Hello, my family and dear friends!   Fall was Jeff's favorite time of year and he loved the start-up of football season and being able to watch the Green Bay Packers!  It is just very different this year.... Some of our friends reached out and I shared the opening game with other Packer fans, their delicious chili, cornbread and friendship.  It is such a blessing to keep receiving tender care from you all!     Labor Day weekend was Jeff's birthday and so all of his kids and I spent time spreading his ashes.  His wish was to have them spread "somewhere peaceful".  Shayna and Kade were up at sunrise on the beach in Portland, Maine to share Jeff memories and scatter some of his ashes and film their German Shepherd romping in the waves!! :) Stevie, Erik, Sammie and I went to the shore of the Stillwater River back in the hills behind Absarokee and scattered more of his ashes there followed by yellow daisies in the stream.  Both places met his requests and ours as well.      So many changes for us all. Last fall, Jeff and I had put the house up for sale and in 6 weeks there was not ONE call or ONE showing.  It was an intervention with God's hand as in the following 2 months, we continued to have space for all who came to help care for Jeff.  In April, I put the house back on the market and was able to sell our 6 bedroom home in 5 days!  Then pack up (quickly), sort out, throw out, sell, and give away furniture and STUFF in order to move to a 3 bedroom apartment.  WHEW!  So many helpers to accomplish this in such a short time and our church friends and family were the backbone of the move out and the shuffle to get everything into the new digs. What a blessing God provided with all the tender care that has surrounded me during this time!  Thank you, all!       Since the major downsize, I have made a couple trips.  In June I went to Wisconsin via train to visit my first family and celebrate a high school graduation of my oldest grandchild. Then last month, I went out to Portland, Maine and spent time with Shayna and Kade.  We enjoyed a sailboat cruise, touring to see the lighthouses, going to a baseball game---Jeff would have loved it all!  Next month, I will be out at Jeff's sister, Chris's place for our annual family gathering in San Francisco for Fleet Week to watch the ships come in and the Blue Angels airshow over the Bay.        During the past three months, I attended a course called GriefShare.  It is a faith-based program that met weekly for 13 weeks to enable others who have experienced loss to walk together through this path we have not chosen. We shared the challenges we found while weaving down the crooked road of memories, sadness, and struggles while we adjust to our new normal.  The Father is gracious and always provides.  The connection with this group is a balm, an emotional support and lays the foundation for healing.           The days are cooler now.  My evenings are quiet.  There is a park across the street and I can hear them playing baseball, kids cheering and dogs barking at the activity. There is still excitement and anticipation of doing and sharing with others.  I have enjoyed re-connecting with family during my travels these past 7 months!  And, amazingly, I seem to have lunch or coffee dates at least twice each week with the local friends and families!       Thank you for your touches. I appreciate your calls, texts and notes! Lovingly, Nola    New Address:   1660 Country Manor Blvd.  #225B                           Billings, MT. 59102

Jeff Howell

Update: September 13, 2023 – by Nola Howell