What Winter Taught Me

Living in the midwest, Minnesota to be exact, I'm preparing for the arrival of winter. The bitter-sweet season presents its challenges for even a Minnesotan born and raised here. As much as I love the gentle flakes of snow, the crisp winter air and the aroma of a fire burning in the fireplace, I still find myself longing for the long, sunny days of summer. The short dark days, inevitable snow storms and ice covered roads present challenges every year. Last year we lucked out with very little snow to shovel and clear roads for most of the season. When my fifty-four year old husband died in 2000, a mild winter was not the case. Alone, I spent many hours walking behind our Murray snowblower blowing the day's accumulation of snow out of the driveway after a long day at work and a stressful drive home. Without my husband or any adult children to help, that winter was the most grueling of my life. Yet, in hind sight, that winter taught me many things about myself and finding meaning in life again. Here are five of my insights:

1. Winter will come again, for now plow through it.
2. A snowblower manual only helps if you read it, preferably before it snows.
3. Blowing snow in the dark has its advantages, the stars are beautiful.
4. Christmas is only one day, it's the other 364 days that require your energy.
5. Blowing snow for several hours gives you time to think. Focus on what you've accomplished and keep going. 

If you've recently lost a loved one, my thoughts and prayers are with you. Know that I understand your journey because I've walked that tough path of grief. Hang on to the memories, carry them in your heart and reach out to others who can offer support. Let those angels lift you up!

TWENTY-EIGHT SNOW ANGELS DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Discussion Questions for Twenty-Eight Snow Angels
1. The memoir opens with a description of how Diane met her husband, John. What role does the Prelude play in setting the tone of the story?
2. During John’s illness, what were some of the challenges Diane faced and how did hope and denial impact her
3. What were some of the “real” after affects of grief that Diane faced in her daily life after the funeral was over?
4. What were some of her primary support systems and how did they help her move forward?
5. A suggestion for people in grief is to not make any major decisions for at least a year. Diane took on a new position a few weeks after her husband’s funeral. How did that impact her grieving process?
6. A common belief about the grief process is that once the griever gets through the first year life will be better. After reading Twenty-Eight Snow Angels and knowing others who have lost a loved one, do you agree with the “one year theory”? Why or Why not?
7. Through out the book, Diane struggles to find her own identity. What are some of the examples of steps she takes to discover her self and find a new direction? 
8. How did traveling and time alone help Diane in her self-discovery process?
9. What factors do you think motivated Diane to take the “dating”step?
10. During her searching process, Diane uses sparks of humor while describing some of her experiences. What impact does this lighter tone have on the reader? What does it reveal about her outlook on life and where she is in the grief process?
11. How might Diane’s story support readers who have experienced a loss—a death of a spouse, family member, friend or a divorce?
https://www.amazon.com/author/dianedettmann

An Inspiring Event

My June Barnes and Noble event at Har Mar Mall in St. Paul, Minnesota. The evening of greeting visitors and autographing copies of my memoir, Twenty-Eight Snow Angels: A Widow's Story of Love, Loss and Renewal, was a dream come true. I'm reaching out to others who have lost loved ones by donating a percentage of the book sales to the "American Widow Project," a non-profit organization founded by Taryn Davis that supports military widows. Order your copy at: http://www.outskirtspress.com/snowangels

My Animoto Video

My Animoto Video Twenty-Eight Snow Angels: A Widow's Story of Love, Loss and Renewal is my memoir about finding joy in life again after the sudden death of my 54 year old husband in 2000. By sharing my story, I hope to bring inspiration and hope to others. Available on http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B003FHMAUS

My memoir, Twenty-Eight Snow Angels: A Widow's Story of Love, Loss and Renewal, is on Steve Brock's "Best of the Bunch" March Recommended Book List on delphiforum. Hoping my story reaches out and helps others through their loss. A reader who recently lost a loved one wrote, "A GREAT book, even if you haven't lost a loved one. You'll laugh, cry and learn how to live life all over again." Available on Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.