Passcode: E6Z0BW
May the family be comforted among the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem.
Speech for my Jodi and Wonderful Mommy by Ashley
July 22, 2024
Growing up I always thought I had a normal mom, like most kids I just assumed her whole life revolved around me, Aimee, and our Dad. As I got older I realized she was anything but a typical mom. I noticed how many people said they have a special connection to my mom and how many people relied on her. My mom was an incredibly strong woman. No matter what it took, she always showed up and cared for everyone around her. She taught us what it meant to be resilient and to be there for one another.
For my mom it didn’t matter if she wasn’t feeling well or coming from a doctor’s appointment – she always showed up for her friends and family. Whether it was to help set up a bridal shower for a cousin, organize a birthday party for a friend, or host a graduation for myself or Aimee – she always went the extra mile to make each of us feel special. It went beyond these large events as well, my mom was notorious for doing the little things. When I’d come home from LA or Berkeley, she would put fresh towels, a few sweets, and a full water bottle in my room. If Cameron, my fiance, was in town, she would go out to the store to stock up on his favorite iced tea and breakfast burritos. She loved doing Friday night Shabbat with our family, even if it was just her, my Dad, Aimee and Rod.
She would bake a fresh challah from scratch just for the 4 of them (or I guess 3 since Aimee’s gluten free). Beyond her family, Jodi loved her friends as if they were family. I don’t know many people who have such strong and long lasting friendships like my mom. She loved leading her friends on their long weekly walks that always ended at the Coffee Bean, playing competitive games of pickleball, and “mahj-ing” with the Tuesday Mahjong girls. She really loved spending time with her friends and I feel so grateful to feel the love you all have for my mom. I just want to say thank you to each of her friends for being there for not only my mom, but the rest of my family during this difficult time. I know it hasn’t been easy for you all either. Anyone who knows my mom knows how beautiful, strong, and caring she was.
I feel blessed to be raised by such an amazing woman and hope that I can be just as graceful and strong as she has been. I am going to miss her everyday but I know I’ll always have her in my heart and can think to myself what would Jodi do?