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------------------------ CREMATION a "Get the Fool Find out about the choices it proi'ides.' V' Glen Oaks M em orial G a rd e n s 3164 9th Line. Oakville G //257-1100 Holtons Largest Selection o f BillianL i t Darts D A R TS F O f i l l S Offiaal Media Sponsor J r Editor: Wilma Blokhuis Phone: 905-845-3824 (ext. 250) Fax: 905-337-5567 e-mail: blokhuis@haltonsearch.com W I - D M S I X V . \ I . \ K C M Ki. 2(K>2 · P a ^ c ( 1 Tender toughness When the going gets tough, so does Hodgson By Melanie Cummings SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER abs Hodgson is the epitome of the adage `when the going gets tough, the tough get going.' Her life reads like a litany of suffering -- she's already buried three of her children, as well as her husband, and was near the brink of death herself following a horrific car crash. But she's more than a survivor. With arms full o f such experience she's putting it to good use as a bereavement counsellor. Barely mobile as result o f her car crash injuries, Hodgson, 82, relies on a strong arm to keep her bal ance. or wheel her in a chair, out the door with an oxygen tank in tow. Hodgson grabs a ride from a friend and heads to Trinity United Church every Friday morning for a 9:30 am . meeting. The group is called the Trinity Bereavement Group, and is comprised of about 10 people, mostly women... more specifically mothers -- mothers like Hodgson whose children who have died. "I'm so glad the Tears, sadness, laughter Lord has asked me to help these peo and joy. "They are all a great release, no matter ple," said Hodgson, who credits her which one is faith as the source o f her strength. expressed." Just as quickly · Bahs Hodgson as she has said this, she also adds that the group is non-denomi national and she's not a `Bible thumper'. Described as an informal and relaxed bereave ment group, it is likely a reflection of Hodgson's personality. "We don't set an agenda, so it is easy for any one to join in anytime." Meetings evoke the gamut of emotions though. Tears, sadness, laughter and joy. "They are all a great release, no matter which B one is expressed," said Hodgson. She compares grief to a scar. It's an open wound that heals with time, but it is always there, as a reminder of the person who has died. The similarities people in grief share are numerous, and their differences are unique, says Hodgson. All agree the death of a loved one is something that changes you forever. For Hodgson her life has been irrevocably altered too many times. Her son Jimmie was diagnosed with diabetes at age four. By the time he was in his 20s the disease had taken a terrible toll on his body. At age 28, he became the first Canadian to receive a pancreatic transplant. For three months the surgery seemed a success, but then his body rejected the organ. He lived three years more and finally died. He was just 31. In his honour, and partly to ease her grief. Hodgson wrote a book about Jimmie entitled Courage Unending. It would seem Hodgson took a lesson from her son. The same week he had his transplant, her hus band Jack died in her arms of a massive heart attack. He was just 61. They'd been happily mar ried for 28 years. "I had no time to mourn for Jack because of my son's surgery." It was a year of living in a sus pended reality before Hodgson realized her hus band really was gone from her life. Her son, John, also died in her arms of a heart attack. He was 52 years old. Hodgson's time to grieve his death was cut short by her own terrible car accident. Hodgson's injuries were so severe -- nine cracked ribs, broken neck, back, sternum and clavicle, four cardiac arrests and a period of unconsciousness for three months -- it was a year before she could leave the hospital. As if unending, Hodgson's family would suffer yet another death when a third son, the middle one, Donald committed suicide at age 42. Only three years before he jumped over the rails at Niagara Falls. Donald was diagnosed with paranoid schiz ophrenia. Hodgson is currently writing a book about his tor- Liesa K ortm ann* Oakville Beaver Babs Hodgson, who ru n s a bereavem ent group at T rinity U nited C h u rch , sits reading a book she w rote a fte r m em bers of h e r fam ily passed away. mented life of dreadful delusions entitled Peace at Last. Like her bereavement counseling, the book is to help others understand schizophrenia. In the similar vein o f creating awareness, Hodgson also wrote a book on the subject of bereavement. The Strife o f G rief the Hope o f Healing, written to assist funeral