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Jewel’s husband Dave sends…

Hi Mr Van der Leun,
You don’t know me, but you knew my wife, Jewel. Recently my daughter, Julia, texted me a link that you posted to a collection of her posts, which also contained a number of comments. These comments were from people I have never met, from places I have never been, from people I didn’t know existed, yet they have deeply touched my heart and soul.

I just wanted to thank you and thank them for their kind words. It really meant a lot to me. If there is a way to pass this along to those involved, it would be greatly appreciated.

I plan to read the comments aloud at Jewel’s grave, in the hopes that somehow she can hear them.

Jewel and I were married 38 years yet I never knew the many that she had touched.

Thank you again,
Dave Atkins

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • julie January 30, 2022, 7:03 PM

    Someone’s chopping onions in here again.

    Dave, you don’t need us to tell you what a beautiful, special person she was and is. Most of us here only knew her as words on a screen, but she touched many souls and is genuinely missed. May God grant you and your family His comfort and peace, until you and your lovely Jewel meet again.

    • Dave February 3, 2022, 6:37 PM

      Thank you. I do hope to see her again

  • Tom Hyland January 30, 2022, 7:20 PM

    Hello Dave. Jewel was a gem. I discovered American Digest several years ago and it was initially Jewel mentioning fine art and appreciation for the higher levels of human creation that caused me to seek her website, https://madamescherzo.tumblr.com/, where I visited a dozen times yearly. I am a graphic designer, sign maker, and portrait artist so I got absorbed and dazzled by Jewel’s keen sense of beauty. I’ve spent so many hours clicking the imagery and was always intrigued. Jewel was also a rare presence within an online/comments section… quite noticeably calm and wise… among a congregation of some hyped-up and blustering show-offs. Sometimes she’d let it rip and place the arrogant outburst into a well-deserved corner, but she did that with a touch of class, too. Jewel’s absence is immeasurable for you, I can only imagine. I could only hang out with her on these innerwebs but she’s someone I know I would have gotten along with in a fabulous way.

    • Dave February 3, 2022, 6:41 PM

      Thank you. She was all that and more. A rare gem. A Jewel indeed

  • gwbnyc January 30, 2022, 7:45 PM

    amen, friend.

    • Dave February 3, 2022, 6:42 PM

      Thank you

  • Mike Austin January 31, 2022, 2:27 AM

    I met Jewel on the web many years ago at her website Mme Scherzo. I went there daily to refresh my soul and cleanse my mind. I did not know then that the beautiful and talented woman who created that site was the Jewel who regularly commented at American Digest. When I found out, my first thought was, “But of course!” It all fit together then. Her wit and faith and understanding brought much joy into my life. So many times I would read her comments and simply laugh. Jewel was so funny and so perceptive and so understanding. When Jewel left this earth, though one of the lights went out here at American Digest, a new one appeared in Heaven.

    • ghostsniper January 31, 2022, 4:26 AM

      “When Jewel left this earth, though one of the lights went out here at American Digest, a new one appeared in Heaven.”
      ==============
      You have a way with words Mike.
      When Jewel died you said something like, “Now she’s looking at the face of Abraham.” (paraphrasing from memory)

    • Dave February 3, 2022, 6:47 PM

      If there is one person I’m sure went to heaven, it’s Jewel. Thank you

  • Kevin in PA January 31, 2022, 5:46 AM

    Dear Dave Atkins,
    You were blessed with a wonderful woman and the world is a better place for the things she shared here at AD.
    I echo the sentiments offered by many others and part that you find peace as you carry on in her absence.

    • Dave February 3, 2022, 7:07 PM

      Thank you. She was a wonderful woman in so many ways

  • Terry January 31, 2022, 8:08 AM

    AD is my Home Page. There are several commenters here that I always read. Jewel was one of those and I really miss her. Kind of like kin.

    Mr. Adkins, your loss is the loss of many. Jewel is the brightest star in the sky.

    • Dave February 3, 2022, 7:13 PM

      Thank you brother. Although I was not a part of Jewels online other family, you are all kin to me. She definitely was the brightest star in my life.

