By Ann Hood
In this heartbreaking memoir, Ann Hood writes about the loss of her beloved five year old daughter Grace, who died suddenly after contracting a rare strep virus that attacked her organs. Ann (a novelist), her husband Lorne and their son Sam are completely devastated as family members and friends offer love, support, food and advice. Sentiments like, "Time heals", "She's in a better place"' and "Write this down," do little to comfort the family or heal Hood's utterly broken heart. Grace was a vivacious, loving, creative, intelligent little girl who loved art, the Beatles, her big brother, and anything girly. Desperate for something to ease her pain, Ann seeks solace in knitting, writing, God, her family, and eventually, she slowly begins to recover.
Hood's recent novel, The Knitting Circle, was inspired by her personal experiences dealing with Grace's death, but she states on her website that Comfort was the most difficult thing she's ever written. Her pain is undeniably evident on every page. Years later, Ann and her family finally begin to feel a bit of hope when they adopt a baby girl from China, not to replace the irreplaceable Gracie, but to bring some joy back into their lives.
Comfort is a well written, heartfelt memoir, a loving tribute to little Grace. I especially appreciate Chapter 7, titled "Staying", which recounts Hood's tendency to leave when things get difficult or boring: jobs, homes, friendships, etc. She writes, "...I leave things. Even things I love. Even things I promise never to leave...The thing about marriage is, you're not supposed to leave. You stand up in front of a hundred of your best friends and closest family members and promise them and the person you're marrying that you will stick it out. No matter what." Although many marriages are unable to survive the loss of a child, Ann and her husband grow even closer, forever bonded by their wonderful memories of Grace. I think many people seeking comfort after enduring an unimaginable loss like Ann's, will find reassurance and hope in this remarkable book.
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