Frank, I have actually always taken an undue concern with spelling as evidence of a lack of real faith and understanding of God’s plan.

I use God too much as illustration of the ultimate, I think He may not like that much. For instance, when I am telling people not to visit me, I say that I couldn’t live with God very long. But really, I hope I am living with God. That would help keep me out of trouble.

Gotta work on that reverence.

Good to see you back at T&S. I missed the Gulf War teach-in; I can’t remember why. Did you happen to attend Nibley’s acceptance of the Exemplary Manhood award in 1991? I missed that too, but I think Matt Stannard was there. Reputedly, Nibley took a few pot-shots at “superpatriots” who think manhood consists of a willingness to make war in the name of supposedly superior ideals; I wish I’d heard that, and seen how it went over with the Wilkinson Center crowd. If that speech has been reprinted in the Collected Works I’m unaware of it.

When I got back to BYU, I caught one of his Hypocephalus talks–and spent a lot of time reading his other stuff. I managed to take his Pearl of Great Price class a couple years before he stopped teaching. The only class I ever got a “C” in–though probably not the only one I deserved. I always respected him for that.

When I was in his class, a couple of us would wait for him as he climbed the steps up Maeser Hill so we could chat before class. Something he said in class and on those walks has always stayed with me, that this earth is a multipurpose world, created not just for people, but for the whole host of living beings, each here to experience joy in their sphere. I think back on that all the time…especially when caught up in the world of human technology and culture, that tends to drown out the cares and lives of other beings.

One time, a friend invited me to join Brother Nibley and him in attending a play in the HFAC. Can’t remember anything about that play, except my amazement that Brother NIbley would take a couple hours to go to a play with a couple undergrads. He didn’t care much for the play, and was distracted by something Egyptian hanging on the wall as we walked out of the play.

I was in the Varsity Theater teach in during the first Gulf War. Brother Nibley was there. He told some war stories. It helped change the way I see the world. As did his class. And walking to class with him. And reading and re-reading his works.

A couple years ago I subscribed to the LDS news email distribution list. Usually I just delete it without opening it. For the last two years the only reason I’ve ever opened one was with the thought that maybe this would be the one that announced Brother Nibley’s passing.

I was never more than a fleeting and forgetable presence in Brother Nibley’s class and morning walks to campus. However, those brief brushes with greatness have had a lasting impact. I only hope that someday I can have a few more of those walks with him…and He whose disciple he was.

And don’t bother correcting Nate’s spelling. Spelling is a strictly telestial concern and Nate is aiming for the Celestial.