Such a loss....

Photo by Meridian Magazine

Our earth lost a great and marvelous man last night.

Sunday, January 27, was a typical sabbath day for our family. We woke up, got ready for church, attended our meetings and then came home to spend family time together and relax. That evening W and I took our youngest daughter back to the church for the Primary's Eight is Great program. Our baby, Tiny, who really isn't a baby anymore, was so excited to go becuase she'd learn about her pending baptism and get more information about attending Activity Days. Her excitement was contagious and we had a fun evening watching her interact with her CTR-8 pals.

When we got home from that it was just after 8:00 and we were getting into our jammies to begin our nighttime ritual when the phone rang. I saw on the caller ID that it was my mom so I answered it. She said that she was calling to say she was sorry. Confused, I asked her why... She said she is so sorry about President Hinckley. My mom is not a member of the Church, so her statement startled me a bit. I asked her what happened?

She proceeded to tearfully tell me that she'd seen on the news that President Gordon B. Hinckley had passed away. All I could say is, "Oh no, I didn't know!" and I started to cry. I don't really know why the news was so unexpected to me, since he is 97 years old and has been looking a bit worn lately, but it really took me by surprise and I burst into tears and said goodbye to her.

My husband was instantly by my side asking me what was wrong and I was crying so much I had to breathe deeply to even get the words out. I think I scared the children with my reaction because they really didn't know how to handle the news. My husband choked up a bit and we went to the television to see what the news was saying.

I admit that I did overreact to the news. While I am sad that we have lost a very dear prophet, I know that he is now reunited with his dear wife and that he is surrounded by the love of God in paradise. I am happy for him. It just seemed as though he would go on forever and forever as our prophet and mouthpiece for Heavenly Father...

I know that the church will go on because it is the Lord's church. I will accept whomever is called to serve as President with all my heart because I know he will be called of God. All is well and as it should be.

I've still shed a tear or two over the loss, but happy for the progression.