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Carole Mikita ReportingLatter-day Saints heard from the man they call their prophet in a talk President Gordon B. Hinckley described as different from any he has given in General Conference.
President Hinckley: "As many of you know, I recently underwent major surgery. It is the first time in my 95 years that I have been a patient in a hospital. I do not recommend it to anyone. (audience laughs)"
The 176th Annual gathering of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints ended today. President Hinckley talked about his life and experiences in the faith. President Hinckley also said his doctors say he has residual problems, but he didn't elaborate. Calling this 'the sunset of his life as he approaches his 96th birthday, he asked the indulgence of church members as he looked back.
President Hinckley: "I do so because the life of the president of the church really belongs to the entire church; he has very little privacy and no secrets."
He expressed gratitude for remarkable blessings, that everything good in his life he owes to his Church, including his marriage.
President Hinckley: "My beloved companion of 67 years left me two years ago. I miss her more than I can say. She was really a remarkable woman."
President Hinckley reminisced on his unique relationship with church leaders as a young man.
President Hinckley: "Such an opportunity could not now be had by anyone because the church is much larger."
He mentioned a blessing he received at age 11 that was prophetic.
President Hinckley: "The nations of the earth shall hear thy voice and be brought to knowledge of the truth by the wonderful testimony which thou shalt bear."
His travels among the poor and the privileged in many countries has proven it, he says.
President Hinckley: "Through these opportunities, I hope I have made a difference. It is all a miracle."
David Broadbent, Holladay Resident: "I'm sure it took great effort to share with us as he did, but it was wonderful."
Alejandra Medina, Bolivia: "It was probably the best thing I've experienced in my whole life and I hope to see him again."
Elder Tsung Ting Yang: "We really are so happy to see him still have strength and health, that's a miracle."
President Hinckley: "I trust you will not regard what I have said as an obituary (audience laughs)."
Twice in his talk, President Hinckley quoted from Robert Frost's poem 'The Road Not Taken'. The one less traveled, he said, has made all the difference in his life. He also told Latter-day Saints he looks forward to seeing them again at General Conference in October.
