On this second anniversary of our beloved Jody’s death, Tobin has sponsored a day of sanctuary in her memory for which she shared these thoughts:
“At the end of March, a friend and I attended a funeral mass. As we left the church, I told my friend: ‘Most weddings are the same, but every funeral is different.’I elaborated that I had attended some obsequies which, due to the character of the departed, were indeed (as the euphemism has it) ‘Celebrations of life.’ I gave of a friend, born in 1932, who had been diagnosed with leukemia in 1958. Four decades later, she attained her final victory over her ailment. ‘Even in her final months’, I said, ‘when she was almost thin as a skeleton, her inner beauty seemed to illuminate even more.’
On this somber anniversary I am reminded of what I found – and continue to cherish – that so endeared me to Jody. My desk where I reside is graced with several photographs of her. They capture the beauty of her brown eyes, the drooping lower lip of her smile, the pert folds of her ears, the look of her delight as she carries in her forage from Young’s Hill. As Jody cradles a pumpkin in her arms, I can almost hear her joyous dinosaur’s groan.
Pleasing as it is to look at these photographs, they can only begin to intimate what I found even more beautiful about Jody: her heart and soul, her embrace of life in the Cascade Mountains with those she loved: Negra, Annie, Missy, Burrito, Jamie, and her dear friend Foxie, and the human caregivers who provided for her needs and, at last gave her a life worth living.
Once again, I am reminded of how I miss seeing Jody roaming the landscape of Young’s Hill. In the absence of her body, I am – we are – left with the beauty which illuminated from the heart and soul of Jody. And that beauty, the good treasure of her heart by which Jody lived, is a grace beyond gold.”
Jody, Missy, Annie, Burrito, and Foxie:
Negra and Jody:
Jody was absolutely the most beautiful girl on that side of the chimp house! May she rest in peace.
Tobin, thank you for these beautfiful words about Jody. A little known phenomenon, perhaps a footnote in Newton’s journal, describes the Conservation of Radiance, which means that Jody’s goodness is once again part of everything and the world will never lose it. Every memory of Jo Jo is illuminated by that light and is a gift to us.
What a beautiful tribute. I had tears in my eyes
When words so beautiful pay tribute it is a testament to how special Jody was and still is in everyones hearts.
Beautiful tribute essay to Jody! Just beautiful. Thank you!!
Just saw some lilacs in bloom and enjoyed their frageance. I will always see the beauty of Jody and her flowers!
Such a beautiful tribute. Farmer Jo was very special.
Thank you for a beautiful remembrance of a very special being. Missed by many, but nrver forgotten.
Oh Tobin, thank you for sponsoring today and for sharing your hearts love for Jody with all of us. I believe the essence of Jody’s presence will remain in our hearts.
This! These words of yours are so moving, so beautiful, so true.
“In the absence of her body, I am – we are – left with the beauty which illuminated from the heart and soul of Jody. And that beauty, the good treasure of her heart by which Jody lived, is a grace beyond gold.”
To the caregivers, current and past, who knew and loved Jody, please know I am thinking of you today.
And I am thinking of Diana and all of the caregivers who loved and knew our blessed Jody today, that on this somber anniversary that each of them experience that Peace which passeth all understanding.
:heart::heart::heart::heart:?
:heart::heart::heart::heart:?
Thank you for this beautiful tribute, Tobin!
And thank you, Diana, for rescuing Jody and her friends and bringing them into life. Your work was/is a blessing, and I have no doubt that Jody and those you have rescued love(d) you deeply.
As many others have said – what a touching and perfect tribute to dear Jo Jo. So many beautiful sentiments inspired by the inner light of all the CSNW residents and staff. Jody has joined the “springtime of forever” and we will all greet her when we arrive there too – with glorious pant hoots and happy feet. A gorgeous day (I hope for all, wherever you are) to celebrate a beautiful person.
Thank you Tobin for sponsoring sweet Jody today.
I love all these pictures of her, she had such a beautiful face.
Thankyou,Tobin,Diana, JB and everyone at the sanctuary; fellow chimps and bovines including all the wonderful staff. You are heroes for giving sweet Jody your love and the good life which was always rightfully hers but sadly denied her for much of her life.I send you love especially on this second anniversary of Jody’s passing and, Jody, you will always be in our hearts. May your gentle spirit forever soar about those beautiful Cascade Mountains.
Thank you for that loving tribute to Jody. She was a beautiful, sweetheart of a girl and she will be missed forever. May she rest in light and love.
Heartwarming and also tearful. The pictures of Jody are a beautiful remembrance.
Thank you, Tobin for sponsering this day and for the beautiful remembrance of dear Jody. The tears it brought to my eyes were sad tears, but someday they will hold tears of joy, too. Love you, sweet Jody…