A Friend we will miss

The winter had been deep and frozen. Already at the end of January we were having record snows and bitter temperatures. Despite the cold and endless days of shoveling snow our home was warm with thoughts of a new baby in the fall.

One blustry day something wasn't quite right with the baby. I called my doctor and came in for an appointment. They ran some tests and sent me home to "stay off my feet".

Later that night I wanted a blessing but I would need at least two people. I knew of course I would ask Dad but who else? Jim Cecil. I knew he would come out in this nasty weather. I knew he would be kind and compassionate to our situation. He and Dad did indeed brave the horrible weather to give me a blessing of comfort even though I did loose the baby.

Jim Cecil was a natural choice for this blessing at such a dark hour. Our family had know him since we moved to Fairport in 1982. We grew up with his kids, Jamie, Matt, and Becca. We spent several holidays at their house and for a year or so the Cecil's home was a seminary classroom. Almost every Sunday you could count on a playful tap on the shoulder and big bear hug from Jim. He liked to laugh and I can still here his distinctive chortle all these years later.

Mom and Dad have been fast friends with Jim and Mary Cecil for many years. Perhaps it was because Mom, Dad and Jim were from West Virginia. If I listened close enough I could still pick up that West Virginia lilt from Mom, Dad and Jim. Words like window and color had a distinctive sound. Whatever was the connection it grew and strengthened over the years. The Cecils, as a result, have been present at nearly every Cain event. Baptisms, birthdays, holidays, weddings and temple sealings. Jim and Mary Cecil taught our temple preparation course before we were sealed in the Toronto Temple.

Most recently Jim was our home teacher. During this past year while Carl was in Virginia and I was still in New York. Jim and Mary stopped by nearly every month. This was another darker time for the Walkers. Months progressed and the house still hadn't sold. Many times Jim shared his deep testimony of prayer and faith. He shared about the sometimes harsh conditions he grew up in and how those experiences had prepared him for the gospel. His counsel was always given with humility and love peppered with his sense of humor. I could count on Jim Cecil the way I could count on my dad and I can't say that about many people.

Jim Cecil will be missed by the Cain kids. We'll miss seeing his overcoat and checkered driving cap in the winter. We will miss his playful teasing and sincere interest in how we are doing. We will miss him at our family celebrations and events.

Thank You Brother Jim Cecil.