Alicyn, my mom and I decided that we wanted to brave the weather and crowds and go to President Hinckley's viewing on Friday, February 1st. Dave told me before we left the house that they had said on the radio that it was a 3 to 4 hour wait. Our kids have been sick the last week, so I really debated on whether it was a good idea or not. I was happy that Dave stayed home with Zach. It was much to cold for him and he would have just been miserable. Ali really wanted to go, anytime she hears President Hinckley talk or anything about him she stops what she is doing to listen. I wanted to go also, so I was glad that she was eager and willing. We went and picked my mom up and we drove to the free fare zone with Trax, and rode Trax the rest of the way. It was really cold, freezing actually. My sister Andrea and her husband Joe showed up about and hour and a half after we were in line. I was so happy because they were able to take little freezing Ali into the visitor center to warm up. We had our Sunday dresses on so her toes and legs were ice. We got in line at 6:00 pm. We waited outside winding around the conference center plaza for 2 1/2 hours. Once we were inside we waited another hour and a half, but at least we were inside by then. Alicyn didn't complain once, not even when she couldn't feel her toes anymore. This was really important to her. :)
All the waiting was so worth it. We wound around the conference center until we reached the hall of prophets on the top floor. The spirit there was amazing and it was so nice to pay our final respects to President Hinckely and say goodbye to him. I am sure it was an experience that all of us will remember forever. He is incredible!
Ali and I have been talking about our last Stake Conference we had which was a multi-stake meeting and we were fortunate to be invited to the Conference Center. I told Alicyn on our way to church that day, that it would probably be the last meeting we had that we could be in the same room with President Hinckley. She told me this weekend how happy she was to have been able to be there and listen to him in person. What a blessing we have to live nearby. I feel for those members of the church who live in other countries and don't have the opportunities we do. President Hinckely did travel the world and I know that others who have been in a meeting with him....feel the same way Ali and I do. JUST GRATEFUL!
2 comments:
Steph- You are such a good Mom taking Ali to the Conference Center. What a great opportunity for her. We sure love having Ali when she comes to our house. She is so polite and sweet to everyone- you taught her well.
I considered going too... for about a second. I can't believe you waited for so long. I loved reading about your experience. I wish we could have gone.
Post a Comment