Dear Jodi,

Every day, I want, above all else, to love God and to love others. I often fall short. But, when I think of someone who does it so well, I think of you, my friend. You have a gift for putting others before yourself and for doing whatever it takes to make situations just a little bit lighter, just a little bit easier, just a little bit sweeter for us all.

I remember one particular Monday morning when the middle school team was working through a challenging curriculum task and I sensed a tad of anxiety among a small group of our newest faculty members. They just wanted to get it right. As I walked through the dining hall, I observed you sitting, cross-legged, on the stage's edge, balancing your computer on your lap. I heard you say, "Oh, no worries! I think I have a solution. Here's what we need to do!" Your peers scooted even closer to you and let out a big sigh. Peace could be felt over that space. I recall standing there admiring your knack for feeling the room and your determination to do whatever you could to calm your friends' hearts and minds. One of your teammates (Yes, it was Katie B.!!!) later told me that you had spent a good part of your weekend researching the issue. We weren't the least bit surprised! Later that week, I told you what I had observed. In that moment, I realized that what I witnessed is simply who you are.

I'm a better person for knowing you. I love living a few houses away from you, seeing Dave on his very early morning runs, chatting with Ava Mei, and waving to Bob and Henry on their bikes. I am so glad we shared a Cornerstone journey. I only wish I had photos of you trying to keep my yard hydrated during the May 2022 heatwave while we were away for too many days. Yes, you were spotted with my favorite neighborly helper, Ava Mei! (You know I want to be like her when I grow up!) Jodi, thank you for the many ways you live out God's greatest commandments.

You are so loved!