Because of the recent passing of President Hinckley, I have been reflecting on some of the things he's meant to me. Although he's not the first Prophet I remember, he is the one that guided me through my most formative years. The years that I was trying to figure out just who I am. I have always appreciated his sense of humor because he was able to be funny without being crass or inappropriate, which seems to be a hard thing to do these days. The following experience with him illustrates that.
At BYU I worked in the Marriott Center where many of the CES firesides took place. I had the chance to meet several General Authorities through this job. I often worked in the elevator, pushing buttons and making sure people got to all the right places. On a day that President Hinckley came to the Marriott Center, I had less than a minute with him in the elevator, but the following conversation ensued:
President Hinckley, shaking my hand, "What's your name?"
I told him.
President Hinckley, "Are you married or single?"
Me, "I'm single."
President Hinckley, "What's your major?"
Me, "Family Science."
President Hinckley, "Maybe you should be in engineering where all the young men are!"
I didn't take that advice to be prophetic...I did finally find my Peter Priesthood after I graduated, but I learned a few things about him from this encounter.
1. President Hinckley was truly interested in me as a person.
2. He cared deeply about young people pursuing and education, AND wanting to be married.
3. His jokes and sense of humor didn't have to be offensive.
How I love that man and I'm sad to see him go. As a family, we have been praying much for his health and that he would be able to do all that he is asked to do. I think Heavenly Father answered our prayers in a way that's better than we imagined.
Goodbye, President Hinckley!
