True Friends, more than family

" If you go through this life and can count your true friends on one hand, you will be blessed." My mom counseled me often in my growing years when I suffered the disappointment of "sunshine friends", those who disappeared in stormy times or traded me in for a more popular version.

In those earlier years standing on the threshold of the rest of my life and a world of possible friends, I was yet to learn the difference between acquaintances and friends.

Now at the other end of perspective I understand that true friendship like good marriage doesn't just happen. It requires investment in caring, service, fellowship, and commitment, the qualities in Jim and Mary Cecil that have blessed the lives of the Cain Family for more than twenty years.

I can't pinpoint the exact date that the Cains and Cecils became a blend but I can count our blessings that resulted. For years our Christmas Eves away from our families in West Virginia were made brigter because of our fellowship with the Cecil Family. We took turns hosting. At the Cecils we started off with Jim's "country breakfast" followed by reading the Christmas story from the scriptures and singing carols together while Becca Becca accompanied at the piano.

Jim and Mary have been at every Cain kid baptism beginning with Natalie all the way through Sheryl. Jim stood in the circle for the name and blessing for Lauren and Sheryl. Jim and Mary have been to every
Cain graduation party and all of Dad's surprise birthday parties. Mary was my co-conspirator for his 50 1/2 , a dress like Ron Cain Halloween event at the Cecil's house. Jim and Mary have attended every Cain wedding except Cara's when they were away in the west for one of their grandchildren. Jim officiated for Lauren and Sean's temple sealing when they returned.

As our children grew up and moved away the Cecils and Cains remained bonded. Ron and I and Mary and Jim still got together and shared stories, memories and concerns for our children. Jim was always on the ready for emergency blessings. This past year he came to me and told me that he had requested to be Zach's, Natalie's and Ambers and Carl's home teacher. He wanted to help them in any way he could " I love your kids." I heard from Jim and Mary more times that I can count.

Jim was a teaser, and a hugger. He didn't hold back in expressing his affections and concerns. He braved taking the first steps, even rejection. What a valiant and compassionate friend. His passing has left a big hole in each of our hearts and in the heart of the Cain Clan. His body won't be among us, his arms won't engulf us for many years. But the sweet memories he has given us, the assurance of his love, and the warmth of his spirit can sustain us until we see him again. Jim was an example of Proverbs 18:24, definition of a true friend, "there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother." Our greatest tribute to Jim would be to be a friend like he was. Don't hold back, venture to take the first steps,
risk rejection. Be a friend who sticks closer than a brother or sister.

Jim Cecil was my brother, our brother. He and Mary adopted us into their circle of love. The power of their love has made the difference to me and our family. I know that like our family, our frienship began before this life and will go beyond it. I look forward to Jim opening a door and greeting me again with a hug and his unmistakable giggly laugh.