Eulogy for my friend Jody

 

Devastating grief compels me to go completely off topic today. I’m sad to report the suicide of a long-time friend. She was a brilliant, funny, most excellent woman, and I am crushed by her loss (as are so many of our shared friends). As my way of coping, I often draft a list of lessons I’ve learned from friends and family who have died. Here’s my list from Jody:

Lessons I Learned from Jody

Novels make more sense when you skip certain parts now and go back later.

Cinnamon toast and real hot cocoa are the perfect afternoon snack

Chatting start to finish makes baseball games more fun.

Men who obsess about condiments aren’t worth the bother.

To emphasize your point, slip your hair behind your ears, gesture wildly with your hands, and use outrageous analogies.

Live your politics in your heart.

Keep laughter in your eyes.

And, when the path you’re on doesn’t seem right, make a change.