Goodbye, Elder Wirthlin

We heard the news of Elder Joseph B. Wirthlin’s passing this morning. As always with this kind of news, a shock of sadness went through me.

Last week we read his talk from October’s conference, “Come what may, and love it.” I remembered watching him give the talk, and how much it stood out to me. He was so sincere and the Spirit was especially strong. The steps he advised taking to overcome adversity were very clear: learn to laugh, seek for the eternal and understand the principle of compensation. He shared some memorable stories from his life and his family.

I read that during this, his last conference talk, Elder Wirthlin suffered from a case of locked knees, and his muscles started twitching. As soon as he started shaking, Elder Russell M. Nelson stood and helped brace Elder Wirthlin by placing one hand on his back. I must not have even noticed this, because I can’t remember seeing it. But it’s very touching.

I hope to never forget that talk as well as all the counsel he gave throughout his life.

As with all the leaders of the church around the world ranging from prophet to nursery leader, I am very thankful for Elder Wirthlin’s willingness and sacrifice he made for the church and the world. I don’t know what I would do without his and others’ examples, words of counsel, and motivations for hope they provide me with. I can only continue to hope that one day I can be half of what they are and he was. I feel like the road is long and winding ahead of me.

Thank you Elder Wirthlin.