In memory of Dian Hodge

I first met Dian during a Bubbles by the Beach event, our former annual fundraiser. At the time, I was not yet the CEO of S.A.F.E. House, but I assisted with many of our events. From the very beginning, Dian stood out. She was exceptionally organized and tenacious, always ensuring that everything would be the best it could possibly be. At that time, she was serving on the Board of Directors of S.A.F.E. House.

When Kathryn Fish, the Founder of The Giving Store, let S.A.F.E. House know that she was ready to retire from the store, Dian answered the call without hesitation. The Giving Store was a perfect fit for someone with Dian’s level of organization, determination, and business acumen—not to mention her amazing personal style. When the shoe fits…

Speaking of shoes…

A few nights ago, I was listening to “Becoming Nobody,” a collection of teachings by Ram Dass. He was a well-known doctorate-level psychologist who later became a spiritual guru, teacher, and writer. Ram Dass believed we shouldn’t fear death, because it is not the end, but rather a continuation of the journey of our consciousness after shedding our physical body. One of his spiritual influencers described being in the human body as wearing a tight-fitting shoe.

For some, that continuation of our journey may be heaven. For others, reincarnation. And for some, perhaps a return to the source energy of the universe. Because of this, Ram Dass believed we should embrace the mystery of death with peace instead of fear. In the session I was listening to, he encouraged us to grieve—to not hide it or try to be strong, but to truly sit with that grief. One day it will lessen—maybe tomorrow, maybe two years from now.

Ram Dass goes on to say, “When you and another person are in the space of love together, that relationship transcends death. It is the form that left. You were missing the form, but not the essence, because the essence is still here. As a human being, you are enriched by everyone you have loved. Instead of being deprived by the loss of their form, you realize they are living through you. And that everybody you have ever loved is part of the fabric of your being in the way in which you go forward. That is when grief gets transformed into living love space.”

I would like to read a message that was left on our Facebook page, under the post announcing Dian’s passing. She said, “This is sad news. Early on in my journey with SAFE House I needed an outfit to go to court and look presentable. I went to The Giving Store with a voucher. She gave me wonderful fashion advice. Her words were honey. We’re gonna find you the most presentable, classy, and sophisticated outfit. But I want you to go in there to the court, I want you to have your head high. You got this. It meant so much to me. My condolences to her family and friends. Thank you for your service to SAFE House.”

Dian lives on in the heart of this survivor.

Finally, Ram Dass shares, “The culminating adventure of this adventure called life. It is taking off a tight shoe, which you have worn well.” In Dian’s case, it was a truly fabulous, classy, and sophisticated shoe—more like a pair of Jimmy Choo’s or Louboutin’s.

Thank you, Dian, for living on in our hearts, and especially in the hearts of our survivors.