A CHILD'S TOUCHING TEARS

This morning as Ethan was helping me make his breakfast before heading to school, I gave him the news that President Hinckley had passed away last night. I had then braced myself for what I thought was going to be an hour of questions from him but what came was completely unexpected.

Ethan was still for about 5 seconds while he internalized what I had just said and then all of a sudden he collapsed into my arms and began sobbing. My heart broke as I held my little 5 year old who completely and unconditionally loved this modern day prophet. After I let him sob while I held him for a few minutes I then lifted his head, wiped away the tears, and then went on to say that our prophet has now gone to live with his Heavenly Father and that Sister Hinckley, who had already passed away a few years ago, had been waiting patiently for him too. He seemed to understand what I was saying and then quietly responded "I will miss him so very much."

Words can't express how touching this moment was with my son and to see the love he had for someone he had never met. I am truly grateful that as a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints I was able to experience the love and service of my prophet Gordon B. Hinckley. He was a man that through his testimony and prophetic words strengthened me and helped me to strive to be a better person. I adored his humor and will never forget the early morning devotional, on temple square, where he spoke to our mission with inspiring words and a love for all of his missionaries. That was one of the many moments I received a testimony that he was a prophet of God. President Hinckley, I thank my Heavenly Father that he gave you to us. You are loved, admired and respected and we will miss you!