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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 7,000 articles written by our Open to Hope authors.

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Resilience After Natural Disaster

Posted on October 20, 2012 - by Sara Perry

    Posted by Sara Perry at 5/29/2011 1:33 PM | Healing After Loss: A Matter of Resilience “The resiliency of the people here in Missouri and across the south is one thing that’s impressed me the most.” (Richard Serino, FEMA The Washington Post, 5-24, Section A, page 8).   You have probably heard, read, or seen about the tornado that mowed down about a third of the city of Joplin, Missouri, on Sunday, May 22nd.  According to an Associated Press article on 5-27-11, the Joplin tornado was the deadliest on record since records started being kept in 1950. More than […]

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‘I Want My Life Back’

Posted on October 20, 2012 - by Sara Perry

  “I want my life back.  And if it’s not happening now, I want to know when.”  Kenichi Suzuki   (Chico Harlan, The Washington Post, A14, Sunday, April 14, 2011).     The earthquake and tsunami in Japan hurt and killed countless people, destroyed homes, neighborhoods, and towns.  As if that wasn’t bad enough, a nuclear crisis followed in the wake of the two natural disasters.  Survivors who lived closest to the Fukushima Dalichi nuclear facility were required to immediately evacuate.  Others who lived a bit further from the nuclear facility were told to stay inside.  Others who lived still […]

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Daughter’s Fungal Meningitis Scare Causes Anticipatory Grief

Posted on October 20, 2012 - by Harriet Hodgson

Last spring, my younger daughter had surgery to relieve nerve pain in her back. The surgery took about five hours. My husband and I supported her emotionally before surgery and afterwards. Though our daughter’s pain abated, it didn’t go away. She walked like a person in pain, leaning to one side, and progressing slowly. Her physician recommended injections to relieve her pain and she had a series of them. When we learned of the fungal menningitis outbreak we were worried. Thankfully, her doctor’s office called our daughter and said the injections she received weren’t contaminated. But last Friday the doctor’s […]

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Finding Courage to ‘Do Something About It’

Posted on October 17, 2012 - by Chasity Glass

It was a blur of words, a daze of sentiments. Collecting my sadness, I closed my eyes. I looked inside myself trying to find a way to trust God again. I was mad at Him for leaving me behind. Yet, I prayed anyway and prayed honestly. Poppy, give me strength. I took a deep breath. Amen. Then shuffled my way to the front of the church. “Most of you know Anthony was an amazing writer. He was a great kisser too, but that’s not what I’m here to tell you about.” The church giggled. “I’m going to read an e-mail […]

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A Forever Decision, Part 5

Posted on October 16, 2012 - by Anne Hamilton

A Forever Decision, Part 5 I am beginning to remember things about my daily life with my dog, Camilla, that give me pleasure. When she lost her sight, I would walk her up and down the straight sidewalk in front of our house. When we came to a step, I would say, “Step,” and stop her. Then I would reach down and take her paw and pat the top of the step so she could get oriented. Then we would walk on the steps. I feel a warm swelling in my heart when I remember it. To think that I […]

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Mark Ireland Recaptured Joy After Loss of Son

Posted on October 15, 2012 - by Kathryn Williams Raths

Mark Ireland learned how to embrace joy again after suffering the loss of a child. He shared, “My biggest life challenge has been the death of my youngest son, Brandon, in January, 2004. I think it’s fair to say I have overcome the challenge of that painful event, seeing that I lead a fulfilling life and have recaptured joy—something that initially seemed impossible. I still miss Brandon’s physical presence, and occasionally shed tears at unexpected times, yet I’m usually able to keep my focus on happy memories.” Mark continued, “In terms of my spirituality, I’d say this affected me in […]

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Finding Techniques That Manage Your Fears And Anxieties

Posted on October 15, 2012 - by Stan Popovich

Are you having trouble finding effective ways to overcome your fears and anxieties? As an author of a managing fear book, I found it difficult to find all of the answers in managing my anxieties. I realized that the best way to overcome my fears and is to find those coping skills that effectively mange the fear and anxiety. The first step is to take advantage of the help that is available around you. If possible, talk to a professional who can help you manage your fears and anxieties. They will be able to provide you with additional advice and insights […]

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Giving Meaning to the Short Life of a Granddaughter

Posted on October 14, 2012 - by Mary Jane Clayton

The day that changed the lives of my family started with my four-year-old granddaughter, Brittany, sneaking in the front door with two little pink roses hiding behind her back.  When a precious little hand reaches towards you holding something so dear, the warmth and tenderness you feel have no words.  Little did we know what effect a pink rose would have on the rest of our lives. The next morning was supposed to be the first day at her new school, but things changed over night.  By morning, she was burning up with fever.  From the doctor’s office, she was […]

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Prayer Can Be Very Effective In Managing Your Fears

Posted on October 10, 2012 - by Stan Popovich

Prayer can be very effective in managing your fears and anxieties. There are countless  people who have experienced the power of prayer. Here are some reasons why prayer can be effective in managing your anxieties, fears, and stresses. When you pray, you are asking God to help you manage your fears. God is the most powerful being in the universe and he is willing to help you if you ask him. Prayer is the way to do this. You are tapping into the power of God when you pray. God is stronger than your fears and anxieties and prayer is […]

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When a Father Dies: What I Didn’t See Coming

Posted on October 9, 2012 - by Stephanie Lancaster

Since my dad went on ahead a little more than 18 months ago, I have come to realize that when someone you love dies, you don’t just have to say goodbye to them at the time they pass away but also at every crossroad, every milestone, every big event. I’ve discovered that there are endless firsts and countless tough moments to get through, not just obvious ones like holidays and big events, but many others that are equally if not more challenging and shocking, which in many cases makes them even more difficult to struggle through under the heavy blanket […]

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