"Our testimonies have been strengthened," said President Thomas S. Monson as he brought the 178th Annual General Conference to a close Sunday afternoon, April 6. "I believe we are all the more determined to live the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Photo by Jeffrey D. Allred/Deseret Morning News

President Thomas S. Monson and his wife, Sister Frances Monson, bid farewell to conference-goers following Sunday's concluding session.

"I've been attending conference for a long time. But I think I've never felt quite as richly blessed as during this session. We've had rapid-fire messages from a lot of speakers, but every one touched on a very important subject. We've had a smorgasbord today of faith, of love, and of counsel. Let's incorporate these things in our lives."

Referring to an address that Elder M. Russell Ballard of the Quorum of the Twelve had just delivered about mothers, President Monson said, "Several years ago my dear wife went to the hospital. She left a note behind for the children: 'Dear children, do not let Daddy touch the microwave' — followed by a comma, 'or the stove, or the dishwasher, or the dryer.' I'm embarrassed to add any more to that list."

President Monson said that his second counselor in the First Presidency, President Dieter F. Uchtdorf, had commented that he had spoken of his heritage on his mother's side, and then inquired, "What about your father's side?" In compliance with that query, President Monson said that he would conclude by speaking about his father's side.

"My father's father came from Sweden, and his wife from England. They met on the ship coming over. He waited for her to grow up, and then he proposed marriage. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple, and he wrote in his journal, 'Today is the happiest day of my life. My sweetheart and I were married for time and eternity in the holy temple."'

Three days later, on April 23, 1898, he wrote in his journal that he was on his way to Scandinavia to serve a mission. "Off he went to Sweden, leaving his bride of three days," President Monson related, adding that the journal came into his possession from an uncle, "who somehow chose me to receive his father's journal."

The journal's most beautiful entry, the Church president said, was about a visit to the Jansson home, where Sister Jansson fixed "a lovely dinner for us.... The children all sang or played a harmonica or did a little dance, and then she paid her tithing. Five krona for the Lord and one for my companion, Elder Ipson, and one for me."

Also included in the journal were the names of the children. "When I read that in the journal, there was my wife's father's name as one who was in that household, one who probably sang a song, one who became a father of only one daughter, the girl whom I married.

"The first day I saw Frances, I knew I'd found the right one. The Lord brought us together later, and I asked her to go out with me," President Monson recalled.

When he went to her home to call on her, she introduced him to her father, who said, "Monson, that's a Swedish name, isn't it?" After learning it was, he went to another room and brought out a picture of two missionaries with top hats and copies of the Book of Mormon.

"Are you related to this Monson?" he asked. "Elias Monson?"

"Yes," the future Church president replied. "He's my grandfather's brother. He, too, was a missionary in Sweden."

President Monson continued: "Her father wept. He wept easily. He said, 'He and his companion were the missionaries who taught the gospel to my mother and my father and all of my brothers and sisters and to me.' He kissed me on the cheek. And then her mother cried, and she kissed me on the other cheek. And then I looked around for Frances. She said, 'I'll go get my coat."'

A few years ago, President Monson tenderly shared, his "sweet Frances had a terrible fall." Sister Monson lay in a coma for 18 days. "I sat by her side. She never moved a muscle.... And then one day, she opened her eyes. I set a speed record in getting to her side. I gave her a kiss and a hug, and I said, 'You're back. I love you.' And she said, 'I love you, too, Tom, but we're in serious trouble.... I forgot to mail in our fourth-quarter income tax payment."'

Continuing after the congregation had laughed in response to the warm account, President Monson said: "Brethren, let's treat our wives with dignity and with respect. They're our eternal companions. Sisters, honor your husbands. They need to hear a good word. They need a friendly smile. They need a warm expression of true love."

President Monson then declared that this had been a wonderful conference. "We have been edified by wise and inspired messages. Our testimonies have been strengthened. I believe we are all the more determined to live the principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ."

After expressing gratitude for the beautiful music provided during the sessions, President Monson told of his love for all who had participated and listened. "I have felt your prayers in my behalf and have been sustained and blessed during the two months since our beloved President Hinckley left us. Once again, I appreciate your sustaining vote.

"I cannot adequately express my gratitude for the Restoration of the gospel in these latter days and for what that has meant in my life. Each of us has been influenced and shaped as we have followed the Savior and have adhered to the principles of His gospel."

President Monson then counseled parents to love their children, to make "certain they know it as well. They are so precious. Let them know. Call upon our Heavenly Father for help as you care for their needs each day and as you deal with the challenges which inevitably come with parenthood. You need more than your own wisdom in rearing them."

He commended young people who "stand up to the iniquity in the world" and asked that those who are able to attend the temple do so often. "Let us be kind to one another," he added.

"My dear brothers and sisters, I love you, and I pray for you. Please pray for me."