musings and misadventures: Lunch with President Hinckley

1.28.2008

Lunch with President Hinckley

When I heard the news last night that our beloved prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckley, had passed away, I instantly wanted to pay tribute to him on this blog.

I told Mr. Dub I wanted to open my comments to people's favorite memory or story of President Hinckley. When I asked myself what mine would be, I found myself thinking, "The time we had lunch together."

Only problem? We never did. Yet my mind could so clearly pull up an image of us chatting over a garden salad as we waited for our main course. He would ask about me and my life. I would ask him what I could do to be a better person and more charitable. We would laugh.

Part of this bizarre illusion, of course, is the result of my strange emotional state as of late. (How else can I explain how completely happy I am that he has died and finally gets to be reunited with his dear wife and take a break from his whirlwind responsibilities?) But I think mostly my pretend lunch date is a reflection of how close I felt to this man, who served as LDS Church president for 13 years and has been a member of the First Presidency since I was two years old.

I always felt like he knew me. I always felt like he understood my generation and our unique set of challenges. I appreciated his humor and easygoing attitude. I loved his ability to be kind and firm at the same time. I knew he was a prophet of God.

Now, we are going to have a new prophet. And while it will be so sad to see someone else in President Hinckley's seat, I have the faith and testimony that he will be called of God, as well. But he won't be filling President Hinckley's shoes; he will be wearing his own and making his own mark as an individual. And that's the way it's supposed to be.

I'll save my story about the time President Monson wanted to have me fired for a news story I wrote about him for another time. 'Cause that one is true, and I don't want you to think any less of the man who is most likely going to be our next prophet. (FYE: It ultimately made me respect him even more.)

Meanwhile, have I told you about the time I had lunch with President Hinckley ...

What's your favorite story or memory of this great man?

23 comments:

Ashby said...: I remember the first time I saw him at BYU. The Marriott Center was so loud, and the second he walked through the doors the room went silent, everyone stood, and all started singing "We Thank Thee O God For A Prophet". It was amazing!

And while I feel incredible sadness at his passing, I feel the same amount of joy in knowing he has been reunited with his wife that he has missed for the past 4 years.; 7:26 AM
Page said...: I was in Santiago, Chile a couple of years ago when President Hinckley had just had surgery to remove a cancerous growth. The doctors recommended that he rest and definitely avoid traveling for some time. At that time, President Hinckley was also scheduled to come to Chile to re-dedicate the newly rennovated temple. He easily could have sent someone else to dedicate it, but he felt a special connection to Chile and wanted to come himself. He postponed the dedication a couple of weeks and made the trip!! The Chilean people felt of his love for them through this great sacrifice, and I felt it too.; 8:05 AM
LCM said...: I married a non member and moved to attend University of Oregon in Eugene with him. A mere six weeks later, my hubby and I had the chance to attend a Regional conference in which President Hinckley and his wife both spoke. We were seated less than 50 feet away and this was one of my husband's first introductions to the leaders of the church. He was thoroughly impressed with the talks given by the prophet and his wife, giving him a very favorable impression of the church. I also love seeing him on Larry King, even as old as he was, he was so quick and had such a wit about him, I was always so proud that he was the leader of our church.; 8:13 AM
Leisha Mareth said...: I don't have a particular story. I just know that the spirit in our home changed as we watched him speak at every conference. I would be drowsily half-watching conference and when he would get up to speak I felt overwhelmed with emotion...peace, confidence. I felt the love of my Savior through the love of this man.

He handled himself with such ease in difficult situations. He didn't come that way, he learned just like all of us do...line upon line. My mother-in-law remembers an experience with him where he was very upset about some sound equipment issues (this was long ago, prior to his being in the First Presidency...) It is comforting to know that becoming who he was, beloved by all, was a PROCESS. We all have that same opportunity to grow and perfect ourselves.

My father remembers at a temple dedication everyone pushing and shoving their children up to be with him, to meet him, to touch him. My Dad said it was kind of bizarre and he watched for President Hinckley's reaction intently. He was exactly what you said, firm AND kind at the same time.

I love him. I have a testimony of him.

I also have a 'juicy'personal story about President Monson. It builds my testimony though, to know that through mere mortal men, the Lord can move mountains and build his kingdom here on earth. It also helps me realize my own potential amidst my personal flaws and weaknesses.

