Until We Meet Again.

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.