From the time I met Bishop and Sister Cusick, I was sold! I
had always heard how wonderful they were, even from three years before. I was
only in the ward for about a year, but had the opportunity to serve with Bishop
for a little before I moved out of the ward. I wanted to share a few stories
about Bishop.
When I got called to be Relief Society President, I was
pretty surprised because I knew that Rob and I had plans to get married in the
summer and I wouldn’t be able to serve very long. But, I did love those girls
and was so excited to do it! When he asked me he said, “Brooke I have fought
the Lord on calling you. I know you are going to be leaving soon. But, I can’t
deny that the Lord wants you in there. Dear, you have a ride ahead of you.” I
remember at this moment when he said this I knew he wasn’t talking about being
Relief Society President. I felt it was something deeper. That night, I wrote
in my journal expressing how I felt like something life-changing in my life was
about to take place, and even Bishop knew it. In my journal I wrote, “After we
concluded the interview, Bishop stared at me for awhile and its almost like he
could see my future and it looked hard. I think Rob is going to break up with
me.” A few months went on and no, Rob
did not break up with me but, I was diagnosed with cancer. What better mentor than
Bishop? Not only was I working with Bishop, I got to work with the girls who
have been so supportive. I am so grateful for Bishop and that he listened to
the spirit. It has touched my life in ways I never thought possible.
After I got my surgery, Bishop and Sister Cusick came to
visit me. Just before they came, the doctors came in and told me I need to get
up and do a loop around the hospital floor. I had already told them no three
times before so I finally got up. This walk proved to be the hardest of my
life. I was in so much pain. As I was walking I felt LIFE hit me: newly
engaged, 4 more surgeries ahead, and chemotherapy. I wanted to sit down and
start crying. My family was trying to cheer me on to keep going, but I felt
like they spoke with no authenticity. I
prayed to Heavenly Father asking him to give me strength to keep going and help
to accept my reality. I look up and see Bishop. He gave me a slight smile and
that gave me the strength to keep moving. I was moving VERY slow, but he
waited, even though I know he did not feel well himself. When I finally reached
him, he kissed my forehead and said, “Well done dear.”
I have thought back to that so many times and can’t help but
think of the Savior. The Savior doesn’t come rescue us from the pain because
sometimes pain means healing, but he watches and he knows exactly what pains we
are experiencing, just as Bishop did with me that day. I sure hope when I pass,
I can get a, “well done dear” from Bishop again.
The last time I saw Bishop he was sitting by the barn across
from his house. I had come to say hi. He
didn’t say too much, but we talked about “chemo brain” and forgetfulness. Rob and I got in the car, and I watched him
and sister Cusick, arms wrapped around each other walking home. There was
something so sweet and tender about watching them. Their loving relationship
was an example to so many young single adults.
I don’t think a Bishop has been more adored or
will be adored than Bishop Cusick. 
