Heavenly Hinkley

A while back when Jessica first started talking and learning about the gospel we spent some time teaching her about prophets. I remember reading from her Book of Mormon stories for kids and trying to explain to her what a prophet is. I used some elaborate demonstration to let her know how it works. I think she got it - I hope. Anyway she developed a great love for President Hinkley, the only living prophet she has ever known. One day during conference I asked her, "Jess, who is our prophet today?" With great enthusiasm at knowing the answer she exclaimed, "Heavenly Hinkley!"

With the news of our prophet's passing my first thought was . . ."Now he really is Heavenly Hinkley." We've been expecting this for some time and yet it still came as somewhat of a shock. He did give the impression that he was immortal. I know I felt at the last conference that perhaps this would be his last, but then he said, "I'll see you at the next conference. . ." and I believed maybe just one more?? Then last night - probably at just about the time he was getting ready to pass away, I mentioned in FHE that perhaps we should pray for President Hinkley because after all he was getting quite old.

When I told Jessica the news this morning her reply was, "Oh no! President Hinkley? But I love President Hinkley!" I assured her that the next prophet would be just as wonderful, but she wasn't ready to believe me yet.

I'm sure the world this side and the other is rejoicing at the reunion of President and Sister Hinkley on the other side. I honestly was surprised he made it this long without her. Good for them. The church is true!