It's time to say good bye, [View all]

[JMCKUSICK]

Last edited Sat Dec 6, 2025, 06:09 PM - Edit history (1)

I'm sorry I haven't posted much lately, been more like a curled up in a fetal position as I get reminded in so many ways, just how present Rory and I were in each other's day to day life.

Rory's funeral is set for Tuesday, the 9th. Even though I won't be going, please know that the following is what I'd want to say if I was there.

It's time to say goodbye Old Friend, but before I do, I have a few words to say in gratitude, humility and in Love.

I met Rory on 3-21-96 in Minneapolis as I began driving a taxi (again) and for the first time.
What I couldn't know that day, is that I was in the company of an Angel, or a Saint as our first encounter just involved me handing over my hard earned money to pay for my cab.
What I grew to learn was that I was in the company of a man from whom emanated kindness, decency, humility at every encounter.
Rory was a simple man, a man whose habits were such a subtle and yet powerful sign of his depth, faith, and heart.
His days were ones of routine, consistency, and the living of his core values in everything he did.
It's funny how incredibly different my relationship with Rory was compared to most of you.

I haven't mentioned that Rory was an Ordained Minister, had run immensely successful mission programs in Mexico and elsewhere, and was sought often for his wisdom, knowledge of the Bible and of course, counsel.
I haven't mentioned these things because I learned of them only in the last weeks of his life.
Rory was a minister, yet I never heard him preach. What he did do, with great success, was what he inspires me to do to this day. Rory lived in prayer.
He dreamt of simple things, trips he'd like to take to see someone or a national Park.
I never knew him to buy a lottery ticket, as Rory never took shortcuts or the easy way out. When his MS progressed beyond his current ability to navigate, he always grudgingly gave way to the cane, then the walker, then the chair, then the bed.

I never heard him complain, a man who had every right, every reason as his physical being was degenerating almost daily. He had a famous quote he ascribed to his situation that went like this: "My bad days six months ago are my good days now"

Imagine for a moment that this was your reality. "My bad days six months ago are my good days now."

Rory bravely faced every encounter he came across, adjusting in the moment to his ever changing limitations, all with a level of acceptance and serenity that were astounding and worthy of our admiration.
What's so truly remarkable is that all the things I didn't know about Rory, fit snuggly into who I knew, without conflict or contradiction.
Rory and I prayed together exactly twice in thirty years and yet he taught me how to pray.
Rory and I never really spoke of our struggles in those early years, and yet he helped me find myself.
I never saw Rory give a dollar to anyone, and yet he made me much more generous.
Rory and I never spoke much of Love, and yet he very much influenced what love is to me.
I never saw Rory provide medical attention to anyone, and yet I know he saved many lives, mine included.

You see, I've been an orphan my whole life, a true tumbleweed that is entirely at the mercy of wind and rain.
Rory, accepted me, befriended me, accompanied me, listened to me, and loved me. Just the way I was and am. That was his gift, a bottomless well of kindness, love, and the most amazing Grace that he had to give away.
Thank you Rory, for holding my hand these thirty years, and allowing me the honor to hold yours. Thank you for the countless memories, sports miracles and amazing comebacks,for the fact that you were always there and only God knows how many of your prayers for me He answered.Thank you being my best friend.
It is only appropriate that I end this conversation with Rory as we did all others, especially these last twenty years, most from long distance;
I love you Rory, Sleep well and please give my love to Maria.
Good night
Love, John