Marcie's Flowered Curtains: Passing of a Prophet

Saturday, August 23, 2008

Passing of a Prophet

Thursday, February 07, 2008

I have contemplated for several days now just what to write here, and I'm still at a loss as to what I can say that hasn't already been said. I echo so many of those sentiments. What can I say about a man that has touched so many? A man who has had a huge impact on my own life. For some, he's the only Prophet that they have known. I wept as I watched my own kids send text messages to their friends and schoolmates almost in disbelief that this 97 year old Prophet of God would be called home.

The youth showed continued reverence for this man of God by dressing in church clothes to school on Monday. As I slipped on my slacks that morning, I felt incredibly awkward. They (the youth) were an example to me, and I had to follow.

I watched on the news endless lines waiting for hours just to get a glimpse and pay respect to a man so loved. His humor, his kindness, his love, his wit, his optimism....touched so many hearts. Crowds of people lined the streets awaiting the funeral procession to the cemetery as though it were The Days of 47 Parade, waving their canes and their handkerchiefs. I was in tears as I watched! There has not been a man in my life that has been a greater example of the Savior's love and compassion than President Hickley.

At his funeral service, one line perhaps touched me the most. His counsel to President Eyring when he was working with the seminary program of the church was profound: Poking his chest with his index finger he said, "Why don't you do better at getting the gospel down into their hearts." He went on to explain that we can do this through our faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and by consecrating all that we are, and all that we have.

God be with you (President Hinckley), till we meet again....

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About Me

I was born in San Pedro, CA to a Greek immigrant father and a mother who was first generation Greek, American born. They are two of my greatest heroes, and I express gratitude to them for not only giving me life, but for the incredible sacrifices they made for their daughters. I am proud of my heritage, but I "am not a hyphenated anything!" I am an AMERICAN.

I grew up in Long Beach, CA and was a proud "jackrabbit" at Long Beach Poly High. (Skit, skat, how 'bout that!) I graduated with my Associates from Long Beach City College. My transcript was sent to Cal State Long Beach, but I married the summer before entering, and worked to help my husband finish his education after his return from deployment to Germany. We divorced and my biggest regret in life is not returning to finish mine.

I married Paul in 1980, and helped raise his daughters who are now married with children. From the girls, we have five grandsons and one great-grandson.

Together, we have two awesome miracle sons, a precious daughter-in-law, an adorable grandson, and an angel granddaughter.

I have four sisters that are part of my heart and soul, despite our differences: Mary, Irene, Nicoletta, and Angeline. From them, I have twelve wonderful nieces and nephews, and numerous (32 and counting) grand-nieces and nephews!

After leaving Long Beach, we lived in Fallbrook, CA for seventeen years before moving to Orem, UT. I love the mountains, but I dearly miss the ocean.

My church is my life. You will see it reflected in my writings, my testimony of the Gospel, and my deep love for my Heavenly Father, my Savior and the Holy Ghost.

A Tribute to Joni Mitchell and Days Gone By

Teenage years are often the best years of your life but they can often be tumultuous times as well. Loosing Dad at the onset of my junior year was bad enough but then Mom had to venture out and go to work. Angie, my youngest sister and I often comment on how when Dad died, we lost our mom as well. These were lonely and very reflective days. I often found solace in my sanctuary...my bedroom. I painted the walls of my room a bright and sunny yellow, purchased navy blue curtains with bright colorful flowers, and spent hours listening to the sounds of Joni Mitchell and others on my "turn-table". I was so proud that I purchased these items with my own, hard-earned money! Joni Mitchell's songs reached deep into my searching soul and I totally connected with many of her lyrics. When I discovered the song "Marcie" on a newly purchase album "Song to a Seagul", I was quite excited. Marcie was not a common name back then at all and the words, for many personal reasons, felt like they were written just for me. So therein lies my tribute to Joni Mitchell...and days gone by.