Melencholy Day!

Today is what I would consider a melancholy day. Last night at the Priesthood Preview for Austin (I can't believe my little boy is going to be 12 in a week!) we learned of the passing of our beloved prophet Gordon B. Hinckley. The overall feeling was one of shock... which was an odd feeling considering he was 97 years old and had battled with cancer, however, he just seemed so invincible and it is hard to imagine the church without him.
My first real thought was with a smile as I pictured him reuniting with his wife, Marjoree who died about 4 years ago. He missed her so much and it showed, so I am happy for them both, but sad for us! He was such an amazing man and he will be deeply missed. His gentle manner and sense of humor made him seem so very real, and yet he had such a power surrounding him. I am thankful for his life an for the way that he brought the church out in the open for all the world to know what a wonderful thing it is. I can't imagine that those who met him and interviewed him weren't left with a feeling of awe that they had been in the presence of someone very special.
So as I sit at the computer and look at the swirling snow outside my window, and contemplate life and the many changes that come when we least expect it and some, even when we do, I feel a little melancholy... but grateful for my knowledge that this is not it! We will continue on and see our loved ones again. The gospel of Jesus Christ is an amazing thing and I am so thankful to have it in my life. I am sure there is much rejoicing in Heaven right now, just as there are many tears here!