Open to Hope Articles
Do you want to read stories of others who have been where you are? Are you looking for bereavement help, and advice? Look no further. We offer over 3,000 articles written by our Open to Hope authors.
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Taking Care of Yourself Through the Grief Process: Interview with Dr. Howard R. Winokuer
December 18, 2018
At the annual ADEC (Association of Death Education and Counseling), I spoke with Dr. Howard R. Winokuer about burnout after the death of a loved one and how we can take care of ourselves. In the video below, Howard shares advice on how to deal with burnout following the death of a loved one. Here […]
A Widower’s Christmas Wish List
December 17, 2018
From as far away as Australia to the British Isles, from Canada to Nigeria, the Widowers Support Network hears the cries of men who mourn the loss of their wife, their soul mates, their partners in life. They don’t ask for much, never have, never will. After all, men who mourn are expected to “get […]
5 Ways to Get Through the Holidays (When You’re Not Feeling Ho Ho Hopeful)
December 13, 2018
Holidays can be difficult when someone you love has died. Or you’ve lost your job. Or an important relationship has ended. Or if you’re not sure of your purpose. Or experiencing several of these simultaneously! It can be hard to watch others being joyful and merry while your life feels joyless. You may need to […]
Tips For Handling Grief During the Holidays
December 11, 2018
Grief hits at the most unexpected times. However, the holidays are a known time when grief comes back like a weight, pushing down on those who have lost children, siblings, parents, and other loved ones. It can become even more difficult when that lost loved one really loved Christmas. However, there are some tips that […]
The Vocabulary of Grief
December 11, 2018
When you’ve lost a child, it can sometimes feel like you’re speaking a different language than everyone else. People ask vague questions like “How are you doing?” or “Is there anything I can do to help?” They mean well, but people often work hard to avoid acknowledging the elephant in the room. Terms like loss […]
Lessons From One Who Has Helped Many Pass Away
December 8, 2018
Let’s talk about the mysteries of death, because in death there always seems to be so many unanswered questions. I know with my own mom, who has been gone eight years now, the one question still remains: Why did she have to die? Breast cancer took her life. She was too young, a vibrant, good-hearted woman. […]
Holiday Season: A Contrast of Bright Lights and Inner Darkness
December 7, 2018
‘Tis the season, and let’s face it, Neighbor, most major events are a mixed bag of suffering and celebration. Think about the anxiety, the exhaustion, as well as the emotional and time investments you make in everything from prom or wedding dress shopping to all occasions related to gift-giving. If I’m to be totally […]
Revelations Along the Grief Ride
December 5, 2018
The amusement park rides illustrate the trajectory of revelation and power of change. Every ride makes us feel different sensations, from the slow to the chilling speed of the roller coaster to the flowing music as the vibrant horses of the merry-go- round move up and down. The smiles, excitement, and thrill, to the disappointment, […]
Dear Dad Letters: Nights After Death
December 5, 2018
Dreams Dear Dad, I’ve been having this recurring dream. I am sitting alone in a movie theater, about halfway down the theater. A movie is playing on the screen, but I can’t make out which one. I turn around and see lots of people standing and talking to each other along the side and back aisles. They are not […]
