"We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet"

Yesterday I decided to pack up the kiddos and take a ride on trax to President Hinckley's viewing. We left at about 1:45 and met Neal downtown at about 2:15. By the time we got to the Conference Center, the lines were reasonably long but not too bad. We stood outside for about a half-hour and made it inside. From there we were herded through a series of snake-shaped lines until we were ushered inside the seating arena and seated into the different sections of the middle level of the center. This process took another hour. When we were finally seated in our section, there were 8 sections ahead of us. We were told the wait from that point would be around an hour and a half to two hours. Neal needed to go back to work, he had some meetings he couldn't get out of, so he reluctantly left me with the two boys. It turned out to be fine. They were showing President Hinckley's 95th birthday celebration on the big screens and playing music. Boe fell asleep and Gage just kind of hung out. We had to make two bathroom breaks but other than that the kids were ANGELS. I have to say that I believe it was Divine Intervention (and those of you who know my kids would probably agree!)

We sat by the cutest lady and her daughter from Sugarhouse and we chatted during our, what turned out to be, very long wait. We sat and watched as the sections on the middle level completely filled up. They then began filling up the sections in the lower level. It was amazing! I couldn't believe how many people were there to honor their Prophet. Finally, after almost two and a half hours, it was our section's turn! They led us out of the arena and up the escalators. There were about 400 people in our section, and at least two other sections in front of us.

We all filed down the Hall of the Prophets on the top level of the Conference Center. As soon as we entered the hall, I can't explain the feeling that was present in the room. There were literally hundreds of people and it was absolutely silent. People had small babies and children and not one of them made a sound. There was soft, beautiful music being played and the hall is lined with busts of former prophets as well as some statues of Jesus Christ and some beautiful artwork. The feeling was undescribable. In the center of the room was the casket of the Prophet of God lying in state. The only thing that separated us from him were some red velvet ropes. We got to walk right past him and it was the most unbelievable experience I have ever had. Gage started crying and said his heart was beating "really" fast Boe was absolutely silent. They both looked at our Prophet and wanted to stay near him. It was incredible. I am sure that every single person who had the opportunity to walk past that casket was changed in some way.

President Hinckley looked so at peace and I left there wanting to be a better person and live a better life. It is amazing to me that this man even in death is still affecting people. The four hour wait was worth every second of the 30 that I got to spend in the Hall of the Prophets paying tribute to a Great Man. I will never forget it.