Remembering Pres. Russell M. Nelson

Our beloved prophet Russell M. Nelson passed away last night. He just turned 101 years old, our oldest prophet in this dispensation. When Spencer and I woke up this morning, he read a text from my brother Warren telling us of his passing. I was shocked and wept. Yes, he is 101 years so it should come as no surprise, but he was so lively and healthy. I love him so much, I was never going to be ready for him to pass. My heart aches for the world, but I also feel so happy for him and his amazing reunion in the Spirit World. President Nelson truly is a beloved prophet. He was the prophet for 7 years from 2018 to 2025. He's the only prophet my kids really remember. 

I woke up the kids and gathered them on our bed while dad told them the news. Dad got tears in his eyes as he informed them. After a minute, he asked what they remember from Pres. Nelson's teachings:

Charlie: "He taught us to think Celestial. To not just think of this life, but to prepare for the next life."

Perry: "He announced a crazy amount of temples."

Dad: "He was always reminding us to treat others with kindness. He gave the example of being in the operating room [when the surgeon got angry at a colleague and threw a scalpel at Dr. Russell Nelson and it landed in his arm. Pres. Nelson decided right then he would create an atmosphere of kindness in his operating room]. He often aught us the importance of being loving and kind."

Josie: "He always said, 'My dear Brothers & Sisters, I love you!'"

Mom: "He encouraged us to gather Israel on both sides of the veil. He always spoke with loving boldness. Whenever he taught and expressed love, he'd smile & his eyes sparkled."

Pres. Nelson was honored in Time Magazine last month. A quote from the article I love: "My faith teaches me that over two millennia ago, Jesus Christ preached these same laws of happiness: to love God and to love our neighbor. After 101 years, I can say that these are not abstract theological ideas—they are practical wisdom. They are what have sustained me through loss and triumph, uncertainty, peace, war, and healing. If we embrace these eternal truths—honoring our own worth, treating others with dignity, and nurturing our families—our lives, and our world, will be steadier and more joyful. That is my birthday wish for all of us."