The Layton 37th Ward

Its been over a year and a half since we moved in and almost 21 months since we first visited the Layton 37th ward. I knew back then that this was a special place--today was one of those reassuring moments. Testimony meeting was an emotional event. It started with our 2nd counselor and climaxed when Bro. Hoellein bore his testimony. Bro. Hoellein has just been in the hospital and diagnosed with cancer. He was a more fragile version of himself as he made his way to the pulpit, yet he bore a powerful testimony of the gospel. He didn't complain about what had happened to him, but spoke of the simple truths of the gospel. It was as moving a moment as I have witnessed in a testimony meeting. He was followed by his daughter who expressed her gratitude for all the support and love her family has been given through this ordeal. During this event I scanned the room quickly, the bishopric and stake president dabbed at their eyes, and then I turned to see the whole room in the same fashion. All had felt emotions evoked through testimony. It was a tough act to follow, yet others bore powerful yet simple testimonies of the gospel. This is what ward family is all about. I have been around long enough to know this doesn't exist everywhere. Not all neighborhoods are created equal. You might get a bigger house or yard somewhere else, but I can't imagine you would find a better place to live. I feel truly blessed to have moved here, my family has been enriched by the people here. One of my neighbors once said it was that this place is a little piece of heaven, perhaps the closest you can get on earth. I think everyone would agree. People care and then they act and do. It isn't just in tough times, but in all situations. The few people that have moved away comment on how they know how special it was to be here, and that it just isn't the same. I feel lucky and blessed for this truly is a special place.