As General Conference approaches this weekend, we anticipate that there will be a change in the First Presidency and the Twelve Apostles, due to the passing of Pres. Faust, August 10, 2007. I remember the day that Pres. Faust, or Jim to the family, was called to the Twelve Apostles, September 30,1978. Steven was working out in the yard, and after hearing the announcement, I ran out to Steven and said, "Guess who was called to the Twelve!" We were so happy for him, but none so proud as Stevens dad. We heard fun stories over the years from dad, about "Es", as he was called in his younger years, his antics, and the love that he had for his grandparents, who were now also my grandparents. I was blessed to be married into this wonderful family, and over the next 30 years was privileged to be in family gatherings where we were able to hear him speak and to feel his spirit.
Pres. Faust was able to go to Oak City, 9 December 2006, to speak at Aunt Elva's funeral. As he talked to Pres. Hinckley about going down to the funeral, he described her as the "last leaf" on the Finlinson tree--the last of his aunts and uncles to leave this world. He asked the Prophet if he could go, that he would really like to be with his family. He spoke about Aunt Elva's Great grandmother, Eliza Hartley, who came across the plains in the Martin handcart company, and who is buried in Oak City. Her grandfather was Farewell Hartley, the youngest of Eliza's children. He went on to tell about how Eliza had a 10 yr. old handicapped daughter that she literally pulled in the handcart across the plains. He reminisced about his childhood. "We were poor--everyone was poor. But my favorite Christmas was the Christmas without presents." He said, "We had ground cherry jam. We didn't have any cranberries--not many cranberries grow in Oak City. But what made it wonderful, was the love in the family."
Pres. Faust then told us that he was now the patriarch of the Finlinson family--the oldest living grandson, and as such he wanted to talk to us. He said that we have an obligation because of the "believing blood" that courses through our veins. He said, "I am charging each of you in this room to live your lives worthily, and I want you to concentrate mostly on raising a righteous posterity!" He then said, "I was with the Prophet, just yesterday. I see the whisperings of the holy spirit in his life for the church. I see him laying down track for the Church for the next 10 years. We are not leading this Church, the Savior is.
He then gave us an apostolic blessing--the last of many he has given to us over the years. This was the last time that he was with us as a family. Even though he had to use a wheelchair, that day he stood, and walked. He spent time with us at the funeral dinner, and we all partook of his wonderful humble spirit. Most if not all of our children and grandchildren have had the opportunity to "hug a prophet." I hope that they all remember him and the feelings they felt while in his presence.
We will miss this wonderful servant of the Lord. I wanted to write the words that he spoke that day, so they would not be lost to our children and grandchildren. We have a wonderful heritage, on both sides of our family, and we want each of you to remember the "believing blood" that courses through your veins.
The picture below is Helen, and Steven. The center lady is Clarice Nielson, a cousin.
