Jodi,
Oh, friend—I don't even remember how we met—since our family has been in Peachtree Corners, you and your family have always been woven beautifully into our community and lives. You have been my neighbor, my friend, my childrens' teacher, my student's mom, my swim team guru, the mom of our favorite swim coach, and most definitely, my personal style icon.
My earliest memories are chatting on adjacent ellipticals at the Y for over an hour, barely knowing each other, but probably just grateful Miss Eloise down in the childcare center was in charge for a little bit! I remember chatting at the pool before Bob and Henry came home.and you pushing that big double stroller around Amberfield shortly after, always with that beautiful smile.
Like the others, though, most my vivid memories of our moments together involve conversations with depth and significance and you taking care of business! I'll never forget you and Jordan cleaning that mess of a third grade classroom you inherited mid-year like the superwomen you are—and then loving that little pack of third graders with all their drama so well. All while single-handedly taking over the swim team later that spring. You confessed on a school bus ride to Fernbank that you were weary, but you never missed a beat. You showed up for everyone and everything as you always do.
And I remember the excitement we secretly shared when I learned that you had accepted a job at Cornerstone, the school so dear to me. I couldn't decide who was getting a better deal, you or the school! And while you are so much more than a teacher, I echo the sentiments of our colleagues that professionally, I always appreciated the high standards you set for our students, my own children especially.
Our conversations about hard things over the years usually left me feeling understood, enlightened, and encouraged. You have a knack for crawling down in the pit and wallowing with a friend, but bringing that huge faith, optimism and smile along, too.
And, so friend, I am spending these days praying fervently that even in this pit, that huge faith is sustaining you. That your huge optimism is not forsaking you so that even for a moment you doubt how very BIG our God is. How very in control He is and how very securely He is holding you, Dave, Ava Mei, Bob, Henry, and the countless others that love you so.
The huge smile that says so much about who you are doesn't seem to have waned. I know that it won't because it has been imprinted on so many hearts, including mine. I love you, friend.
