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MormonSpeak: Images of Conference

Thanks for the Memories | 9:49 a.m. Oct. 13, 2007

I guess my memory comes from the week before when thousands of women lined up outside the Conference Center in the drizzle and cold. We were all excited, but excitement turned to anxiety as we saw lines move slowly and time move quickly. The flood of multicolored umbrellas filled the entryways. Would we make it in? The grounds attendant assured us we would all get in, so I tried to focus on the joy of being there -- tough when your hands are freezing.
I don't think the memory would have been as powerful if I would have waltzed right in and sat on the main floor. I wouldn't have treasured being there as much, or realized the amazing number of sisters who were there, or have felt as grateful for a warm building, and the words of inspired speakers -- words I felt were especially prepared for me in my worries.
No, if it had been easy, I would have missed all the important witnesses of God's love for all those women, and specifically for me. Thank you to all involved!

Wirthlin on the radio | 12:09 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

I was listening to Elder Wirthlin's talk on the radio and it was probably more alarming than if you were watching it. Before you could see him shaking -- if you were watching it (I later saw a recording), you could hear what sounded like his breathing wasn't normal. Then it began to sound like he became very short of breath, like he was in such pain that he couldn't hardly breathe. Then his breathing sounded like it was more rapid. I was wondering if he was having a heart attack or something. And on the radio, we couldn't tell if anyone was doing something to help. It sounded like you were witnessing an emergency and you couldn't tell if anyone was doing anything about it. It wasn't until the talk was over and you heard a "thank-you", that you had some assurance that "they" had to be doing something. It left a lot of questions so I had to see a recording so it could all make sense because it was a bit alarming.

Elder Wirthlin | 9:35 p.m. Oct. 13, 2007

I thought of how more powerful the surmon was because of Elder Nelson's actions than anything else. I can't tell you anymore about the talk after I saw Elder Nelson get up. That is indeed one of the top moments of General Conference. I was concerned about Elder Wirthlin, but that was the best thing that happened in conference. You can see how much love these brothern have for each other. I am so thankful that I have always believed in spending my precious time twice a year watching coference.

Comments continue below

Ed Clinch | 9:03 a.m. Oct. 14, 2007

My wife and I were concerned listening to the Internet via KSL.

My Mom watched via satellite and she as a nurse and geriatric caretaker said "she didn't want to watch". She was scared for his life.

Nice symbols in his talk, yes, and thankfully he is all right.

The gospel is powerful, beautiful and real.

And the Holy Ghost sustains it.

Memorable talk. I liked a few others a lot, too, like Elder Holland's discourse.

Peace.

Mona | 10:41 a.m. Oct. 14, 2007

Elder Wirthlin's struggle reminded me of a few years ago when Elder Hunter fell down in the middle of his conference talk. Two Apostles lifted him back up to the podium and he kept speaking right where he left off--didn't go back to repeat anything, didn't make any exclamation, never missed a word. Both of them exemplify their dedication to deliver the message they have prepared for us. We would not have blamed Elder Wirthlin if he had cut his message short and returned to his seat. But he endured to the end under duress. And a great message it was.

Susan | 12:03 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

And if memory serves, Elder Hunter injured some ribs when he lost his balance and fell backwards, so he must have been in some pain for the rest of his talk. My daughter was sitting just 15 rows back during Elder Wirthlin's talk, and she said Elder Nelson reached under Elder Wirthlin's jacket and held on to the back of his pants, literally giving him support, as well as the comforting hand on the arm. It was a loving, tender gesture.

Anna | 11:04 a.m. Oct. 15, 2007

I just want to comment on the article and the writer. J. W.,You do an excellent job to relate your subject in a personable way. I felt as if it was from your journal, with it giving more and added insight. Also, I was watching the conference address Elder Wirthlin gave. He was approached by Elder Nelson, and I thought that it was the most loving Christ-like thing to do. He didn't even have to think about it and helped his brother in need, besides being sensitive to the Spirit. Elder Nelson looks so good, healthy and I am happy for him. Elder Wirthlin gave a wonderful talk and delivered it no matter what, like the trooper he is... I appreciated the content of his talk even more as he stood with his support and friend and talked about the Savior and his pure love.