directors. Hodgson takes great comfort in the friends and family she has left -- her two daughters Carol and Janie and her four grandchildren. And although she's in no hurry to be reunited with her sons and husband, she also takes comfort in the belief that it is a possibility. "If I'm mistaken about an afterlife with them. I'll be as mad as hops about it," said Hodgson, half-grinning. Those interested in participating in the Trinity Bereavement Group, or ordering Hodgson's books can call her at 905-844-0573. Seminar offers the keys to successful relationships Are you single, but desiring a real and sincere relationship in your life? Do you find yourself asking. "Why can't I meet anyone really wonderful ?" - the world-wide lament of millions of singles. Don't despair because help is on the way. A sem inar entitled Keys to Relationship Success will be presented by the Canadian Single Adult Ministry (CSAM) and Single Adults Alive to provide an insight into the real issues and proven principles for creating a life long relationship no matter at what age. The sem inar will be held on Saturday, March 16. from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Calvary Baptist Church, 1215 Lakeshore Rd. W. Presenting will be Daniel Rutley, author o f Escaping Em otional Entrapment and Ruth Stockdale, director of Single Adults Alive. Rutley, a psychotherapist, is an authority in the field of personal devel opment and life enhancement. For more than two decades, he has used a direct and straightforward approach in his private practice, lectures and seminars. Using humour and a play ful style, he has helped thousands gain the emotional control that leads to a life of fulfillment. He is currently a regular guest on CTS' Rhonda Live (Channel 26) on Tuesdays from 2-3 p .m. and Wednesdays at 10:30-11:30 a.m. Meanwhile, Stockdale comes to sin gles ministry from 20 years of leader ship in the business community, with experience in adult education and gov ernment lobbying. Over the past five years. Stockdale has dedicated herself to the concerns and issues related to living as a Christian single in a couples world. She speaks at seminars and confer ences and is currently completing a book addressing the challenges and opportunities of single living. She chal lenges her audience to embrace both personal and spiritual growth. Early bird price for the seminar is $49 (at the door $65. including work shops, workbook, panel discussions. Continental breakfast, lunch, and an evening party launching the new CD of John Himanen and his band, Onesimus. To register, call 905-639-8244 or e-mail csam@idirect.com. Over 65? Free-up Capital. Enjoy Lifestyle The Body Shaping Fitness Studio For Women. Dirk Gebhardt Maria Kinlough Woodside Mews A project of The Rotary Club of Oakville M aria an d D irk have created O ak v ille s m o s t u n iq u e fitness stu d io fo r W o m en . you are cordially in vited to tour the Studio It is a lovely place to exercise your fitness dreams. You will experience a 10,000 sq. ft. state-of-the-art environment including the very best equipment, excellent child minding, a variety o f classes, hot tub, sauna, make-up vanities, private showers, cardio theatre, personal training, massage therapy, weight loss management and lots o f free parking. You will never be pressured into becoming a m ember and no one will call you after your visit. T h e decision is yours! I f you choose to join us you will receive all the assistance that you need. There are six kinesiologists, two registered massage therapists, a holistic nutritionist and numerous support staff to help you achieve your goals. We believe that fitness should be fun and stress free. Please call to book an appointm ent to see for yourself why the Studio was voted best fitness facility in Oakville. lar Garden Home 1 ,4 0 0 sq. ft./ $ 2 4 0 's A Life of Ease.-. ^ f ^ A Maintenance-free living · Your capital appreciates Attractive clubhouse · Veranda and patio · Creative Loft Opportunity: - guest room - upper den * crafts - home office Near to all you hold dear: transit, library, churches, shopping, seniors' recreation centre Safe, lock up and leave whenever you please! See editorial press release in today's real estate section. rW o o D S iD E i OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY! (12-4 P.M.) Tune in to WAVE 94.7! Further details: Diamond Award Winner for Oakville's Best Fitness Facility. For more information please call (905) 849-1919 ^ 183 Lakeshore Road West, Oakville, Ontario L6K 1E7 Qust East o f Dorval) w w w .b o d y s h a p in g s tu d io .c o m MEWS -- 1 (905) 842-5095