HOH ~ 66

Henry Hansen Story

Page 66

1993 was highlighted by two experiences.. breaking my leg, and the death of my father-in-law. Neither event was pleasant at the time, but both have led to great blessings and greater understanding.

My father-in-law's death was not unexpected - Hank had been increasingly ill for several months. A couple of things about his death were unusual, though. The great sense of peace he had, with a certain knowledge that he was returning to his Heavenly Father. And an astounding number of people that showed up at his funeral.

I always admired Hank's easy way of getting to know people.. everyone he met became his friend. I was marveling about that at his funeral while hundreds of people from all walks of life were filing in. It wasn't like the huge political funerals you see on TV... none of these people were there because it was a duty. They were all there because Henry Hansen had touched their lives in his own sweet way. He had helped each one, had laughed with each one, had played a joke on most of them.

I was still wondering how one person could be so loved by SO MANY people when I realized what it was. Hank was fearless! It was as simple as that. He never feared that his jokes were stupid or that he wasn't smart enough, like some of us do. He was not afraid to make a fool of himself. He did not take himself too seriously. He was never afraid to lend a helping hand because he was too busy. He was never afraid to risk rejection by getting to know new people. He wasn't afraid he wasn't "spiritual enough" because he knew all he needed to know -- that Heavenly Father loved him exactly as he was: Little education, modest means and simple tastes, and a heart that was pure.

So now I know what my New Years' Resolution for 1994 is going to be. To be fearless like Hank was... unafraid to make friends, unafraid to serve, unafraid to share the Gospel. This year I can be fearless -- Heavenly Father loves me too!

Jackie Langlitz Hansen

Excerpt from Relief Society Newsletter

Jan. 1992

Page 67

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