Today marks one year since the death of my beloved husband, Jonathan. And what a year it’s been. To describe it as difficult is an understatement. To say it’s been painful doesn’t measure how painful. But somehow, some way, I had to adjust and accept my new life, my new reality without him. It’s not an easy thing to do. I miss his humor, his guidance, his thoughtfulness, his company (and these are only the tip of the iceberg) so very, very much—sometimes so much it hurts.
HumbleDollar had to adjust as well. I know from reading the comments, most of them posted to the site but some personally sent to me, that you miss Jonathan too. You miss his well-written articles, his topical and editing expertise, his generosity, his humor, but most of all, you miss the friend who wanted to help make your life better.
That friend still lives on through HumbleDollar. That friend is no longer one Jonathan Clements; that friend is the embodiment of the community he created. Within this community, there is collective expertise, shared personal experiences, humor, and most importantly, a commitment to wanting to help make people’s financial lives better for themselves and their families.
And to everyone—readers, writers, commenters, and forum posters—who participated in HumbleDollar this past year, thank you from the bottom of my heart. That you chose to remain a part of the community Jonathan built, or chose to join it, speaks of your commitment to preserving his legacy.
As we move forward, you will notice some enhancements to the site. HumbleDollar hosts a wealth of content within its pages—content relevant for all stages of one’s financial life—that will now be more easily accessible thanks to enhanced topic labeling and search capabilities.
But the most important enhancement will be a feature spot on the home page dedicated to Jonathan. Each Wednesday one of his many articles will be pulled from the archives and shared with readers. So, if you have children, extended family, or friends who you think might benefit from the wisdom of Jonathan and the
HumbleDollar community, please share this
link.
To ensure you and your loved ones never miss these pieces, the best step is to subscribe to our weekly
newsletter. It is the easiest way to stay up to date on the latest articles and forum posts.
Beyond reading, I encourage readers to post (and comment) to the forum. Share your experiences—your successes and mistakes—and ask your questions. It’s how we learn.
May we continue to honor Jonathan by interacting with each other with kindness, respect, and civility as we accept, adjust, and strive to make the very best of our lives without him—I know it’s exactly what he would want.
Just this – Yes!
Thank you for this. Jonathan was the BEST, and one of a kind.
Thank you Elaine for your words. We all miss Jonathan and we thank you for keeping Humble Dollar going.
Thank you for your beautiful message, Elaine. I think of you often and how especially difficult the first year is, though every person’s grief is different. I’m grateful to Jonathan for answering my email about financial changes I made when I was a recent widow – as always, he was kind and reassuring. Thanks for the updates you mention – I wasn’t aware of the weekly newsletter and appreciate the new features. Sending love, Linda.
Thanks Elaine. Although I’m not Jewish I light a yahrzeit candle to mark the one year anniversary of those close to me, or others, death. It was especially poignant to have it during on Yom Kippur. Jonathan lives on through Humble Dollar, his amazing family we have gotten to know more this year and how he touched and changed all of us. May his memory continue to comfort and inspire us all. Much love.
Elaine, I was thinking of you and the family today. I like the changes, especially the timeless wisdom of Jonathan section that is new. He helped me so much. Chris
Elaine,
Thanks for this. Vicky and I are thinking of you and the family on this day. I noticed the enhancements right away and like them very much.
Thanks for all you’ve done, and continue to do for the HD community.
Elaine, my and Chris’s thoughts are with you on this sad day.
I don’t know what its been like for you to have gone through such a loss. I have watched others, most notably my younger sister, try to cope after the loss of their husbands. I can only how imagine this first anniversary has likely brought back a flood of memories, some happy, some sad. I enjoy your contributions to keep Jonathan’s spirit alive for all of us. Thank you.
Elaine, thank you for this post. I know it’s been an awfully tough year for you, so your continuing efforts for HD are especially appreciated.
When I visit HD, I first read Jonathan’s brief nugget (in the middle under “Get Educated”). It sort of screws my head on right as I begin the day. And it’s a nice reminder of his continuing presence here.
Andrew
Thank you for this, Elaine, and I’m thinking of you and the family in this difficult week. The updates to the site sound great—thanks for your efforts!
Beautifully written, Elaine. I know how difficult this past year has been, and I also know how much it means to you to see the community Jonathan created continue to thrive. His wisdom lives on in his words, but perhaps his greatest legacy is found in the people he brought together and the kindness, respect and generosity they continue to show one another. I think he would be very proud of what HumbleDollar has become, and very grateful to you for keeping it going.
Thanks for your message, Elaine. I like the new Forum features and the idea of a Wednesday spot to highlight an article from Jonathan. I think any effort to share Jonathan’s writing with a wider audience, and to remind all readers of the wealth they contain, is valuable to us all.
And thank you for persevering through a difficult year. Yes, the loss the HumbleDollar community has felt has been considerable. But it can’t compare to the magnitude that you must have felt, and continue to experience.
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