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Introduction
In 2007 four of Hodgson’s family members died: her elder daughter, father-in-law, brother (and only sibling), and twin grandchildren’s father. A week after her daughter died, Hodgson sat down at the computer and poured out her grief in words. When her husband died in 2020, she did the same thing and the result is Winning, a story filled with heart-wrenching stories, surprising humor, and hope for the future.
Purposes
This book has two purposes. One is to create a personal healing path. The other is to encourage you to believe in a future.
Theme
Hodgson states the theme of the book at the beginning, refers to it again in the narrative and reminds readers of it at the end. The theme: Death would be the loser; life would be the winner. Iwould make it so. This theme helped Hodgson survive grief, create a new life, and thrive. The last line of Winning says it all: “I have made it so and you can too.”
Grief Topics
Each chapter of Winning focuses on a different healing topic. True stories and research findings emphasize these topics. At the end, the reader has a toolbox filled with healing steps to use as she or he chooses. Here are the chapter titles and topics.
Grief Face-to-Face (confronting grief)
Grief Brain: How to You Lose an Egg
Bumps, Jolts, and Kinds of Grief
Only Person on the Planet: COVID Days
Fixing Holes in My Support Hammock (support system)
Caring for You, Caring for Me (caregiving)
Renewal is an Inside Job (renewal steps)
Breaking Out of the Grief Bubble (decision, steps)
Making Good Things from Grief (creating a new life)
Topics for Discussion
What are some examples of your Grief Brain?
Loneliness is a powerful, hurtful emotion. How does the loneliness of grief make you feel?
Think of the ways COVID changed your life.
How can you improve and strengthen your support system?
What is your first step you need to take to escape from the grief bubble?
Think of four ways to make good things from grief.
About the Author
Harriet Hodgson has a BS in Early Childhood Education from Wheelock College of Education and Human Development at Boston University, an MA in Art Education from the University of Minnesota, and a certificate in art therapy coaching. After a dozen years in the classroom, Hodgson retired from teaching to pursue a freelance writing career. Today, she is the author of 44 books, including 11 grief healing resources. Winning is her 45th book. Please visit her website, www.harriethodgson.net, to learn more about this prolific author, speaker, grandmother, great grandmother, community volunteer, and doodle artist.