Bishop Adams

Our Bishop, Dave Adams was released today. I knew it was coming and I am just beyond heartbroken.This man means the world to my family. Bishop Adams gave us the final push (or shove) we needed to get us to the Temple. I honestly believe with all of my heart if he had not been called to be our Bishop when he was we would not have gone to the temple. Rich has never responded to a bishop or any other church authority the way he does with Bishop Adams. I know Autumn had been praying for us for so long to go to the temple and be sealed, but I am not sure it would have happened if Bishop had not called us into his office the second week he was called in and bluntly asked us what in the heck we were doing and why were we not sealed.From that September day to a three short months later our whirlwind and all the blessings of becoming a forever family were reached and made a reality. Bishop Adams was with us every step of the way pushing, answering questions and most of all showing his love to my family. He dearly, dearly loves ALL the youth in our ward. He holds a special place for Autumn especially. He treats her like his daughter. After we were sealed he came over and seen our pictures of that day and immediately demanded I give him one. I offered a 8x10 to him and he took it home and put it in his home office. His wife asked him why he put it there and was afraid it may offend other members to have our picture prominently displayed on his desk. He explained to her he loved us so much, but it wasn't necessarily our picture but what we represent as a family and a forever family!

It was not the normal time to release a bishop, he did not serve as long as most. Bishop Adams is really really sick.He has fought cancer for years, went on a mission and the cancer was in remission. Immediately came home from his mission was put into the Bishopric and the cancer started again. He was able to control most of it until about 8 months ago. He has steadily gotten worse and the past few months has been in a wheelchair. In constant pain, hurting always. He missed many meetings because he was so sick he couldn't attend, and I know it devastated him. Rich once told me he feels a greater bond with Bishop Adams than he ever did with his dad. I cannot even explain how much we love him. He is a HUGE huger, loves to hug everyone, but also really good about never hugging the youth in his office or alone with them. He would leave his office, ask them for a hug, and make sure it was okay with them and if the parents were there ask their permission first.

Last week Lorie gave a farewell talk about in HIS time.Not our time. It is the Lord's will and thy will be done. I know it is time for him to be released. I have known for a while it is time. I know he is a faithful servant and the Lord is pleased with him. My families love for him is endless. What scares me is I know he is so sick and soon he will return home, where the Lord will smile and hug him and tell him "Well done faithful servant, well done."

We love you Bishop Adams and I know it hurt you to be released. You served our ward well and touched my families lives for eternity. A simple thank you will never be enough.