Kirsty, thank you for sharing your story. I am sorry about your husband’s suicide and the death of your only son. Although it may be a dilemma when thinking about where to start sharing your story, I have found that … Continue reading
Is it difficult to get out of bed in the morning and go to work? Perhaps you can’t pinpoint why you feel the way you do, but something just does not feel right. You are not yourself and can’t understand … Continue reading
I am sorry to learn of your boyfriend’s death. His struggle with addiction must have been such a heavy burden for him. You shared that you are blaming yourself for not confronting him sooner. However you did say to him … Continue reading
Marywith4, I am sorry to learn of your son’s death. As you struggle with what happened, continue to surround yourself with people who are caring and compassionate. You and I both know that there are no answers, but at least … Continue reading
Are there more suicides around Thanksgiving and Christmas? If you are like most people, you believe this myth to be true. The fact is that most suicides occur in the spring. The University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center recently … Continue reading
My father killed himself and on November 20th, survivors like myself will come together for National Suicide Survivor’s Day. This day was created by U.S. Senate resolution in 1999 through the efforts of Sen. Harry Reid of Nevada, who lost … Continue reading
A storm has ravaged the East Coast and lives have been lost. For those of you who have lost loved ones, my heart goes out to you.
Do you remember where you were when you heard the news that America was attacked by terrorists? Earlier generations knew where they were when FDR gave his D-Day speech and President Kennedy was assassinated. Millions of people were intimately affected … Continue reading
Vickie, I just returned from a program where I was presenting on coping with sudden loss. At the conclusion of my speech, someone came up to the podium and shared with me that her child died of an overdose. Vickie, … Continue reading
I am sorry about your daughter, father-in-law, brother, and former son-in-law. Such sadness! I agree with what you said, “The problem with multiple losses is that there is so much grieving to do.” All that grieving can make a lot … Continue reading
Michele, I appreciate your leaving your email address. I sent you an email and look forward to getting to know you. I think that there are many valuable ways to reach out to those who are bereaved by suicide. Whether … Continue reading
Rose, I am sorry to learn about your son’s death. It must be so difficult for you and his two children. At 5 and 6, they are now just understanding what death really means. You shared that you do not … Continue reading
Queenie22, welcome to the Open to Hope blog. It sounds like your brother’s suicide three years ago has touched your heart deeply. You mentioned that you feel like you are constantly swimming in an ocean. Boy, that can be so … Continue reading
Elaine, I am sorry to learn of your daughter’s death and appreciate your visiting the Open to Hope blog for those bereaved by suicide. You mentioned that her death has caused so many illnesses in you that you had to … Continue reading
Shirley, it must feel incredible to be able to reach out to other bereaved families in the criminal justice system and become an extended family. You have touched other lives and justice was served. I am sorry for your loss … Continue reading
Donna, I am sorry to learn of the deaths of both of your brothers from suicide and murder and appreciate how thankful you are for the new forums at Open to Hope. I like your phrase “thriver” as it has … Continue reading
I wish you could have been there . . . It was quite a sight. Three infant car seats with tiny faces and six wiggling hands and feet. We were going home, but my father would not be there to … Continue reading
Shirley, your personal belief resonates in me as homicide can happen to anyone! I want to share with you how sorry I am about Sandra’s death. As a school teacher, her death must have touched hundreds of people. Learning from … Continue reading
Your brother’s death was tragic and it is sad to think that people have told you that you should “be ok with it by now.” We live in a death denying society that would like you back to the way … Continue reading
What is Palliative Care and Hospice? If you have been told that your loved one is terminally ill, this article will help you identify palliative care, hospice, advanced care planning, Five Wishes, and questions to ask during this difficult time. … Continue reading
What would the world be like without holidays? Each year, families and friends look forward to sharing these special times together. This is often not the case for the bereaved, especially during the first holiday after a loss. If I … Continue reading
Barbara Rubel’s book, But I Didn’t Say Goodbye: Helping Children and Families After a Suicide, is available at Amazon.com.
But I didn’t say goodbye! That’s all I could think about when I learned that my dad killed himself. Friends said that he “was no longer in pain,” and that he loved me. But I didn’t say goodbye and those … Continue reading