Rest in Peace Sweet President Hinckley. We love you so.; 8:15 AM
NG said...: I think one of my favorite things about him is the sense of humor with which he faced his life and his Presidency. When he first became prophet, the press was asking him "What will be your THING? Will it be 'read the Book of Mormon'? 'avoid pride'? What will be the theme of your Presidency?"

His eyes flashed and he smiled at them and said, "Endure to the end."

Like so many of my parents' generation who felt that David O'McKay was such a central figure and the face of the church during that time, I feel that way about Gordon Hinckley. I will miss him.; 8:27 AM
Mary said...: In 1974 I was working at JC Penneys in SLC and I sold him some hardware. He was sweet and kind ... of course.

My favorite story is when they were dedicating the new conference center and he told of how "his" tree had become the pulpit. I never look at that pulpit without being thrilled that President Hinckley is literally a part of it.

That will be a great comfort in the future.; 9:11 AM
Jessi said...: I like to think that someday we may be able to have lunch with President Hinckley, and hopefully his wife, too! They are my heroes and I do hope to meet them someday.; 9:25 AM
Lindsey from The R House said...: like you, mrs. dub, i also feel like i knew him more personally than i did. i called him "my prophet."

i remember being the tour coordinator at the flag pole on temple square as a missionary. i was all alone (which was okay in our mission for all of you that are having cardiac arrest) early one snowy winter morning. with a walkie talkie in hand, suddenly a door opens on the temple and all 12 of the apostles, plus the first presidency--including the beloved prophet--walk out. i stood there with my mouth hanging open for a minute. all 15 of them turned and waved to me. realizing that i was the only visible person on the square, i snapped out of my daze, grinned from ear to ear and enthusiastically waved back. they were walking to the new north visitors' center to see the displays. i slowly brought the walkie up to my lips and said, "did anyone see that? you will never believe what just happened to me..."; 9:30 AM
Lindsee said...: I was in high school when he had that special broadcasted fireside for the youth. He prayed for us there. It was the most sincere prayer. Quite a unique experience I think, to hear the prophet pray so specifically for all the youth of the church. It taught me how important being obedient is and how many people it hurts when we are not. I remember feeling special, loved, and appreciated. My decisions mattered immensly to someone who has never personally met me.

Another, was less than a year ago. Elder Holland spoke at our stake conference and he spoke of the President Hickley and testified of what a miracle he is. He said he is 97 years old and is the first one to arrive at work and the last to leave. He said that everything he does, he does for us, individually.; 9:31 AM
Morgan said...: my favorite memory of pres hinckley was during the olympics. i was in the light of the world production. one day, the prophet came to watch a preview and give tips for how it needed to be changed, etc. afterwards, he spoke to the whole cast. as he was standing there, this little girl who was probably 4, ran up to him and hugged his legs. it was the sweetest thing in the world, that this little soul knew who this man was, and just couldn't bare it anymore, she had to hug him!

i too feel that he is "my" prophet, the only one i really remember, the only one who has inspired me and helped confirm my testimony of the gospel of jesus christ. i love him and will miss him waving his cane around at conference, but couldn't be happier knowing how happy he is where he is now!; 10:37 AM
Melanie M. McKinnon said...: when i was younger, i loved how short his talks were during conference so we could get out of there faster. as i got older, i loved his talks differently because he always reminded us of the basics principles and the importance of remembering them. after all, that is what our church is all about.

also, when i went to one conference live, as he walked off the stage, he gave the crowd a nice wave of his cane. he always kept it light and comfortable and i'll miss him for that.

i'm so happy he's back with his wife he missed so much. but i'm definitely going to miss him here.; 10:40 AM
Charlotte said...: So I don't have to type it twice... Here's my favorite; 10:47 AM
emily & david said...: "Things work out." I love and live by his mantra. 'Cuz things always do--work out--with or without my added stressing.

