In Loving Memory...

President Hinckley passed away. That's (quite literally) the news on the street. Initially, passing such significant news by text message (how I found out) seemed almost vulgar, but I think it's just a testament to the stature of the man. I don't think anyone alive was more loved than President Hinckley in his day. I feel like a close friend has left me but am overjoyed that he has reached the "finish line," so to speak. With all of our postulations I don't think we ever really realized that this day could come. But here it is. It is a solemn occasion but not a bleak one. I remember a time on my mission when I'd been in one city for what I felt was a very long time. I was working as hard as I could and knew I could continue to work as long as I was there. But, you know, deep down I really wanted a transfer. I was willing to do what the Lord had called me to do but I wasn't opposed to a change. I think that's how President Hinckley felt. He was old and tired, he missed his wife, but he would have kept giving everything he had for as long as it was expected of him. That is precisely what he did and that is precisely why the phone lines are jammed, text message inboxes are full, and the loss of one ninety-seven year old man is so widely felt. He was transferred. We'll see him soon. In the meantime we'll miss him but how grateful we are for a living church and continuing revelation through inspired men like him. I imagined myself crying a river and wearing black for a week but I fail to see the tragedy in the situation. He's with his wife, his friends, and millions of people who I'm sure have welcomed him with open arms.