I remember the day that President Hinckley died. I went to a predominantly Latter Day Saint High school. The day after he passed away most of my school showed up in church dress unprompted...we just did it to show respect for a man we all loved. When President Monson was called as the next president of the church I sustained him and knew I would follow his counsel but it was a struggle because it wasn't President Hinckley. However, I am one of the lucky ones who had a face to face with President Monson that changed my life.
Joe grew up in President Monson's home ward. He was his home teacher growing up. When we were dating he drove me by the Monson home on the back of a motorcycle. My mother n law still attended that ward and would report when President Monson would come to the home ward. She said that usually he would sneak in the back and slip back out again. I told her that next time he showed up to text me so I could come to the sacrament meeting.
Everyone has dark or hard times in their life. I of course am included. A few years back I was having some struggles in life. I was a newly wed and although very happy I had gained weight, so much of life was different, and some other details I will exclude from the Internet. Well on one particular Sunday I was really struggling. I was wearing my least favorite dress and a ponytail. While usually I am a ponytail fan I don't like wearing one on Sunday. I felt heavy and lonely that Sunday and relief society wasn't helping. My phone buzzed and the box on the screen said,
"He's here."
I ran to the car on the while texting Joe to meet me at the car STAT which he did. We drove out to Joe's home ward and there on the stand sat President Monson. As I scooted in next to Joe and my mother n law I couldn't stop smiling. Apparently he rarely sits on the stand and even more rare is that he would speak but on this Sunday he did both. He stood up and bore his testimony on our Savior's love for each of us. That he knew each of us individually and cared deeply about our heartaches and struggles. I couldn't help but let a few tears slip through. It was as if he spoke directly to me.
As the meeting ended Joe grabbed my hand and said,
"Let me introduce you"
We stood in front of the prophet and Joe reminded him who he was and President Monson warmly shook his hand recalling who my husband was. Then Joe turned to me and said this is my new wife Collett. President Monson clasped both my hands in his looked me in the eyes and said
"You are a good one."
He said goodbye and walked away as I stood motionless in complete awe.
I am a good one.The prophet told me so. It didn't matter that I was wearing my least favorite dress and a ponytail anymore...I was a good one. My heart and soul...they are good ones! A good one.
I have joked with Joe that I want to tattoo you are a good one on my arm ever since. The irony is not lost on me. But, I love words...especially life altering ones. This experience was altering for me. I don't doubt myself, I know Heavenly father thinks I am a good one. On bad days when I forget I just remember these five words and I can easily pick myself back up and move forward with happiness and hope.
So last night when I heard news that he had passed away I felt immediately sad just as I had when president Hinckley died. Because he was my prophet and the spirit confirmed it to me through this experience. Don't worry Dad I did not go get my tattoo today although I wanted to. Instead I spent a large part of today reading talks and quotes from President Monson. If I did everything he said I am sure I would lead a very happy and fulfilled life. Perhaps I should throw out my new years goals and rewrite them to include life lessons from president Monson.
I look forward to the announcement of the new President of the church and sustaining him with vigor and no hesitation.
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