What a privilege and honor it is to have Jodi in my life!!
I love the chapter where I got to meet and become friends with Jodi and Dave. Let's go way back to the year 2000 when we were venturing out into Atlanta city living, buying real estate in a soon to be built gorgeous condo in Midtown. I'll never forget how excited all the new owners were to finally get the building completed, as it was delayed for at least a year. Finally, the builder let new owners take a hard hat tour, and the first couple I met was Jodi and Dave. I thought they were super cool, and so young and "hip" and SO SO nice! I was thrilled to learn that in this very large building they were going to live two doors down from my unit! It took about a "nano second" for friendships to form on what we eventually dubbed our area of the building "The West Wing". We knew we had the most special place in the building, mixing young, old, single, married and great diversity
The memories started getting made quickly, and Jodi was a very bright star in our group. Kind, funny, giving, understanding and just always emanated beauty on the inside and out. The memories are making me smile (while also tearing up) as I write this. We all pretty much had an "open door" policy, and pajamas were always proper attire, especially when watching our obsession with the Bachelor and The Bachelorette. (No streaming back then, just gather to watch an episode a week). The parties were often and the laughter sublime. We painted pottery together, ( I still use the platter I made that we all initialed upon completion. Kick board laps in the roof top pool, eating Publix subs the day after a "big night"...just a few fun memories.
Jodi made everyone feel special and important, as evidenced in her multiple teacher of the year honors/awards, but also in her personal friendships, and of course with her and Dave's large families.
For me, being almost 15 years older than her young self, she always included me in plans/activities and helped me feel and "stay" young. One of my favorite memories is from my 40th birthday party. One of my best friends, who Jodi knew, was having a dinner party for me. I wanted to invite Jodi and Dave and Erin but thought they wouldn't want to come given the age difference. But they did, and not only did they help me ring in a big milestone birthday, but demonstrated exemplary Karaoke skills.
The sad day came when they told us "West Wingers" that they were heading to the suburbs as the Dakota wasn't exactly ideal for starting a family. I vividly remember them showing me photos of the beautiful home they chose in Peachtree Corners, and while I was so happy for them, I was sad that this chapter was coming to a close. But I also knew and felt so fortunate to have had those years of crazy fun with Jodi and other pals. Our respective locations and jobs (OTP vs ITP) made it a challenge to see each other frequently, but thanks to F.B, and annual St. Patty's day cards, I got to witness a beautiful family grow and thrive, and watch Jodi love and appreciate her abundance of life's blessings.
Love, Peace and Prayers , Clarke
