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'Give yourself permission to just do what you need to do.' Author pens grief memoir ahead of holidays

Posted at 8:42 AM, Nov 19, 2019
and last updated 2019-11-19 09:43:54-05

MT. JULIET, Tenn. (WTVF) — Kim Peacock writes about losing her daughter and managing grief in her new book "Victorious Heart: Finding Hope and Healing After A Devastating Loss."

"If I can make one person understand they will make it through their grief and they're going to be victorious in their grief and they're going to survive and they're not alone, it is worth it to me," Kim Peacock said.

The book includes a painful description of her 17-year-old daughter's deadly accident.

"We were on vacation after Christmas. Everybody was just riding around [off-roading], enjoying the sun. It was one of those perfect days. But we looked up just in time time to see Nicole get disoriented and she road her three-wheeler off a very steep dune and landed at the bottom on her head."

It's been 21 years since Nicole passed away. Kim said sharing the story has gotten a little easy over time, but it's different for everyone.

"Victorious Heart" gives advice to people who feel amplified grief around the holidays.

"If you feel like you can't make it to another holiday dinner, Christmas party or even decorate, that's okay. Give yourself permission to just do what you need to do... And for the people who are along with others in grief, let them sit at the table, let them sit on the couch and be quiet. It's okay if they start crying. Just rub their back. Just allow them to be there if they want to be there," she said.

The book is available at local bookstores. It can also be purchased online in paperback or as an e-book.