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Assemble Your Holiday Survival Kit Now!

Posted on November 17, 2015 - by Harriet Hodgson

It’s here again—the time to assemble my Holiday Survival Kit. I do this every year, well before Thanksgiving, because my deceased daughter was born on this day, and it’s difficult for me. Almost nine years have elapsed since she died, and as the years passed, the contents of my kit changed. What’s in this year’s kit? Special plans. My husband is disabled and I’m his primary caregiver. Our plans have to be detailed and I have to consider things like lead-time and wheelchair van parking. I try to plan fun activities, such as a funny movie, seeing holiday lights, […]

Then and Now: The Roller Coaster of Being ‘Thankful’

Posted on November 16, 2015 - by Michelle Jarvie

THEN (2008) “Michelle? Are you there?” It was a good question. As the basket passes with blank cards – a tradition in our family for Thanksgiving – my arm seizes, refusing to lift itself and accept the basket. I know what is coming, and so the logical and emotional sides of my brain slip on their boxing gloves. I’m expected to write what I’m thankful for, throw the card back in the basket, and hear it read at the dinner table. I understand the importance of carrying on this tradition; I do, even though my beloved husband died just three […]

Hope for the Holidays: Grief Guidance

Posted on November 15, 2015 - by Marguerite OConnor

These are some concerns that have surfaced for others; it is my hope that the conversation is helpful to you. These are guidelines and are not intended to replace counseling, should you feel the need for personal assistance. Q: My husband and I, along with family and friends, are grieving the death of our 7-year-old daughter who died of cancer. We have two other children and want to make the holidays memorable for them, but we don’t feel happy or energized. Any suggestions welcome. A: Consider inviting others to share the holidays with you, either at your home, their home […]

Marissa McGehe: Helping Children Cope with Grief

Posted on November 13, 2015 - by Gloria Horsley

The National Alliance for Grieving Children conference brought together Dr. Gloria Horsley and Marissa McGehe. She works at Haven Hospice in Florida serving all types of clients. However, McGehe focuses on in-school counseling for children. Her advice for parents of children going through a loss is to know that it’s normal to be taken aback. If you’re looking to help, schedule some strong routines in your family. Ensure immediate needs like food and comfort are readily available. Take care of yourself as a caregiver and guardian. Having a safe place to express yourself in a home is also important. Remember […]

Marcie Taylor: The Drew Michael Taylor Foundation

Posted on November 11, 2015 - by Heidi Horsley

The National Alliance for Grieving Children conference brought together Dr. Heidi Horsley and Marcie Taylor, a bereaved parent who works in the field of grief and loss. Her son died four years ago when he was three years old. Taylor and her husband created the Drew Michael Taylor Foundation in Pennsylvania in memory of Drew. It’s a way to honor her child, serve fellow bereaved families, and empower others who have had a similar life situation. Grief is isolating and a very lonely feeling. Surrounding yourself with supportive people who “get it” is critical. It’s important, whether you get it […]

Vonceil Levine: Grieving and Cultural Sensitivity

Posted on November 11, 2015 - by Gloria Horsley

At the National Alliance for Grieving Children conference, Dr. Gloria Horsley discusses cultural sensitivity with Vonceil Levine, who works with Haven House in Florida. Being sensitive to the cultural needs of an African American requires being open and available. You work from the family and community base, so you may need to take the services to them. Don’t expect that this community will come to you, since there are trust issues that have been accumulating through history. Even in that spiritual community, there are still limits to how people can offer support. There aren’t a lot of informed and supportive […]

David Leonard: Grieving Men

Posted on November 9, 2015 - by Gloria Horsley

Men and grief can be a difficult relationship. Dr. Gloria Horsley talks with David Leonard of New Hope Grief Support based in Long Beach about his experience as a bereaved man. He says one of the biggest challenges is the stigma that men shouldn’t grief. They can hide things and stuff them inside, but the opposite needs to be done. There should be safe spaces for men where they can express themselves in a healthy manner. Coping mechanisms and skills need to be learned. For men, finding out what the gifts of the head, hands and heart are key. Find […]

Candle Lighting Ceremony for the Holidays

Posted on November 8, 2015 - by Alan Pedersen

Alan Pedersen, Executive Director of The Compassionate Friends, joins Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley during this special holiday edition of the Open to Hope show. Pedersen shares a segment from The Compassionate Friends, where Dr. Heidi Horsley currently serves on their board of directors. This is an organization for anyone who’s lost a sibling, child or grandchild. There’s also a roll-in from a National Candle Lighting event, which is a fantastic way for many grievers to celebrate the life of a loved one who has passed away. “This organization really changed my life,” says Dr. Heidi Horsley. It was at […]

Photographs Help Sister Heal After Sibling Losses

Posted on November 8, 2015 - by Judy Lipson

There is an expression originating from a Chinese proverb: “One picture is worth ten thousand words.” My vote is that one picture or video is worth ten thousand memories. When I lost my beloved sisters, Margie and Jane, I scrambled to find pictures to compose a collage, to place my beloved sisters’ images into frames. I feared I might forget them. Now, after 30 years, I went through that exercise again, designating a photo album for each sister and one album for collective photos, to capture chronologically the lives of my beloved sisters. I am desperately seeking some lost memories. When […]

Jennifer Collins Taylor: Conversations About Death

Posted on November 7, 2015 - by Heidi Horsley

Dr. Heidi Horsley of the Open to Hope Foundation interviews Jennifer Collins Taylor on behalf of the Association for Death Education and Counseling (ADEC) organization. Taylor is the founder of Living Life, Dying Death, an author, and a speaker specializing in how to have meaningful and healthy conversations about death, dying, and grieving. She lost her brother 31 years ago, and that was the catalyst for pursuing a career in death and dying. “Who am I now that he’s not here on this planet?” she asks. She watched her family grieve and the ensuing fallout. Figuring out what life and […]