The teleprompter helps... | 12:07 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

The teleprompter has a cursor to show where they were when they stopped, that helps them to go right on after they fall over and get back up. I know president Hinckley sure stumbled alot when he was talking with Mike Wallace and didn't have a prepared speech. I'm sure I would do the same at an advanced age.

Scott | 2:08 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

President Eyring's address Saturday night, at General Priesthood Meeting was a highlight for me. I was fortunate to have tickets and attend in person with my three sons. When he spoke about the overwhelming inadequacies he felt - he mentioned the same thing J.W. taught me while serving a mission in 1975-77. That was toï¿½Forget yourself..."

abnormalslc | 2:15 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

you know..I am not LDS. I happened to surf upon the sermon/speech that this shaky old man was giving.
I did not agree with all he mentioned, but most of what he said is exactly the Truth of living a Christian life.
Were it not for some of the references to living prophets and such, this message could have been spoken at many, many Christian churches.
The message was powerful. He commanded respect as he spoke from his heart. To the Christ-like living he mentioned...I for one say.....AMEN!

kkirk | 5:28 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

abnormalsic, It makes me so happy to see a non LDS person to understand a bit about the LDS church and respect our beliefs. Pres. Wirthlins talk really helps me to put my adversities into perspective. We will accomplish every good thing we desire as long as we rely on our Savior Jesus Christ. I am so thankful that we can know for ourselves through prayer, fasting, and scripture study, the truth of the fulness of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and all of it's precepts. It is my testimony that there really are Prophets on this earth today and you can have that knowledge, if you just earnestly ask Heavenly Father.

MoJules | 6:23 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

I kept thinking about my friend and my mother in law, the first has MS and the 2nd has a form of MD, both of these ladies have been so misunderstood with their diseases. I kept thinking about how many times both of them have been accused of faking it and that those closest to them do not get that the body just gives out. When people are struck with disease or old age or both, and they put a physical or mental stress on themselves, the body just shakes and quivers and says "that is enough". Service requires empathy, and Elder Nelson showed that to Elder Worthlin, maybe each of us will realize that all people need a little more empathy and understanding and less judgement. I really enjoyed this article, thanks.

Jan Castleton | 8:37 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

This is a wonderful articile. yes, i felt just the same. Elder Nelson did relax us and I did hear Elder Worthlyns sermon. Thank you all.

Katie B | 10:05 p.m. Oct. 15, 2007

I'm still looking forward to seeing the Conference.

My family had an emergency that weekend. Was planning to watch and listen. Some friends at Church will be loaning me their tapes. The story
about Elder Wirthlin sounds so inspiring. He had a job to do and he was going to do it no matter what.

I'm not LDS yet but I have some good friends who are. I go to their Church Ward. Don't get to go all the time, but I am impressed. My family doesn't like me going, however.

Saw Temple Square a few years ago and saw the
the One Fold One Shepherd movie. Met some others from different parts of the country while there.

Still stay in touch with them on the internet mostly.

Didn't See/Hear | 2:57 p.m. Oct. 16, 2007

The thing I remember most about this last conference is thinking to myself, "I'll just read it in next month's Ensign" as I went out for a day long ride through the canyon.

Shelly Mock | 10:48 p.m. Oct. 21, 2007

Thanks for the article. I had many of the same feelings as I watched conference and am glad that Elder Wirthlin is alright. I'm new to the area and I love this newspaper and the kinds of articles it publishes. Thanks for being Salt Lake's news provider, unafraid to acknowledge that, hey, a lot of us here are Mormon and this is the kind of news we like!

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