One Breath at a Time | Navigating the Early Stages of Child Loss | Shannon Hodgetts

One Breath at a Time — Navigating Life After Child Loss

Healing after the loss of a child is not a moment in time — it’s a lifelong journey. When Shannon and Dean Hodgetts lost their two‑year‑old son, Rhys, to a sudden febrile convulsion, their world changed forever. The grief that followed was raw, overwhelming and deeply human: denial, guilt, sorrow, anger, despair. No parent is ever prepared for such a loss.

In One Breath at a Time, Shannon shares the lived experience behind their family’s journey — not from a spiritual lens, but through practical guidance shaped by real moments of heartbreak, resilience and growth. Her hope is to gently support others as they navigate the early days of loss, adjust to a new version of life, and slowly rediscover purpose when everything feels unfamiliar.

With honesty and compassion, Shannon shows that grief and joy can coexist, and that healing doesn’t mean forgetting. Grief becomes a companion — a reflection of the love that remains.

A comforting resource for parents, families, friends and anyone seeking to understand the complexities of child loss.

rallyforrhys.com.au shannonhodgetts.com.au