we'll sing of his goodness and mercy

to hear about president hinckley's passing away was difficult for me. he was who i would consider, "my prophet." he was there when i gained my own testimony of the book of mormon & again when my testimony was restrengthened about the book through his challenge to read it by the end of the year. he was there when i gained my testimony of the prophet joseph smith, visiting nauvoo, carthidge jail & liberty jail. he was there when i gained my testimony of temples, being in the bountiful temple & listening to him do the temple dedication. he was there when i gained a testimony of the importance of being a "peculiar people." for those reasons and so many more, i am sad to say goodbye to such an amazing man. his sense of humor, his sweetness and above all, his unconditional love reached out to those inside and outside of the church. i am so proud to call him the leader of our church. i remember the first time i was able to actually see him in person....at the dress rehearsal of his 90th birthday party in the conference center. i wasn't sitting close, but the second he entered the room a hush fell over the crowd and the spirit was so strong that i could not deny that this was truly a man of God.

thank you for your example, president hinckley. you will be missed.