Bella and I met and shook President Monson's hand at the Aspen Grove family camp near Sundance, Utah a few years ago. Apparently President Monson's extended family goes to Aspen Grove one week out of every summer and when they are there, he comes up to be the speaker at the outdoor fireside. Interestingly enough, my family has only gone to Aspen Grove twice...once in 2002 and once in 2005 and both times, we happened to be there the week President Monson's family was there and so both times, our fireside speaker was President Monson. It was such a neat experience both times because it was such an intimate setting in the small, outdoor arena and instead of a well prepared talk, he basically told stories. He is a great story teller and has an incredible memory. His stories always seem to be about following the spirit and helping people in miraculous ways.
Another memory I have of him is from before I was married. I was attending college in Utah and was going home to California for the weekend. The airplane that I was to fly on was just arriving with passengers and so I was going to have to wait until all of the passengers got off before I could board. I was just standing around when I see President Monson (and a few other people, probably security guards) come walking towards my gate. (This was before 9/11 when anyone could come to the gates to greet arriving passengers). Apparently he had family arriving on the plane that I was going to board. I stood there beaming as I saw him coming towards me and I noticed that it didn't seem like very many people knew who he was. I was surprised since afterall, this was the Salt Lake City airport. Anyway, I just stood back smiling as he approached and he looked at me and said, "What a beautiful smile you have!" It was such a small thing but I think that is characteristic of him..taking note of the bystander and trying to lift them in any way that he can as his path crosses with theirs. Anyway, I look forward to all that he has to teach and offer as the newly appointed president of the church and prophet of God. I pray for him as this must be a huge and daunting responsibility to bare.
Thanks for letting me take a trip down memory lane...
8 comments:
WOW how awesome is that! What a great memory and picture to go with it! Thanks for sharing
What a neat picture of you shaking his hand!
What great memories - and pictures! Thanks for sharing.
I got a chance to meet him once in the SLC airport, but no one was around to take cool pictures like you have! What a great treasure to have.
Cool story...he truly tells the best stories and has an amazing memory.
Those are such great memories! I remember (and Blaine was there with us) when we were in the box right next to his at a Jazz/Lakers game. Some of us got pictures with him afterwards. We kept looking over...we couldn't help it. I would have walked right over if that darn plexi glass wasn't in my way! I just love pres. Monson. Oh, just a funny side note/story. Remember the dream I had in regards to Bella (before she was born) and I didn't know if the baby was a boy or girl so I called it Monson. Maybe it was because I knew you loved him so much!:)
So neat! Aren't you glad you've treasured up those memories? Now you can say you've met the Prophet! I think that's totally awesome!
So cool! We are going to Aspen Grove this summer.
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