  • RedBeard January 31, 2022, 10:46 AM

    Dave,

    Jewel always brightened up this webpage, and touched many hearts here.
    We all miss her very much.

    • Dave February 3, 2022, 7:15 PM

      Thank you. So many great comments. So many thanks

  • james wilson January 31, 2022, 11:50 AM

    Late in life Tocqueville was asked what single quality was most responsible for the remarkable success of America. He thought it over some time, and replied “the quality of their women”. No doubt in my mind he was talking about Jewel. There is in the Jewels some quality of grit and art that raises people around them.

    • Dave February 3, 2022, 7:16 PM

      Thank you. I couldn’t agree more

  • Princess Cutekitten January 31, 2022, 2:34 PM

    Mr. Atkins, my prayers are with you and your family.

    God gave us memory so that we might have 🌹 roses in winter. May your memories of your special rose comfort all of you.

    • Dave February 3, 2022, 7:19 PM

      Thank you so much. So many great memories. Lots to choose from in a 40 year span

  • PA Cat February 1, 2022, 5:53 AM

    Dear Dave,
    Jewel was a blessing to so many of us at AD. I cannot do better than the writer of Proverbs 31 in honoring her:
    A virtuous wife who can find?
    She is far more precious than jewels.
    11 The heart of her husband trusts in her,
    and he will have no lack of gain.
    12 She does him good, and not harm,
    all the days of her life.
    13 She seeks wool and flax,
    and works with willing hands.
    14 She is like the ships of the merchant,
    she brings her food from far away.
    15 She rises while it is still night
    and provides food for her household
    and tasks for her servant-girls.
    16 She considers a field and buys it;
    with the fruit of her hands she plants a vineyard.
    17 She girds herself with strength,
    and makes her arms strong.
    18 She perceives that her merchandise is profitable.
    Her lamp does not go out at night.
    19 She puts her hands to the distaff,
    and her hands hold the spindle.
    20 She opens her hand to the poor,
    and reaches out her hands to the needy.
    21 She is not afraid for her household when it snows,
    for all her household are clothed in crimson.
    22 She makes herself coverings;
    her clothing is fine linen and purple.
    23 Her husband is known in the city gates,
    taking his seat among the elders of the land.
    24 She makes linen garments and sells them;
    she supplies the merchant with sashes.
    25 Strength and dignity are her clothing,
    and she laughs at the time to come.
    26 She opens her mouth with wisdom,
    and the teaching of kindness is on her tongue.
    27 She looks well to the ways of her household,
    and does not eat the bread of idleness.
    28 Her children rise up and call her happy;
    her husband too, and he praises her:
    29 “Many women have done excellently,
    but you surpass them all.”
    30 Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain,
    but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.
    31 Give her a share in the fruit of her hands,
    and let her works praise her in the city gates.

    I am sure that as Jewel’s husband of many years, you trusted her, loved her, and still love her– and I daresay she will welcome you with open arms when you see her again. God bless you and Julia and all the others in your family.

    • Dave February 3, 2022, 7:31 PM

      Thank you. Comforting words. I really appreciate. Words so true.

  • Nori February 1, 2022, 2:37 PM

    Virtues of a Noble Woman,Proverbs 31. Excellent tribute to Jewel,PA Cat.
    Those 31 verses in that last chapter of Proverbs correlate to a woman’s birth day;check your day of birth to see what Biblical wisdom is yours.
    Chapter 21 of Proverbs applies to men;it’s interesting to see how the verse relates to one’s life.

    Dear Dave:thank you for sharing that lovely picture of Jewel. Her resemblance to Madame Scherzo is a delight;same knowing smile that reaches up to her eyes.
    As PA Cat said,God bless you and your dear family.

    • Dave February 3, 2022, 7:36 PM

      Thank you. That picture was used in her obituary. In the full sized version, she is holding a baby, our grandson.

  • Elmo February 1, 2022, 6:33 PM

    Very nice.

    • Dave February 3, 2022, 7:36 PM

      Thank you