I Want A Love Like That

Since I started working in the school system I have gotten to know a lot of people. I have gotten to work with some great teachers over the years. This week one of those great teachers went to be with Jesus. Ann Hodges will forever be remembered by so many who's life she touched in the time that she was here on earth.

I got to know Ann when I first became an Aide. I was working in Special Ed and she was one of the teachers that I got to work with. I learned really quickly that she pulled no punches and wanted every child to succeed. She cared about every student. She challenged her students to be more than what they thought they could be. She even challenged them to be more than what others thought they could be. 

She saw the good in everyone. There was never a person that was a stranger to her. She loved to talk to everyone. I know that even after she retired that when I would see her out she would talk to me. We would catch up and I knew she had an interest in me. She was easy to work with and fun too. 

Her husband Henry was equally as interesting. I got to work with him at East Hardy High School. I learned that he too challenged his students to succeed, he cared for all the students, and that he cared about his co-workers. 

Seeing them together they were an interesting couple. They had their moments. I can still here Ann yell Henry when she wanted him or was about to give him a lecture. I can still see them in their blue Ford Festiva (older) going down the road. Ann would be driving and Henry would have his seat reclined. 

Ann was a short lady, but she made a big presence when she came into the room. Henry was tall and well noticed. They made for an interesting pair when you saw them together. 

Despite it all Henry and Ann were deeply in love. In fact when Henry gave his Teacher of the Year speech at Opening Day several years ago he credited his award to Ann. He said that he would not be where he was today without her. That is so true. 

Ann was one to stand back and let Henry shine. She was quietly in the background helping Henry to succeed. She never got personal credit for all she did, but she did let Henry take the credit. 

I remember that when I would see them out and about they would always ask about my mom and sister. After Mom passed they took an interest in how I was doing. Ann also took an interest in how my job was going. She would give me advice and sometimes warnings. 

They both were interested in the local school sports. I don't think that there was a sporting event at East Hardy High School that they did not attend. They were at most all the games selling tickets or being the game manager. They were always dressed in school colors showing their support of the students. 

As I think about what Henry must be going through I think about how much he loved Ann. When he posted about her death on Facebook he referred to Ann as the love of his life. It makes you stop and think about what kind of love they had.

I want a love like that someday. Someone that I can love and will love me, but still be normal with. I mean have all the arguments, disagreements, make-up, and still love each other through it all. Ann and Henry's love reminded me of my Great-Aunt Virginia and Great-Uncle Ed.  

I am sure that Ann is in Heaven smiling down on Henry. I am also sure that she is playing the piano for the choir in Heaven where my Mom is proudly singing. I am sure too that Mom and Ann are wearing matching dresses and swapping stories about Henry. 

My heart goes out to Mr. Hodges. I will continue to pray for him. Grief is not an easy thing. Especially when you loose the love of your life. I am sure we all have a story of some kind to tell about this couple especially Mrs. Hodges. 

Please keep Mr. Hodges in your thoughts and prayers at this time. God gained another angel who left a lot of great memories.