Lumberton Baseball Loses Its Inspiration

Yesterday was a sad day for our city. Angela Hodges, wife of Coach Paul Hodges, died after a long battle with cancer. Angela Hodges was one of the most beautiful people I have ever met. A former beauty queen in college, she overwhelmed people at first with her natural beauty. But as her cancer began to take its toll, it was her inner strength and beauty that captured th hearts of every single person lucky enough to know her.

Most people don't realize that Paul and Angela have a severely handicapped child that requires 24 hour care. About eight years ago, Angela was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent the terrible treatments it took to defeat it and won, for about six year. A couple of years ago her cancer returned and she was told that treatments could only prolong her life. She took the treatments that ravaged her body but kept her alive as long as possible because, I can only presume, she felt an obligation to her family.

What amazed and inspired everyone that knew her was he will to live and her outlook on life. Not once in the years I have known her have I ever once seen her down or depressed about her fate in life. Many times I have seen her coming down the path on her golf cart at the ballfield and have wondered just what to say to a dieing woman. Never once did she fail to greet me with that huge, beautiful smile and a hug. Speaking to her was like speaking to an Angel. She laughed at death and lived her life on her terms to the end.

Most of you didn't know Angela Hodges, and you are worse off for that. I loved Angela, as did every single person she ever met.

 

Angel Blessings

May her family and the team be blessed in a special way this year.

 

I may not have known her before, but thanks to your personal, heartfelt post...I do now. I am so sorry to lose one of our angels. My sorrow and heart goes out to the Hodges' family.

This is very sad...may God bless

 

Thanks for sharing this story. Mrs. Hodges sounds like a wonderful lady that I wish I could have known. My prayers are with her family and those who loved her as they go through difficult days of adjustment. May the memories of her life and all that she did comfort you and bring you joy during this time.

 

Coach Hodges,you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

 

Coach Hodges

Coach Hodges is as good a man as they come. Him and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers.

 

Couldn t have said it any better Tom I sure wish or now at least hope to meet her one day in heaven THESE are the people we all need to be around ALL the time..Wouldn t the world be such a better place??????????????????????????????????????? Condolences to Coach and family.

 

Thank You!

Thanks for sharing her story. Coach Hodges and all that knew his wife are in my prayers. Im sorry I didnt know her. But thanks to that post I feel like I do now.

 

We will keep the family in our prayers. I have had the opportunity to follow Lumberton baseball a little over the years. She was an inspiration to many.

 

Good post BaseballMan and my thoughts and prayers go to the Hodges family.