My father was very ill, and had four surgeries during my junior year of high school. Even though he was under a surgeon's care, Dr. Hodge visited him in the hospital when he did rounds, and made sure all of us were aware of what the surgeon would be doing. He was always encouraging, and made us feel like he was a friend.

I remember that my father was in ICU, and had been in critical condition, when I saw Dr. Hodge come out wiping tears from his eyes. I, of course, asked what was wrong, hoping things hadn't negatively changed. Dr. Hodge answered that he had been out of town for a few days, and didn't expect to see my father alive when he returned. From that moment on he felt like part of our family.

The last time I saw Dr. Hodge was several years ago at a U of L football game. He called me by name and gave me a big hug. You don't find doctors like him anymore. He talked of his family, and his love for them came through. I'm sure he's in heaven entertaining children by singing "My name is Pedro Gonzalez", like he did to put me at ease when I was a young girl.

I am so sorry for your loss of this wonderful man.