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Sally French Wessely's avatar

Welcome back, Jenni. May you feel very much at home in this space because I hope to visit it often! It meant the world to me to know that my words spoke to you as you have been going through this season of loss, and longing, and remembering, and grieving. The way you are saying your hellos to your mum by remembering the way her hand helped to nurture you and mother you really touched my heart. I know what you mean about wishing your mum could visit your garden and see all the memory of her inspired you to do. I do think that is how we keep our loved ones alive in our hearts, by creating spaces we think they would have loved to spend time in with us. Also, we have inspiration as we create because we remember them, and our actions become a way of expressing that love after they are gone. We make new memories knowing they were with us during these creative times.

Also, thank you for linking my Substack here.

As always, I loved reading your newsy letter. You bring so much of your delightful personality to all you do. Sending much love across the pond to you. Hugs.

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

"I do think that is how we keep our loved ones alive in our hearts, by creating spaces we think they would have loved to spend time in with us." Sally!! ❤️ You've done it again. You nailed it - that's exactly it, so true. Thank you for your love, friendship, encouragement and walking this road with me and all of us who find your words when they need them most. All the love and hugs across the pond right back!!! 🥰🤗

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Liz Alterman's avatar

"the leaning tower of Reebok in the hallway' : ) Loved this, Jenni! I've missed you. I'm excited to read more of your words -- especially of your adventures in Italy! xx

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

Oh Liz, thank you! ❤️ That's SO kind of you to say, and means so much. I've missed you too, and being here, just getting caught up — excited for and looking forward to reading more of your words, too! Much love! XO

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Liz Alterman's avatar

Aw, Jenni, thank you! I'm overdue for a newsletter but find that they always take 12x as long as I expect them to :) xx

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

I 100000% relate to that!! (I barely saw daylight on Monday, haha!). It's the same with Instagram reels. (But with music, too. Nightmare. I'm lost for hours! 😂)

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Liz Alterman's avatar

I'm the same way! Everything takes so much longer than I anticipate! Glad I'm in such good company! xx

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

Likewise!! 😂 Big 💗! Xxx

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Sally French Wessely's avatar

I too loved the “leaning tower of Reebok in the hallway.”

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

Oh thank you—any attempts at organisation or grown-up storage have failed me! 😂

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Becky Gonzalez's avatar

Welcome back! And so glad to hear your dad is doing well, friend!

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

Thank you SO, so much, Becky! Big 💗!!

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Joy Faulkner's avatar

Leaning tower of Reebok here too (love that phrase) !

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

Oh I've just seen this, thank you so much, Joy!! It's slightly out of control ... glad I'm in great company! 👟👟👟👟 XOXO

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Charity Singleton Craig's avatar

So much to catch up on … and all so relatable! I love how deep your family ties run, and in all directions! Glad to read this update and know you are writing about the things that are so important in your life.

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

Oh Charity, THANK YOU, so so much. I know you understand. So happy to be back here! ❤️🙏

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Kym VdP's avatar

So glad you're back Jenni! Looking forward to reading more.of your writing 🥰

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

`Oh Kym! That means so much, thank you! I'm so excited to be reading yours now, too- your poetry in the dark is so beautiful. ❤️

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Kym VdP's avatar

Thanks so much Jenni! That's so kind of you to mention 🥰

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Trina McNeilly's avatar

Welcome back. I relate so very much. I was grieving my dad long beside he passed. It’s surprised me how much I’m grieving who he was and what I thought I had already grieved. xo . Trina

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

Oh Trina, thank you - that means so much. And thank you for sharing that, too, about your grieving your dad. I truly understand. Walking with you, in faith and hope, and with much love. ❤️

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Sue Fulmore's avatar

So lovely to see that you are back and writing such poignant and beautiful words. All the things - family, belonging and home are loaded with so many feelings and layers.

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Jen Baden Howard's avatar

Thank you so, so much, dear friend, you know how much your kind words mean, always. And your encouragement, as we share our stories and unwrap the layers, together (the very best way!).❤️

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