A few years ago I was up in Utah for my Grandmother's funeral. While there I took a trip to the Salt Lake City cemetery to do some genealogy research. I found quite a few family head stones and also quite a few headstones for prominent figures in LDS history. I'm not freaked out by cemeteries. On the contrary, I think they are cool. It intrigues me to think of the history that is quite literally just under my feet.
Of all the tombstones I saw that day only one made me sad. It was the headstone for Marjorie Hinkley, the wife of Gordon B. Hinkley. The stone had both of their names on it and it was a little uncomfortable to see the name of a living person on a tombstone. It saddened me think of the two of them being separated after having spent so much of their life together. I know it's kinda weird to think this way, but my heart was gladdened by the news this morning that these two are separate no longer.
So long. I'll miss your leadership and sense of humor but I'm glad that you are once again with your sweetheart.
You put it well. It is a sad and happy time. He was so lonely without Marjorie and he said so on several occasions. I know the reunion was wonderful. We are the sad ones who will miss his counsel, his strong voice, his ability to bring people together, his fabulous sense of humor. Thank goodness for DVDs and books.
ReplyDeleteI am sure he is happy too.
ReplyDeleteReceived this last week. A fitting reflection.
ReplyDeleteRay
Prophetic Passing
I imagine he's running to Marjorie now,
Yes, running, not waving his cane.
I see him embracing his father and mother
While they keep repeating his name.
I see him now meeting his forebears,
Brother Brigham and Joseph are there.
Sweet reunion of prophets, united by service
That only such noble men share.
I see him embraced by the Savior
While Father says, "Good and well done.
So faithful in stalwart endurance, I welcome
My noble, most excellent son."
I then hear the ripples of laughter
As he says the reception's just fine,
But he hopes that he'll get an assignment or two
Since there's no need to waste any time.
I can hear his clear voice in the stillness
At the close of this sweet Sabbath day,
Have faith and move forward — there's work to be done.
President Hinckley would want it that way.
Anna M. Molgard
January 27, 2008