On a rainy, Saturday morning, we drove up 89 from Bountiful towards Salt Lake. As Dave’s Aunt Susan pulled into the driveway of the cemetery, I was still thinking about my aching body from a full day of skiing on Friday. She slowly made her way around the narrow drive, winding down the hill which overlooks the temple and the rest of downtown SLC. Pointing out various headstones, she noted the sites of David O. McKay, Spencer W. Kimball, John Taylor, J. Golden Kimball and other notable church history leaders. I found myself looking for names that I recognized. I turned and looked out the rain-streaked window; the grey skies reminded me of Seattle, but the mood felt different. There was a lightness in the air and a stillness that felt very peaceful.
As she turned left and pulled alongside a large tree, she came to a stop. For a moment, I didn’t feel right about getting out of the car. But, then I eased the door open and walked up to a large, light-grey granite pillar. On the back was a small note on a black placard: “Extra granite from the Salt Lake Temple and LDS Conference Center.” Dave & I then walked around to the front of the 7-8’ monument and saw the word “HINCKLEY” etched in a simple, black Times Roman font. It was beautiful. We read the dates and looked at the flowers. As Dave pointed out a small cane that someone left in the ground, the reality of President Hinckley’s passing suddenly hit me: he is no longer here. An intense sadness washed over me, but as I looked back at Marjorie’s headstone, I began to smile… and that peaceful stillness returned.
Photo courtesy of Rich Legg
2 comments:
The minute I saw the picture I knew where it was. M's parents are buried there. It is the most peaceful place. I loved to go there with family and just sit. My daughter told me about the grave site. She said a little boy brought the cane. I'm glad you got to go.
chelle, thank you for this beautifully written post. I felt like I was there with you as I read. I know I'm going to cry when Conference begins next month. I hope someday I might get to tell him how much he touched my life. I'm thinking if I ever get the chance, I'll have to wait in a long line.
Post a Comment