Mrs. Liz Howell, wife of Joe Howell (better known here as Newdirection), has written an open letter to those Kossacks who were his online friends and who wish to honor his memory. I include it here at her behest along with his picture. Mrs. Howell has asked me to be her go-between for this because she is dealing with the stress of Joe's death and trying to raise their two children alone.
A Paypal account has been set up for her. Please send donations to spandexhowell@earthlink.net.
She also has seen the message about turning Joe's DailyKos diaries into a hardcopy book. She would greatly appreciate that because it will help her two young sons to better know their father. Please contact me here if you want to assist with either of these endeavors. Her letter to you all is below.
Once again I find myself very sad that I did not get the opportunity to know this thoughtful and clearly talented Kossack before his passing.
Dear members of Daily Kos,
Thank you so much for your words of kindness for my late husband Joseph Howell aka New Direction. One of the main things that made me fall in love with him as a twenty year old was his astute and articulate observation about our world. This country seemed so immoral to him a lot of the time and it was very painful for him to live in it. DailyKos gave him the outlet that he so desperately needed. He was a man who struggled to belong, and DailyKos was one of the few places where he felt like he did. He even attended the convention in Las Vegas in 2006.
Joe was a child of a broken home and had chaotic beginnings, so it was extremely important to him that I be the one to take care of our children. Much of his interest in politics was to this end; economics and their relation to the disappearance of the middle class. In this spirit, I graciously and humbly accept any donations in his memory. It is more important to me than ever to be present for my children and to be mindful of their need for stability. I will struggle on Social Security before I would consign them to someone else’s care. I know this is what my husband would have wanted.
I really appreciated everyone’s comments to Kos’ announcement of Joe’s death. It was a bright spark in the middle of my darkest hour to know how much he was admired. It is also comforting to know that such an amazing community has gathered to aid me and my two young boys. At four years old, and four months old these boys will hardly know him, so to have his diaries for them to turn to as adults will I hope enrich their understanding of Joe in some way.
Thank you again for your kindness and condolences.
Sincerely,
Elizabeth Howell aka Mrs. New Direction