“Old age, it’s not for sissies.”

My late father-in-law, Alma Hofhiens, was fond of saying this – especially as he grew older.

Sometimes, what make old age so hard is that you never know what to expect. One day you’re feeling fine – celebrating your birthday at a party – and the next you are in the hospital with no clear date of release!

This recently happened to my Mom when she had a “mild” stroke on her birthday.

But, the truth is, all strokes, even the mild ones, are difficult at the age of 84. My brother and sister helped Mom with her rehabilitation, but it became apparent that Steve and I would need to come home and help out too. Our hope is that we will be able to get her stable enough to move to our home in north Idaho, but it will take some time for healing, some co-operation with Doctors, and some agreement on Mom’s part.

We’ve had a great mission! I hope you’ve enjoyed seeing what all an office missionary does when they are supporting the Work of the Lord in a foreign country. It has been eye-opening for me. I have been so amazed by the young missionaries I have met! They are truly Called of God. Their energy and enthusiasm is amazing, and their testimonies will fill the earth!

I will miss this.

Behold, I am a disciple of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. I have been called of him to declare his word among his people, that they might have everlasting life.

3 Nephi 5:13