My Sherpa

Avery, Jackson and Sally!

I had the good fortune of living in Chicago for 8 amazing years in my 20s and 30s. It was a time I look back on almost every day and one which I have only the best of memories of. Sadly, I didn't get to know your Dad until the end of my run which was way too late.

I'll never forget the first night we got to hang out. We were at a mutual friend's wedding and as usual, there was a post party in which my man Yody and I were two of the last night owls. We got to talking and realized we orbited around each other for years but didn't really know much about one another. It was the first of many late night conversations we shared. Over the next 2 years, we got to know each other like most peope did with Jody...Music, Food, Wine and of course the Cubbies. I moved back to NY & NJ where I'm from and while most of my Chicago relationships slowly waned, one curiously grew...again, my man Yody. I needed a music reco, I called. He needed a work connection, he called. I was searching for a great wine recommendation to impress my now wife, he was Johnny on the Spot. He was in NYC for work and needed a buddy to hang with after an all day sales training, he knew I was his guy. I needed someone to create a last second rehearsal dinner playlist at my wedding weekend, I handed over my iPod and it was done. I moved into my first home and needed technical advice on the perfect home audio visual system...and so it went. It was through these moments and connections a brotherhood was formed.

I would come back to Chicago every year for the Cubs home opener and Lollapalooza, my first call was to Jody and the basement bedroom was mine for the weekend. I never expected anything but always knew Jody's hospitality was going to be over the top all the way. A sweet homemade breakfast, a fun day already planned out with a full itinerary and notes for me to study up on followed by a great cocktail on our way out the door for the evening. And of course, the late night wind down! He truly thought of everything. Whenever he came to visit me in NYC/NJ, I always tried to reciprocate but knew it would fall short in comparison. However, he never cared. What was important to Jody was the we got to spend quality time together catching up.

Through the years, I introduced Jody to Lauren, my now wife. He embraced her like he'd known her as long as me. As we navigated early marriage, I loved hearing stories of how you two kids were his pride and joy. He spoke of you with wonder in watching the world through your eyes while also sharing it through his. It's a special gift to be able to make that connection with your kids. I took a lot of lessons from him as a parent and try to measure up to him with my own.

In short, I've learned over time that in your dad, your husband and my brother, I had met my Sherpa. He helped navigate the highs and lows of life in a way I'll never forget. A gift that keeps giving to this day even if I can't pick up the phone for that call or text as much as we'd all love to.

I think of you all often and know no words can make sense of Jody not being with us. But I truly believe he's still in all of us. Sending you all the love, strength and the laughter I know he'd want for you. And to my man Yody...I love you brother and look forward to the next show, nice bottle of wine and passing out mid conversation...again.

Jeff