As much as I'll miss his twinkling eye and lightheartedness, I'm glad he's finally able to cuddle again with Marjorie.; 10:47 AM
Kate said...: I just wrote a post about this ... I have loved reading all of your experiences.. and for many of them I feel the same. I can't wait to meet both President Hinckley and Marjorie one day.. I love them both and will miss him very much!; 12:28 PM
Emma said...: Although I never had the pleasure of shaking his hand, I have seen him speak several times in person (at General Conference and BYU devotionals). I worked at the MTC during college, and got to see him up close in the halls there once. I remember his wit and his smile. He was always warm and welcoming.; 2:01 PM
Laurel said...: Sadly, my one brief encounter with Pres. Hinckley is mortitfying to recall. He came to our stake to speak when he was an apostle, and I was able to be one of the young women to serve during the luncheon. I didn't speak to President Hinckley except to say "You're welcome." He was a very kind man by the way.

What fascinated me, however, was that he had a bodyguard. It had never occurred to me in all my 13 years that an apostle would need a body guard. I just couldn't get over it. So when I had the chance I asked him, "Can you kill someone with your bare hands?"

My mother died of mortification. I do too now when I think about it.; 2:34 PM
Elisa said...: First, Laurel, your comment made me laugh right out loud!
Second, I am a lurker here, and rarely comment... but I feel like I know you. I think you said beautifully what we all feel. This amazing man had a way of making us all feel loved! I too felt like he was a close friend, and probably could invision myself having lunch with him too. My favorite memories are actually stories told to me... first by my husband, Jefe. He said that he had parked in the underground lot at the Joseph Smith building, and President Hinckley came zipping by on his golf cart. He stopped, backed up, and said to Jefe "how do you like my new car?" then started laughing hysterically and zipped off again. The other my dad told me.. he was backing out of a parking stall in the Joseph Smith building, and looked in his rear view mirror to see President Hinckley guiding him out like a traffic controller (or for those RM's of us, the way we were all supposed to back our companions out of the parking stalls). He backed my Dad out, slapped the back of the car and said "Off with you and take care!"
What a great sense of humor, and great example of how we all should act in our lives. Its too short... just be happy. I am sure that there was an amazing reunion last night... one I hope to experience too someday.
Thanks for letting me post... your blog is bright spot in my day!; 3:25 PM
Anonymous said...: to be honest, i don't have many memories of pres. hinckley. pres. benson was prophet when i converted, then i kind of fell away from the church during pres. hinckley's term.

i will say that i will be very thrilled and excited when pres. monson is confirmed. i've actually met him on several occasions, as he always seems to be the representative from the first presidency on-hand when i attend something in person.

pres. monson he has always reminded me of my grandpa, and i have always felt such love and comfort emanate from him - whether it's through t.v., radio, something he's written, or in person. i just adore him!

but in some small way, i will miss pres. hinckley, just as i miss pres. benson... the three of them make up "my" history in the church :); 7:47 PM
sara said...: Your remarks are so appropriate and succinct as to the way I'm sure we all feel about him. I couldn't have said it any better (which is why my own post on the subject is limited to about two sentences... I lack the writing skills). He will be missed.; 8:34 PM
Mindy said...: I met him twice. They were fleeting handshakes midst a crowd. But it was my moment of meeting a hero.

You say it perfectly. He will be dearly missed but I think we are all so happy for him right now. I can only imagine the many open arms waiting to welcome him.; 10:02 PM
Jaime said...: We had Stake Conference 2 weeks ago where he spoke to all of the so cal stakes. He spoke about marriage and our expectations of it and our spouses...what a great way to say goodbye to us as he leaves to embrace his darling wife once again.; 12:02 AM
Megan B said...: My favorite thoughts of him are how much he loved his dear wife and how dearly he missed her when she died. I love the story about when the GBH Alumni building at BYU was being dedicated and he spoke saying that he hoped very much that the Marjorie Hinckley chair (a rocking chair made by one of her ancestors I believe) could be in his building...and then it would be a perfect building. Of course BYU got right on that one and it now sits below his portrait. I want to treat my marriage in such a way that my sweet husband will miss me that much when I am gone (or he is).; 3:10 PM
leigh said...: I know this is late, but I've been thinking a lot about President Hinckley since his death.

What I liked most about him is how he made you feel like we were all doing a great job at everything. We were good people, doing a great job. And then he would gently nudge us to do better. At a reasonable pace. He was a great motivator.

(ps - I'm one of Ginny's old roommates.); 12:26 AM