Our beloved Prophet

RM Tim Costello Michigan Detroit Mission 1/4/06 Subject: Fw: This General Conference ~~~ I was talking with my friend in North Salt Lake this morning. He lives in a Ward with 3 Apostles and the Stake President is Elder Ballard's son-in-law. They had Stake Conference this past Sunday and Elder Ballard, who just had both knees replaced, came and spoke. Among other things, Apostle Ballard said that General Conference this April (2006) may well be our last chance to hear Pres. Hinckley speak. He said that Pres. Hinckley is suffering from a very serious illness and that, much like King Benjamin gathering his people around to address them one last time, we would do well to listen as intently as the people of that time. It is sad to think that we may lose President Hinckley soon but thought it would be good to know this and treat his testimony even more reverently. ~~~~~~~~~~ Note from Melody - On Saturday 03-25-2006 I attended the satellite broadcast of the General Young Women's broadcast. The camera scanned the authorities presiding and present. They scanned our beloved Prophet. My impression of him last night was he looked AWFUL! He was thin, frail, pale. Not the prophet we were used to seeing. I got the distinct impression that he wouldn't be with us much longer. I received the above e-mail on Sunday (the day after the young women's broadcast). It confirmed what I thought. We thank Thee Oh God for a prophet. To guide us in these latter days. - Melody

Just a side note-that when he addressed us Sunday morning he wanted to let us know he expects to be addressing us again in October-and we were not to consider his remarks any form of an obituary!!! He makes me laugh, he is so sharp. Yes, he is pale and wan and thinner than he was before-I have heard from my bishop that he had a cancerous tumor removed from his intestinal system-no more details. He hinted that his doctors say there is more to do, so I expect he will be going through radiation/ chemo, which will be awful for him.....How outstanding that in his 95 years, this was his first hospitalization!!! I truly love that man, and I believe that the Lord will take him when the time is right, and not a moment before. I pray for him daily and hope that we do hear from him again in October! ~lynn