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.
Just as grief expert Therese A. Rando, PhD advises, I made a conscious decision to get through grief. You may have made the same decision. This isn't a one-time decision, and can be a daily decision. A few days ago I attended a chapter meeting of The Compassionate Friends. Several members of the group said their grief had become softer with time. I identified with the word "softer" because my grief has become softer in the eight years that have passed. Was I forgetting my loved ones? No, I had created a new and happy life, just what my loved ones would want me to do. Don't berate yourself is your grief has become softer. Love is forever, and our loved ones will always be in our hearts.
Book Excerpt
Happy Again!: Your New and Meaningful Life After Loss
Despite help from a grief counselor, support group, friends, your religious community, and family, when all is said and done, recovery is your responsibility. I will never recover totally from my multiple losses. Instead, I have reconciled myself to them, and created a new life. Therese A. Rando, PhD gives suggestions for resolving grief in her book, How to Go on Living When Someone You Love Dies. She tells mourners to make a conscious decision to get through grief.
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