Dear Jodi, 

I remember touring Cornerstone as a parent when we were looking at schools for Bennett's first grade year. Prior to touring with De Ann, I had thrown a Hail Mary to Colin to let him know that if he had any available positions, I would be interested in those positions.

Colin emailed back three minutes later. You have impeccable timing. I am about to post a position on our website. 

I remember agonizing over my tour outfit; attempting to look equal parts parent and professional. (I know you can relate to this, my fellow style enthusiast :)) My stomach was a buzz with nerves. Not just for my impending conversation with Colin, but also for the prospect of returning to work and the complexities of becoming a working mom. 

We had peeked into a few middle school classrooms; our tour was almost over. Kevin had walked my mother in law and husband into Floyd Dining Hall. I stopped to talk to you. 

I asked you so many questions about your transition back to work  from being a stay at home mom. I think I chatted with you for about 15 minutes, taking up a good majority of your planning time (if you were annoyed about it, you didn't let on). You were gracious, honest, and warm. This was my first impression of you; an indelible and overwhelming impression of a warm, loving, supportive, and kind teacher and mother. Your love for your students and children was obvious. Your care and concern for me, a perfect stranger, was the beginning of a beautiful friendship.

Fast forward to the end of the 2021-22 school year. I was grieving the fact that Cornerstone wasn't a fit for Sawyer, and you were grieving similarly. During chapel, we allowed each other to mourn together. We prayed for each other. We hugged each other. You carried me when I felt the weight of unmet expectations. I felt your strength pull me through this difficult moment of my parenting journey, and will treasure this moment all of my life. 

Jodi, you are a strong woman of faith, a stalwart, loyal friend. I am better for knowing you.