Jody was the kind of guy that just loved being in the moment. Being with the people, flavors, sounds, and fleeting idiosyncrasies that made any experience one worth having. This is a familiar sentiment to me, as I can say it’s one I hold at the core of who I am. Jody and I just got each other, truly right from the start.
When I moved to Chicago at 18 to embark upon the city life and knowing exactly 4 people (all of whom you are related to) — Sally and Jody took me in like kin. Well, like a sister. Or a child? A long lost niece, perhaps. I was the (geographically) distant cousin who came to them with eyes wide and an open heart, ready to take it all in. And truly, they were my most generous of guides any gal could ask for. We went on unofficial culinary tours of the town, eating and laughing our way through what I was learning to be all the classics and the hits, the new spots and the legendary. Jody taught me about wine. How to read a menu, order safely—or boldly—an experience which piqued my own interest later working in wine and pursuing my Sommelier certification from the Court of Master’s. We went to the games, he schlepped me to any concert worth seeing when he could’ve gone with his boys. And then that was sometimes the case too.. meeting up with the guys at Lollapalpooza, dragging my dad to see Band of Horses (which he loved!) at a more local theater (forgive me j-man, it’s been a long time and I can no longer list all the music venues of chi town) to see his favorite new band that he just knew I’d love.
We had a really, really, damn good time. Even when I knocked over the entire freshly decorated Christmas tree the exact moment we finished decorating it (sorry Sal). My memories with Jody are all full of life and appreciation. We laughed until we cried, ate til we couldn’t stand another bite, quipped sarcastic comments at one another, and made our way through this city that ran deep through Jody’s bones. Here was this groovy dude who turns out to be my cousin.
Sally and Jody welcomed me to Chicago in a way that gives truth to the rumored mid-western warmth and hospitality. They took me under their wing and treated me with respect, admiration, and knew how to have a damn good time. I truly cherish the early days with them during my own transformational years of early adulthood, and can only hope to provide the same kind of safety net of love and support for Jack and Avery that your parents provided for me.
Your pops glowed at the fantasy, arrival, and reality of you two sweet souls and now it’s our turn to glow at the memory of his rich time on this earth.
Love you Jody Man
Damn, Cal. This is a treasure, just like you are to me/were to Jody….Right from the start. Love you