Before I can talk to you about Jodie and Josh’s relations, I want to tell you a little bit about each of them as individuals.
If you knew Jodie and me when we were younger, you can probably remember how much we fought and hated each other. Well . . . it was probably just me doing all the hating; Jodie was just being a typical younger sister who looked up to her older sibling. But I couldn’t stand how much she copied and bothered me, especially when I was trying to act cool in front of my friends.
No doubt you’ve heard my story about the California Rollin’ girl, a doll I wanted so badly for Christmas. When I discovered it hidden in the crawlspace, I was elated, just to have my dreams crushed when “Santa” gave it to Jodie. She didn’t even want it!
And I’m sure Jodie has told each one of you how my idea of playing Barbies was having her set them all up, just to decide I didn’t want to play anymore. I think you get the point: Jodie and I didn’t have the greatest relationship when we were kids.
Fast-forward a few years, after each of us had grown up just a little, and our relationship took a turn. Instead of us fighting with one another, feisty Jodie was fighting off anyone who did me wrong. When a guy grabbed me at a bar, Jodie was right there to slap him across the face – and not once, but twice. On another occasion, she reamed one of my supposed friends for ruining my birthday.
Fast-forward a little more to the Jodie and Lindsay today: And the only issue between us is 1,036 miles. It’s hard for me to believe that I ever wanted to rip her head off. She truly is my best friend and I can’t imagine what life would be like without her.
I think that might just be the way Josh and Jodie feel about each other today – not the part about wanting to rip each other’s heads off, but the part about being best friends that couldn’t get by without one another. Josh confirmed these thoughts when I recently picked his brain about how well he knew his fiancée. In May 2007 when Jodie told Josh he “needed to commit or lose her,” he says, in his own words, “I couldn’t stand the thought of losing her, so I decided to commit. Best decision of my life.”
In the early days, I might have been a bit hesitant about Josh, being the protective older sister. But once Josh became a more permanent fixture in Jodie’s life, I was finally able to get to know him. Although Nick will do a better job of telling you all about Josh, I am sure on a few things . . .
He gives the best hugs. As long as I’ve known him, he’s always given genuine hugs that make you feel like you’ve known him all your life. Most of you have probably experienced them, but if you haven’t, I highly recommend hugging Josh at some point tonight.
He’s also one of the smartest people I know. Jodie says I shouldn’t say that around him because it might go to his head, but it’s true. Josh is a bundle of knowledge who always has a different or unique perspective on everything. I always leave a conversation with him feeling smarter.
Lastly – and most importantly – he is an extraordinary man who is perfect for my sister. He balances her out and makes her happy. He’s kind, thoughtful, welcoming and most of all patient. And he assured me that he knows full well what he’s getting himself into by marrying into the Holloway family.
Josh, Jodie, just keep doing what you’re doing. Because as individuals, you both are amazing. And together you shine even stronger. Saying each of you is marrying your best friend sounds cliché, but it’s true. You truly are perfect for one another. I wish you both the very best in your life as a married couple. And I love you both to the moon and back.
lindsayholloway 