Strange how friendships develop

The announcer at halftime asked that everyone focus their attention to center court. There stood Jon and Dee Savits beaming with pride as they looked out at the crowd of nearly 10,000 Cyclone fans. Video cameras zoomed in, capturing the scene on the jumbo-tron suspended over the Hilton Coliseum floor. But the cameras were not focused on John and Dee. The Ogden couple were just bystanders. Instead, the spotlight was on three Iowa State Cyclones who were playing their last game at Hilton Coliseum - Nikki Moody, Brynn Williamson and Fallon Ellis. They were being recognized during Senior Night of the Iowa State/Baylor women’s basketball game Saturday, Feb. 28.

Accompanying each girl were close family members. Nikki’s parents, sister and fiance stood at her side. As much as Grandma Juanita would have loved to have been there on this memorable day, she remained at home in Texas. And Jon and Dee, well, Nikki considers them family, too. 

“I see them like I see my parents and my grandparents. They have done so much for my family, and even though I met them just four years ago, they have been involved in the Moody life for decades.”

Thirty-three years to be precise, long before Nikki was born.

A serious snowmobile accident in 1982 landed Jon at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines where he spent six weeks flat on his back recovering from a crushed pelvis. Doctors worked hard getting his broken body patched up but explained how he would eventually have to have hip replacement surgery. But that would be years down the road.

Jon and then girlfriend Dee, would get well-acquainted with hospital staff during his long stay. They credit one particular nurse for helping keep his spirits up. Nurse Juanita seemed to know just the right medicine. 

For the complete story, see this week's issue of The Ogden Reporter.

PHOTO ID:  A trip to the Big XII women’s basketball tournament in Dallas, Texas provided an opportunity for Jon and Dee Savits to stop in for a visit with long-time friend Juanita Moody.

                                                                                             -Photo provided