Harriet Hodgson

Harriet Hodgson has been a freelancer for 43 years, is the author of thousands of articles, and 42 books, including 10 grief resources. She is Assistant Editor of the Open to Hope website, a member of the Association of Health Care Journalists, Alliance of Independent Authors, Minnesota Coalition for Grief Education and Support, and Grief Coalition of Southeastern Minnesota. She is well acquainted with grief. In 2007 four family members died—her daughter (mother of her twin grandchildren), father-in-law, brother (and only sibling) and the twins’ father. Multiple losses shifted the focus of Hodgson’s work from general health to grief resolution and healing. She has appeared on more than 185 radio talk shows, including CBS Radio, and dozens of television stations, including CNN. In addition to writing for Open to Hope, Hodgson is a contributing writer for The Grief Toolbox website and The Caregiver Space website. A popular speaker, she has given presentations at The Compassionate Friends national conference, Bereaved Parents of the USA national conference, and Zoom grief conferences. Her work is cited in Who’s Who of American Women, World Who’s Who of Women, Contemporary Authors, and other directories. For more information about this busy grandmother, great grandmother, author, and speaker please visit www.harriethodgson.com.

Articles:

Open to  hope

Replacing Flashbacks With Happy, Hopeful Images

Several weeks ago I drove to a meeting with friends.  It was an hour and a half drive and, to pass the time, I showed them my new affirmations book.  […]

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Open to  hope

Creating a Grief Recovery Bucket List

Bucket list — a list of things you want to do before you die — has recently become part of American vernacular. The words have become part of American life […]

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Open to  hope

Despite Losses, We Can Be Who We Want to Be

In her new book, “Just Who Will You Be?” Maria Shriver discusses life purpose and planning.  “Ask yourself, ‘Who do I want to be?’  It’s the most important question of […]

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Open to  hope

Caregivers Need Time to Let Go

Last weekend, my husband and I took our granddaughter to college. She is a freshman at a small, historic, respected college in Iowa. We are excited about her college choice […]

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Open to  hope

Laughter is Key to Grief Recovery

Humans were meant to laugh. The ability to laugh is wired into our minds, and that is a good thing for all who mourn. Four of my loved ones, including […]

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Open to  hope

How to Reclaim Power After a Loss

The other day, I came across a rerun of Oprah Winfrey’s television show. Interior designer Nate Berkus was one of her guests. He was there to talk about recovering from […]

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Open to  hope

How to Tell Your Grief Story So Others Will Listen

Every mourner has a story to share. You may share your story with family members, close friends, and community groups. But you need to share it without upsetting listeners so […]

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Open to  hope

Graduation Historic Day for Parentless Children Raised by Grandparents

June was graduation month for most American high schools.  Our twin grandchildren graduated then, and my husband and I attended the ceremony.  It was an emotional experience because we are […]

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Open to  hope

10-Minute Exercise Helps in Grieving Process

More than three years have passed since four family members died. The shock of multiple losses — my elder daughter, father-in-law, brother, and former son-in-law — brought me to my […]

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Open to  hope

Mother Finds Comfort in Living Her Daughter’s Values

On the first anniversary of our daughter’s death, my husband and I held a graveside service in her memory. It was a brief service because the February temperature hovered around […]

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