Will I survive? Will I ever be happy again? These are questions that Harriet Hodgson asked herself after she was left to raise her twin grandchildren, while grieving for four family members, including her daughter. Harriet reminds us that we are not alone in our grief and, though losses may define our lives, they will not destroy them.
Harriet Hodgson has been a freelancer for 37 years and is the author of 35 books. She is a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists and a contributing writer for the Open to Hope Foundation website, The Grief Toolbox website, and The Caregiver Space website. Hodgson has appeared on more than 180 talk shows, including CBS Radio, and dozens of television stations, including CNN. A popular speaker, she has given presentations at public health, Alzheimer's and bereavement conference. Her work is cited in Who's Who of American Women, World Who's Who of Women, Contemporary Authors, and other directories. She lives in Rochester, MN with her husband, John. Please visit www.harriethodgson.com for more information about this busy author and grandmother.
In 2013 my husband's aorta dissected and he was bleeding to death. I drove him to the hospital emergency department, and we arrived just in time. Surgeons operated on him three times in an attempt to staunch the bleeding. During the last operation he had a spinal stroke and it paralyzed his legs.
After being hospitalized for eight months my husband as released to my care.
And I am grieving. I grieve for the active, healthy husband I once had, the fly fisherman, the traveler, and my walking buddy. I grieve for the three-level house we used to have, a place of happiness and coziness. As I have done before, I turned to writing for comfort and information. Two books for family caregivers came from this decision.
You don't have to be a freelancer like me to benefit fro writing. Just write. Put your thoughts and concerns in a diary, journal, stories, poetry--whatever works for you. Over time, I think you will see the benefits of writing and there are many.
Problems you didn't see before may appear before your eyes. More important solutions to these problems may also appear. Writing your way through the darkness of grief can help you heal. Start writing today!
Book Excerpt
Happy Again!: Your New and Meaningful Life After Loss
I found the time and writing helped me make sense of my life. But the main reason I write is to help others. Though I don’t know your name, face, story, or home town, reaching out to you makes my circle of understanding larger. For me, writing is a form of self-care and it can be self-care for you.
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