When Johnny was first talking to me about the church one of the "sneaky" ways he actually got me to go into the building for the first time (yes I was THAT stubborn) was to invite me to listen to a Christmas devotional. He told me it wasn't actually church service but a live broadcast of the Prophet speaking and that he thought I would enjoy it. Well he was right. I will never forget that night and how I felt listening to him. I was prepared to see this man come out with a robe and sit on a high chair with lots of jewelry (kind of like the pope). Then when Gordon B Hinckley walked out I looked at johnny and laughed and said "there is no way HE is the prophet of the Mormon church". Here was this little old man that looked so fragile and "real". I was so impressed with him and it wasn't because of his stature or dress or chair but because of the words that came out of his mouth. I still don't understand everything about the church but I understood the things he was saying. It was so easy to listen to him and love him. The devotional was back in 1999 but I still remember what he spoke about. It was such a special moment for my personal journey in finding my own testimony that I will always cherish.
I don't do well under pressure and I am extremely emotional and it was pretty scary thinking that he was inside that building and not knowing how bad it was and what was happening. Needless to say when he called me 3 hours later to let me know all was well and that the fire was under control and that everyone was safe, I was filled with such relief.
Those 3 hours felt like forever and I kept thinking to myself how much I love my husband and proud I am that he is the type of man that would go in there and gladly risk his life to save others.
I would like to apologize to those of you that got stuck hearing me FREAK out and crying on the phones yesterday and I'd like to thank those of you that called to check in. It is so comforting to know that there is always family and friends thinking of you and that love you.
