General Conference memories

President David O. McKay speaking at General Conference, 1958

My first memory of General Conference was when I was a very young girl. Our family had journeyed to Salt Lake City from our farm near Sugar City, Idaho so that my mother, a medical technologist, could attend a convention. While she was in her meetings, my father took the children to Temple Square where conference was in session. As we stood in the door at the very back or east side of the Tabernacle, he held each of us up high so that we could see the prophet speaking at the pulpit. It is one of my most treasured childhood memories, one that gave me a testimony that there are present day prophets who guide us.

Other memories:
*Being a TV free family until I was eleven, I would sometimes watch parts of conference on the TV at the Shirley's home. It would be on the radio at my house.

*Good old KPHO, Channel 5, would broadcast conference once we were residents of Arizona.

*My first semester at BYU, rising at 4:30 am to go to Temple Square where we would stand in line for hours to get in the morning session. Then they packed us in the balcony benches so tight it was almost hard to breathe (and stay awake.)

*Raising my arm to the square with tears streaming down my face as I listened alone in my BYU apartment bedroom as Spencer W. Kimball was sustained as prophet, seer, and revelator. My testimony once again confirmed.

*Making packets for my children which included M&M's for conference bingo, so that it might be a good listening experience for all of us.

*The event of cable TV and my sisters coming to our house to watch conference and taking all the good seats while I was fixing them food. I know, me and Martha!

*Standing in line when the Conference Center first opened with two tickets and four possible attendees. How do you handle that? Janae and friend Caroline finally peeled off at the last minute and headed for the Tabernacle. Ryan and I very much enjoyed being there live. As I sat by Ryan, he sketched the speakers in his journal as he listened. One of my best memories, especially in light of the last few years.

*Hearing President Hinckley announce the rebuilding of the Nauvoo Temple. I thought my heart would burst!

*Every time they announce new temples I rejoice for those parts of the world. Prophecy being fulfilled!

*This weekend, just me and my sweet hubby sitting in our favorite spots listening without any interruptions. I had a new responsibility and I listened as one who will help decide the talks to use during the next six months for "Teachings for Our Times." It was wonderful!