Tribute to President Gordon B. Hinckley-out of the mouths of Babes.

A couple of weeks ago we mourned the loss of a great man, Gordon B. Hinckley. He was a prophet, seer, and revelator in these days of uncertainty. As we broke the news to our children, especially our two older girls, we wanted to assure them that all is still well--Heavenly Father will choose another prophet. I think my little Samantha said it best.

The story continues...

We attended the funeral services via church broadcast system. Literally the chapel was empty. Everyone else must be watching this from there home dish service. There was only one older couple there and an older gentleman. My husband and I felt a bit disruptive there with our four children. We were trying to keep them quiet by serving them pieces of lunch, you know the usual, peanut butter and jelly, carrots, cubed cheese, raisin pieces, etc. But the reverence quickly ceased as the meal disappeared. Ah-hah I thought, "I am a prepared mom, I have "quiet toys" for them to play with (on the floor) so that they do not disturb anyone." So I pulled out the coloring books, the small cars, and lacing cards. Roughly 5 minutes later, giggles, cries, and pouts creep into my ears. Stearn looks and frowny faces should do the trick. Nope. Pointy fingers jerking to the children's direction. That will let them know I mean business. Nope. To the back of the chapel. Nope. Out in the foyer. Nope. To the car? Nope. The first services were over. The couple left.
I clearly understood that it was our children's quiet time and that this was not going to be easy. Robert was busy with the girls while I was working with Brian. So while I was out in the car, I grabbed a blanket and wrapped Brian in it. As soon as he was still he quickly went to sleep. I walked back inside, laid Brian on the back bench, and scanned the rows for problem child number two, Elaina. She had been squeezing between the wall and the pews, and squawking when her head got stuck. And yet continued to do it repeatedly. Once we made eye contact the game began. Running between the pews then ducking under to the next row as Mommy got close, clearly Elaina was winning the game. But alas, Mommy, with her quick legs and long arms reached and grabbed a hold. Now we can sit and watch the funeral cars go by on the T.V. We found something quiet for her to do until the grave site services were over.
The old man left.
We were there by ourselves now with a breath of relief that we didn't have to stress every time our children made a peep.
The life and tribute of the Prophet began and I wanted to see it since the media wasn't covering the death of the prophet of the world. So after 3 1/2 hours of services to the prophet it was time to go home.

The following Sunday was Fast and Testimony Sunday and our girls wanted to bear their testimonies. They, one by one, went up to bear theirs. Katie bore her testimony about Temples and how a family can be sealed for time and all eternity. She practically ran off the stage and down the aisle and into her seat. We quickly told her that running in the chapel was inappropriate. Then we let her know that we are proud of her. Then Samantha wanted to go up and so she went by herself. She began, "I want to bear my testimony. I know the church is true. I know President Hinckley is.......dead. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen."

Oh, everyone laughed. Even the Stake President stood up and said, "Just as that little girl knows that President Hinckley is dead, I know.......yatta, yatta, yatta." I didn't even get to listen to what he had to say because all of our friends around us were smiling and giving their condolences for our embarrassing moment.

But I would like to let you know that
I am glad that I have been able to share this experience with my children and to show them that The Lord has a plan for us. We are not left here to wander after a prophet has died. The Lord has order. I know that the Lord has called President Thomas S. Monson to be our next prophet and that his counselors Henry B. Eyring and Deiter F. Uchtdorf, are also called of God. I am grateful for this opportunity to test my faith and ask God, and to find out for myself. Have you taken the time to find out for yourself?