Always Kiss Me Goodnight by Deborah "Dee Dee" Dickson
Always Kiss Me Goodnight by Deborah "Dee Dee" Dickson
Embedded Files
About the Book
About the Book
Always Kiss Me Goodnight is a children's book about the loss of a loved one. It tells the true story of the author's loss in order to help children, and their parents, navigate difficult conversations about grief. The book and accompanying resource guide present typical emotions and experiences, helpful coping strategies, and steps to move forward. Losing someone is devastating and life altering, but no one should ever go through it alone.
Inside the Book
Inside the Book
All of the illustrations in the book have been created by the author's grandson, Ronan.
"Ronan, the word 'extraordinary' comes to mind to describe your ability and willingness to work on this book with me. It is heartwarming and so gratifying to have worked together on this project. May we have this opportunity again some day. Thank you!"
– "Dee Dee", your Grandmother
Parent & Teacher Guide
Parent & Teacher Guide
A parent and teacher resource guide is available to help facilitate difficult conversations with children who have experienced loss. The resource guide includes:
Questions that may be asked of parent with possible corresponding responses or actions,
A page with both negative and self-talk positive words, for the child to choose how they are feeling in the moment with a corresponding positive response or activity,
Resources for parents to refer to for themselves or services they might leverage,
Blank pages for children to express their emotions through drawing or writing,
Journal pages with prompts for the child to help process their feelings, and more!
Grief is never easy, and the journey is different for everyone. This book is a conversation starter but it doesn’t end here.
The Healing Journey
The Healing Journey
I’m Deborah Dickson, aka Dee Dee a first time author and I thank you for your interest in my book “Always Kiss Me Goodnight”. This is a book I have written for children ages 6 to 12 who may experience the loss of a parent, grandparent, friend, or relative. This is a personal story I want to share.
I feel that by sharing my story of losing someone early in my life, it may provide awareness and support, grieving platforms, and resources to others should they face a similar tragedy. You shouldn’t feel alone – ever. Losing someone in your life is devastating and life altering.
When we lost my mom, our world felt shattered, we felt that we were in a dream, we would wake up and she would return…but she didn’t. Our family feels the loss to this day, and the impact is evident in the way we interact with people and form relationships with others.
My mom, Wanda Marie McLaughlin, passed away at age 39 on November 8th, 1974. Following her death, I felt so alone and lost. I was 19. My journey of figuring out how I could go on without my mom, while often saddening, was critical to shaping the person I am today. My search for understanding and “figuring out what was missing” in my life, turned on an awareness switch. There was more behind this awareness then I realized. Every day I miss my Mom, but I was lucky. I had someone who became my ‘rock’, my husband Blair. He listened, he supported, he comforted me, and he helped me grow again. I am very thankful for him and other family members, in particular my grandparents who looked out for me.
Grieving and coping is a personal journey that impacts our well-being and never truly reaches conclusion. We face challenges throughout life, no matter what age. The goal of sharing my story of grieving through a child’s eyes (mine, once upon a time) hopefully will enable others to acknowledge, share, and possibly begin to reconcile their feelings. It is vitally important that grievers know these feelings are ‘normal’ and it is okay to not feel ‘normal’ along the healing journey. The intensity of the feelings you have at the beginning of the journey will change over time, and you will have triggers of happiness and sadness. Feel them, acknowledge them in a way that you can manage positively. On a bad day, reach out to someone you trust and feel comfortable with for support and assistance. Being heard is a vital part of the healing process.
With encouragement and assistance from a new friend, Lori, who has become like a sister to me, I wrote this children’s book about grieving to help others (and myself) acknowledge and understand the challenging and painful emotions one has following the loss of a loved one. I emphasize the importance of asking questions, the never-ending search for answers, and not being afraid to ask for help – these were the pieces I learned from my own journey.
Waking up each day is a miracle that is sometimes taken for granted. Life is a journey that is full of twists and turns and ups and downs. We never know what someone may be struggling with and sometimes a little bit of compassion can make a significant positive impact on those around us. Our time on this earth is short, and it has been my focus to be a good person and help others. Treasure those you love, have compassion for those you don’t know, hug your loved ones, and allow yourself to be in an environment that is comfortable and healthy for you. I am grateful for every day.
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