Jodi's Hope

08/17/2026

To honor Jodi's spirit of positivity, optimism, and self-improvement, we will try to post an inspirational quote or image here every week to start your week. With all of the negativity out there, Jodi would want us to try to lean in to the positive, and this is one way for us to do just that. 🌞

08/05/2026

I took a road trip with a friend to Iowa City/Coralville this past weekend to visit another friend who is currently attending the University of Iowa for her Ph.D. I hope I won’t offend any of my Iowa friends here when I say for the longest time, the idea of traveling to Iowa was just too painful for me. It’s only been within the last few years that I’ve come to a place where I’m able to make visits on my own. Not to say these visits are not still difficult, because they are, as my mind is generally flooded with flashbacks and memories both pre- and post-June 27th, 1995. However, they have also been absolutely worth it. I’ve found so much healing in making them, and I am forever grateful for the kindness and support that has been extended to us by so many of the good people we’ve been able to connect with while there. I hope to meet more of you on future visits.

My road trip partner was gracious enough to indulge me in a quick detour to one of Jodi’s former news stations in Cedar Rapids (photo below). I personally do not have a lot of memories of Jodi working here aside from the one time she invited all of us to meet her in Rochester, MN (the approximate half-way point between our home and Cedar Rapids). While I'm sure we did more than this, my only memory is all of us spending family time together swimming in the hotel pool. Even so, it was still a little surreal for me to be in a place she called home for a period of time.

While staying in Coralville with friends, I received the news that the human remains found in the area several weeks ago had now been identified. There had been a lot of speculation that this could be tied to Jodi, but this is not the case. Our hearts are with the family of Grant Leonard this week as they process this news. While we’re sure there is peace in having more answers, it does not make the loss any easier to bear. 💜

07/30/2026

Sometimes while listening to Spotify, a song will come on that seems to be the exact thing I need to hear in the moment. Today, this was one of those songs. 🩷

Song: "Keep Hope Alive" - Esabalu

Provided to YouTube by DistroKidKeep Hope Alive · Esabalu · Wake ...

07/28/2026

07/27/2026

To honor Jodi's spirit of positivity, optimism, and self-improvement, we will try to post an inspirational quote or image here every week to start your week. With all of the negativity out there, Jodi would want us to try to lean in to the positive, and this is one way for us to do just that. 🌞

As a proud member of The Optimist Club, I can imagine Jodi saying this exact thing to me right now. 🩷

07/20/2026

To honor Jodi's spirit of positivity, optimism, and self-improvement, we will try to post an inspirational quote or image here every week to start your week. With all of the negativity out there, Jodi would want us to try to lean in to the positive, and this is one way for us to do just that. 🌞

Jodi could have what one can only describe as a "nerdy" sense of humor at times, at least with me. She would get a kick out of this post, both for its motivation and its play on words. It reminds me a bit of some bad jokes she would tell me as a kid to try to make me laugh. Here is a little “Jodi” motivation for the week ahead. 🤓