A tribute to Jodi Huisentruit

When I sign copies of the hardcover copy of Dead Air – The Disappearance of Jodi Huisentruit, I often write the buyer’s name, and then scrawl “a tribute to Jodi” before I pen my name on the title page of the book.

Why? In human terms, Jodi’s life was cut short by tragedy.  After all, in this century in the United States of America, age 27 is considered way too young to die.

For a moment, however, let’s view this from a spiritual perspective.  I don’t remember where I read these lines by an anonymous writer, but they bear some truth and resonate with me:

“Fearlessness is better than a faint heart for any man who puts his nose out of doors.  The length of my life and the day of my death were fated long ago.”

Every single human being on the planet faces fears, both known and unknown.  You don’t even have to go outside your own four walls to experience fear and danger.  Living is a dangerous occupation, and not all of us will make it to a ripe old age.

If Jodi were alive today, she’d still be relatively young – 45 years old in June. She lived a pretty full life in her 27 years, and when I think of her, I sometimes think of the word “fearless.”

In spiritual terms, Jodi left this earth with a lesson for all of us.  No, Jodi was not granted the time to find her full potential, but she was ambitious, outgoing, ready for adventure, optimistic, open to strangers, full of life, and well-loved by family and friends.  The 27 year old left a legacy in her profession, and among family and friends who remember her fondly.  She left a legacy for me as an author, and she left a legacy for those of us who remember her at FindJodi.com.

That’s the very definition of a life well-lived, and I’d say it’s a fine tribute to the fine young woman we remember on this site.

To get your own copy of Dead Air, click on the image. Thanks for your support.