The End of an Era

As most of you know, Brother Law has been our home teacher for all the years we have lived in this ward, about 20 years. When the ward boundaries were changed one block south, we were moved to the Second Ward and he was assigned as our home teacher. We were blessed with his visits every month. I bet it doesn't take even five fingers to count the months he has missed. Except for those mission months. His companion, Ted, came without Bro. Law. Ted came with his wife Fae, or Al Lemons, or Dixon Peacock, but still came every month. Brother Law is still coming faithfully with Jae Hanson as his companion now. We have all grown old together. Our children grew up and out of the home, off onto their own lives. We have stopped kneeling down for prayer together because of our "old, but new" knees, and Bro. Law's age, but we still pray together. It is such a comfort to hear him pray for our family. We know we can call on him at any time. Since his health is beginning to worsen, we are concerned about his driving here, walking up the steps, and all the things that are now getting so difficult for him. But he is still a faithful home teacher. We laugh when he says if there is anything he can do, just let him know! We laugh because we all know there isn't much he can physically do for us, but he sure buoy's us up spiritually.
Bro. Law as served as the stake patriarch for many years. I'm not sure exactly when he was called to that position, but he has given several of our children their special blessings. Today in church, it was announced that a new stake patriarch has been called, Brother David Thompson from Castle Dale. I noticed the tears in Bro. and Sister Law's eyes. I am sure it has been difficult for him to give blessings lately. His hands shake so much, and his legs are weak, but his spirit is strong. I don't know if he will be giving blessings any more, but he will always be a patriarch. He was not released because it is a calling for life. He is a wonderful man.
My children had "Coach Thompson" for classes in the junior high school. He always asks about them by name, asking where they are and what they are doing. I know Nicky saw him several times while she worked at the care center where his mother lived. Coach has gone through some hard times in the past few years, the sudden death of his son was probably the hardest for his family. He has served as a high councilor for several years. I remember the last time he spoke in our ward I was really impressed with his message. He seemed so sincere and loving. I am sure he will be blessed with the spirit as he is called to give patriarchal blessings to the members of the stake.
Is it the end of an era? In a way. I can't remember a time in my life when the stake patriarch hasn't lived in Orangeville. The patriarchs I remember are Hal Cox, Roger Curtis, Harry Snow, and Ruane Law. There may have been some others but I don't recall any. Just a little bit of trivia.