Writer Reflects on Genuine Caring of the Prophet, Who Is Turning 89
Contributed By Gerry Avant, Church News editor
President Thomas S. Monson invites Gerry Avant to put some mortar on the cornerstone at the dedication of the Rexburg Idaho Temple on Sunday, February 10, 2008.
“Do something for someone else on that day to make his or her life better. Find someone who is having a hard time or is ill or lonely, and do something for them. That’s all I would ask.” —President Thomas S. Monson
I have had the opportunity—privilege, actually—of being acquainted with President Thomas S. Monson for nearly 45 years. I have “covered him” as a reporter and photographer over those years as he has gone to the far corners of the world to meet with members of the Church in many countries as well as dignitaries, including kings and queens.
I’ve gleaned many impressions of President Monson, but one stands out: he treats everybody with the same respect and courtesy that he gives dignitaries. While giving deference to an office or title, he sees everyone as brothers and sisters, children of Heavenly Father. Latter-day Saints everywhere call him “President Monson.” Quite often, as when he has placed a telephone call, he has said, “This is Brother Monson” or, more familiarly, “This is Tom.”
President Thomas S. Monson on June 26, 2011, visits with Pat Davies of the Toronto Ontario Stake, which President Monson organized in 1962 when he was president of the Church’s Canadian Mission. Photo by Gerry Avant.
President Monson genuinely cares about others and follows the Savior's example in how he cares for them. He has visited the sick and the lonely. He has written countless letters and made innumerable telephone calls to people who need just a few words to cheer them up or to comfort them in their hours of grief. He has delivered food to tables and arranged for commodities and supplies to fill empty cupboards. He has spent his life lifting, encouraging, and helping others in the Savior's way.
President Monson’s 89th birthday is August 21. On his 81st birthday, I asked him to describe what he would consider the ideal gift that members worldwide could give him. Without a moment’s hesitation he said, “Do something for someone else on that day to make his or her life better. Find someone who is having a hard time or is ill or lonely, and do something for them. That’s all I would ask.”
That, and an appeal for members everywhere to “keep the commandments and follow the Savior” is what he continues to ask.
President Thomas S. Monson and Sister Frances J. Monson greet Sweden's King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia on the grounds of the Stockholm Sweden Temple on August 23, 1995. Photo by Gerry Avant.
President Thomas S. Monson and his wife, Sister Frances Monson, pause outside the Oquirrh Mountain Utah Temple after the first dedicatory session August 21, 2009, which was his 82nd birthday, in South Jordan, Utah. Photo by Gerry Avant.
President Thomas S. Monson speaks to boys and girls after conducting the cornerstone ceremony for the Cebu City Philippines Temple on Sunday, June 13, 2010. Photo by Gerry Avant.
President Thomas S. Monson shakes hands with Vivian Frost on Sunday, May 1, 2011, after he rededicated the Atlanta Georgia Temple, which was constructed and originally dedicated in 1983. Photo by Gerry Avant.
President Thomas S. Monson shakes hands with members as he leaves after the dedication of the Gilbert Arizona Temple on Sunday, March 2, 2014. Photo by Gerry Avant.
