, and faith wherever she's gone. Women have written letters of appreciation from all over the world. We continue to hope and pray for her and express from the depths of our hearts our appreciation for all who have attended her and looked after her and for your great faith and prayers in her behalf." My heart is full as I am so grateful for the time he had on this mortal earth, and the opportunity I had to listen intently to his advice and guidance through my years as a teenager and beyond. I love President Hinckley and miss him dearly. However, I know that I can see him again in the next life and that he is again with his loving wife. I have been blessed to learn and grow from hearing his words. I know he was a prophet of God, and he was chosen to be a special servant to the Lord to accomplish so much on this earth as a leader and as a man of God.