Jon and Joanie

WHAT CAN I SAY ABOUT DENNIS HODGES THAT HASN'T ALREADY BEEN SAID BY SO MANY OTHERS? WELL, MAYBE ONE THING.

My name is Joanie Snyder, and I met Trudy and Dennis in 2017. Trudy and I were working together at the Women's Resource Agency, and as I recall, I was introduced to Den at an informal function. Of course, my first impression was, who is this guy with that great hair? Denny is charming and kind. It was obvious to me immediately how much he loves Trudy and admires everything that she does.

My husband and I started seeing them socially, and each time we did, we were just captivated by his warmth and caring for others.

When Denny got so sick and was sent to Anschutz Medical Center, Jon and I went to the hospital in Denver because Trudy couldn't get up there quickly enough and we didn't want him to be alone. As seriously ill as he was, when we walked in, he smiled and greeted us. He kept drifting off to sleep and each time he woke up—he smiled that incredible smile of his.

I think seeing him so sick made me realize how much I care about him, and I was aware that it was a different sort of friendship—not just that he was the husband of my dear friend, but rather like a brother to me. I've never had that sort of connection with anyone before, so I started mentioning that fact to him each time we got together as he was recovering.

I sincerely believe that I have lived before, as a female Native American, but back east in the Smoky Mountains. One evening last year while we were visiting Santa Fe with Trudy and Dennis, I asked him about his family—his mom in particular. He shared that Yvonne had always thought she was an Indian Princess! Stunning news, isn't it? No wonder we have this connection.

The end result is that I'm more fortunate than most of you. I shared a previous life with him, and now I have him on this journey. My greatest gift from the Universe is meeting and caring for Denny Hodges.  Happy Birthday My Brother.  Jon and I both love you so much.  

Joanie & Jon.