Open to Hope Articles

Articles Home

Adversity From Our Family “Arkives” “When you make plans, God laughs”

Posted on August 13, 2026 - by Nan Zastrow

“The sun shines brighter again. Today, I am a different person, shaped through adversity and perseverance. My dreams aren’t visions of what might have been. I don’t focus on what I’ve lost, but rather on what I learned through my pain. I appreciate the present moment, expect happenstance, and celebrate the lessons of the past with the possibilities of tomorrow. “ (Nan) Spring came early that year. Then, the rain began. Instead of rejoicing over warmer days and sunshine, we found ourselves cursing torrential-grade rains. We were anxious to begin construction on a new home and build our new dream. […]

Collateral Blessings

Posted on August 11, 2026 - by Greg Adams

We grieving people know a lot about collateral damage when someone we love dies. It’s not just the loss of the person in our lives, although that would be enough. There are other losses, too. Death doesn’t happen in a vacuum. While the death of our person may be the headline, there are other related stories and losses. Death doesn’t come alone and doesn’t leave empty-handed. Our grieving lives are like having a home that has clearly been robbed, but we don’t know what all is missing. It can take a long time to discover all the valuables that have […]

How Long Does Grief Last? What the Research Really Says About Timelines

Posted on August 9, 2026 - by Heidi Horsley

How long does grief last? There is no fixed deadline, but research reveals clear patterns in how most people move through loss. Here’s what the science shows about grief timelines and why “getting over it” is the wrong goal.

Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss: How to Grieve the Hidden Loss

Posted on August 7, 2026 - by Heidi Horsley

Miscarriage and pregnancy loss carry a particular kind of grief: real, profound, and often hidden from the wider world. Here are 7 compassionate, therapist-tested ways to grieve a miscarriage and honor the love you carried for a baby who never came home.

Broken Heart Syndrome: When Grief Physically Injures Your Heart

Posted on August 6, 2026 - by Heidi Horsley

Broken heart syndrome is a real, temporary heart condition that intense grief or shock can trigger, mimicking a heart attack. Here’s what the science says, who is most at risk, and when to seek emergency care.

The Healing Power of a Grief Letter

Posted on August 4, 2026 - by Shari

Dear Family, There were so many things we didn’t get to do, and our time together was cut short. Physical and mental ailments prevented us from living out all the plans we made, but we still made the most of our time together. Y’all beat the odds and lived longer than anyone expected for people in your condition. God didn’t answer my prayers to take away the sicknesses, but He granted me favor through temporary healings and the blessing of extended time. You slowly slipped away. Year by year, month by month, and day by day, until I was somehow […]

Grief and Guilt: Why We Blame Ourselves After a Loss

Posted on August 3, 2026 - by Heidi Horsley

Grief and guilt are deeply intertwined — “what if” and “if only” haunt many grieving people. Here’s why guilt is such a common part of loss, the different forms it takes, and how to release blame you were never meant to carry.

Crying and Grief: Why Tears Are Healing (And When They Stop)

Posted on August 1, 2026 - by Heidi Horsley

Crying and grief are deeply connected, but the relationship is complicated. Some bereaved people cry constantly; others can’t seem to cry at all. Here’s what the science actually says about crying in grief, and 6 ways to honor your own pattern — whatever it looks like.

Delayed Grief: Why Mourning Sometimes Hits Months or Years Later

Posted on July 31, 2026 - by Heidi Horsley

Delayed grief is when mourning arrives long after a loss — months or even years later, sometimes triggered by something small. Here’s why grief gets postponed, what commonly unlocks it, and why a late-arriving grief is still normal.

How to Help a Grieving Teenager: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers

Posted on July 29, 2026 - by Heidi Horsley

Grieving teenagers often mourn in ways adults misread — through anger, withdrawal, or seeming indifference. Here’s how teens grieve, what they need, and how parents and caregivers can support a grieving adolescent.