In Memory of President Gordon B. Hinckley

President Hinckley's passing seems somewhat surreal to me. Though I never met him in person, it seems as if a friend has died. I'm sure many church members feel that way and I think that's one of the beautiful things about him. Although many have never even been in the same room as him, President Hinckley was someone who was easy to love. I have been in the same room as him three times, with better seats each time.:) When I attended the devotional at BYU this pass September and was actually able to clearly see his face, I could not doubt he was a man of God. I could also feel the immense love and hope he had for everyone in the room. It was extremely comforting.
President Hinckley is the only Prophet I can remember having, so this has been somewhat of a testimony builder in that the church will keep going on as it always has, and nothing will change because of leadership. I can't imagine what a faith-building experience it must have been when Joseph Smith died, and yet the gospel continued.
President Hinckley's death has also made the Plan of Salvation more real to me. I can only imagine what a reception it must be as he sees his wife again, old friends, and even past prophets. As I imagine these things, the fact that it's really happening has helped me realize what an amazing gift the gospel really is.
I will certainly miss him and his reassuring yet inspiring words. President Hinckley was not only the prophet of our church, but also a great man, and probably every girl's dream as to the love and respect he had for his wife. He was a good man, and I feel extremely fortunate to have been lead by him.