Thank you, Tobin, for sponsoring a day of sanctuary in memory of Jody for her birthday, which we celebrate on Mother’s Day.
*(Some of us are still playing catch-up from having been away to attend the NAPSA conference last week – me, and me -, so apologies for this later than Tobin intended sponsorship. Jody is of course in our hearts every day, especially during this beautiful season and we appreciate all the love surrounding her.)
A message shared from Tobin:
“As we celebrate the day in which the sanctuary celebrated Jody’s birthday, I am at a loss of words to add to what Diana wrote on the CSNW blog on April 27th. Those who lived with Jody at the sanctuary, and the those humans who provided for her needs, were indeed so fortunate to have had her in their lives. Among the comments which readers posted, I especially felt the words of a commenter who wrote, ‘Besides everything, I miss most seeing (Jody’s) interactions with her chimpanzee family and how she took such good care with everyone.’
We do not know for certain the day – let alone the year – when Jody’s mother gave birth to her. In a world unencumbered by the scourge that is human behavior, Jody should have been raised by her mother throughout her life. Unfortunately, much was not to be as it should have been in Jody’s live. One day, though, she and six other chimpanzees arrived at what would be their sanctuary in the Cascade Mountains. There, at last, Jody and her friends were able to live.
And it is those memories of Jody living in abundance on Young’s Hill and in her domicile that I remember – and treasure. It is my hope, therefore, that on this day that we cherish our love and memories of our dear Jody on what would have been – to our best estimate – her 50th birthday.
I love her always, and pray that joy surrounds her soul – her ‘anima’ – forever.”
Annie, Jody, and Negra:
Annie, Jody, Foxie, and Burrito:
Jody, Missy, and Jamie:
Beautiful words, Tobin, for the beautiful soul that was Jody.
Thanks again, Tobin.
Katelyn, hope you enjoyed the trip!
Thank you Tobin for the beautiful remembrance of our dear Jody. I feel so much love everytime I see Jody’s
pictures…they make my heart dance.
Same here, Susan. For someone who I never met, Jody is someone who I love deeply. I rejoice in the person who she was finally able to become as the sanctuary: as the den mother and friend to those with whom she lived, and as an explorer and hunter-gatherer upon her hillside. It was (and remains) an honor and privilege to sponsor Jody, and I continue to cherish her, now and in the life of the world to come.
I pray that joy surrounds your soul as well Tobin
Thank you, Tobin, for sponsoring Jody. Your love for Jody can be felt deeply. Katelyn, I welcomed this belated post and was quite happy to continue the celebration of Jody past her Birthday Mother’s Day. Let’s make it Jody’s month and celebrate her life throughout lilac and blossom season!
Oh, and that very first photograph: the elf ears, the bright eyes, the beautiful drooping black lower lip of contentment, the sunlight about her as she strolls upon her hillside…to this day, it amazes me that the CSNW has been a home for such beautiful chimpsters and bovinarians!
Even that worm whom, in a video from October or November 2017, caused Jody to whimper until one of her human friends reached down to relocate it was beautiful. As if I needed any further motivation to sponsor Jo Jo, that video tipped the scales.