Tributes

I have loved reading all of the blogs today about peoples thoughts about President Hinckley. It has been nice to see how he has touched so many people in so many different ways. I add my amens to all of them.

I got to be close to President Hinckley a few times, all because of my time in the BYU music program. Once our choir was lined up in the halls of the HFAC to get ready for one of our concerts. I think it was a Christmas concert. Down the hall came President Hinckley and his wife. They both shook hands as they went down the corridor. Just the overwhelming spirit that could be felt being that close to him was amazing.

I got to sing in the choir at General Conference once. I remember when the prophet walked in to take his seat, he gave us all a wave. And when it was over he turned around and gave us a thumbs up. He was always so appreciative of the music.

My last experience with him was one that I don't remember much of because I was SO nervous. I was a senior at BYU. My friend Tracy was a grad student in Choral Conducting and was asked to conduct the music at the Devotional where President Hinckley was going to speak. Tracy hates being on camera (anyone who has been to the Marriot center knows there is a huge jumbo tron where they display the conductor so everyone can watch -- plus it is broadcast on BYU TV). So she asked if I could do it and the powers that be said YES. Holy cow. What an honor. It would have been an honor to do it regardless of who was speaking. I met with the organist so we could practice and get everything just right. We sang hymns for 30 minutes before the prophet was scheduled to arrive. Then we sang "We Thank Thee O God For a Prophet" as he came in. I even had a seat on the front row of the stand with my name on it. I have that little sticker in my hymnbook to remember that day.

One last thing thought I had about our Prophet -- I love that our church is run by men who live their lives with such amazing integrity. These are men that you know would never do anything to embarrass the church or shine a negative light on themselves or the Gospel. Every time I hear of some random minister who ran off with a younger woman, or had a homosexual affair, or embezzled money from their congregation, I am reminded about blessed we are who have men who have been chosen by God to lead this church. Men who were taught correct principles when they were young and who lived righteous lives in preparation for this mission. It is no small thing to read the amazing things that people who are not of our faith have to say about President Hinckley. They may not believe our Gospel, but all who have met him agree that he was a special man, full of love, wisdom, humor, and the Spirit of God.