I couldn't not mention the passing of President Hinckley, but didn't feel it fit with the last fluff.

There will certainly be more eloquent tributes, but I have a desire to add my bit to a man that, though I never met him personally, loved.

I found out via text message - I didn't even recognize the number. We were watching Masterpiece Theater, Mansfield Park. It was something that I didn't want to believe, so I didn't. This was 8:30.

I later received one from Auntie Marki, and Hammond, so it was time to admit it was truth. We've watched the rounds of tv tributes, and the impromptu singing, though admittedly changed the channel (Sarah was master of the clicker, but I was in full agreement) when they were to show the interview with BYU students.

I will miss President Hinckley. I do remember President Benson, and President Hunter, but President Hinckely has been the Prophet for more than half my life. 1995 was so long ago! I was living in Mesa, still, my hair was straighter, and the puppies were still truly puppies.

Before he was Prophet, I went to a rededication with the Baxters (this was a while ago, thus my memory is a bit sketchy). I think it was for the rededication of the Millcreek Building, near where he grew up. I remember standing on my chair in an attempt to see him, but I didn't have my glasses, so I couldn't see very well.

I remember when he announced the rebuilding of the Nauvoo Temple. I was listening to conference at the McKays. It was a Saturday session.

I remember sitting in the Assembly Hall when he read The Family: A Proclamation to the World. I was with my mum and Auntie Marki.

I remember him, while I was at the MTC, I remember seeing his grief at the passing of his wife. I thought then, that we wouldn't have him much longer. That was a little less than four years ago.

I don't know at this time what I'll remember most about him. Maybe it will be his smile, the genuine love he had for people. Perhaps it will be the constant reminder to us all to "stand a little taller" and to "be a little better" always reminding us at the close of conference that we have learned, and that we should be better people in some way, no matter how small.

For now, what I will remember most, is the relationship that he and his wife had. You could not deny the love and respect that they had for each other. I remember an interview with Sis. Hinckley, she said to President Hinckley, "You have always given me wings to fly, and I have loved you for it." (Ensign, Nov 2004, 82)

There are no words sufficient to fully honor this man. I was once given advice on how to pay tribute to ancestors who have gone before, and I will now do my best to apply it here: live your life as a tribute to those who have gone before. May President Hinckley not have served in vain: Let us all strive to stand a little taller.