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Three Simple Ways to Reduce Stress

Posted on September 26, 2009 - by Gloria Arenson

We are now living in very stressful times. War, global warming and economic disasters plague us. Personal situations depress us, yet most of our stress arises from our negative thoughts and beliefs. We tend to think that what we think is the truth. What if it isn’t? If your thoughts are making you depressed or stressed try these three helpful tips to brighten up your day. 1. Get into a cosmic perspective. A very creative psychiatrist had a special lampshade in his office that reflected the stars in the night sky onto his ceiling when he turned off the lights.  […]

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Poem: For All I Am

Posted on September 25, 2009 - by Deborah Tornillo

For All I Am They raised me with love And, never left my side Although I left them I’m still their child. They taught me life Love and compassion They taught me how to Find and live my passion. Every day that I live I’m an example of their pride There are days that I have failed But, more important I’ve tried. Mom and Dad have gone home To our Lord’s promise land Although their not here for me to see They will always be here holding me. Mom and Dad, thank you For all I am. Deborah Ann Tornillo […]

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First Days After Losing an Exceptional Friend

Posted on September 25, 2009 - by Rhonda Belous

I could not afford to fly home for Christmas on my meagre salary and begrudgingly accepted my festive destiny: being alone. Well, technically, I was not alone, if I was to include the critters quietly doing their private research and development in my cupboards. To cheer myself, in an attempt to embrace “the experience”, I prepared to savour the chosen two or three scrumptious extravagances to enjoy over the next few days – shrimp and oysters (Mom’s old family traditions) and some cream cheese plus a bagel or two (my Montreal friends’ influence). And of course, a bottle of crisp, […]

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Is Widower Ready for a New Relationship?

Posted on September 23, 2009 - by Art & Allison Daily

DKT writes in: I met a man on Match.com. We are in our 50’s. He divorced his first wife after 20 years of marriage. He was married to his second wife for about 5 years before she was killed in a car accident in January 2009, just 9 months ago. We have been on several dates. After we spent a day together at an event, we went to his house. Her shoes were still by the dresser and her lipstick was still on the cabinet in the bathroom. There are photos of her on the refrigerator. We kissed, but that […]

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What Does Grief Look Like?

Posted on September 23, 2009 - by Art & Allison Daily

When my brother Rod killed himself the grief itself made me feel like I was going crazy. One minute I was okay and calm, the next I was hysterical. If we are in the depths of loss and grief, the intense emotions and sometimes lack of them often make us wonder, “Am I all right?” or “Am I doing this correctly?” Most of want to know we are doing something properly– even grieving. Think about it, that’s why there are so many self-help and ‘how-to’ books. For many people, those books are hugely helpful because they help us know either […]

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The Importance of Journaling

Posted on September 22, 2009 - by Deborah Tornillo

Writing has always been very therapeutic for me. I enjoy writing and especially enjoy writing poems. Writing allows me to express my fears, my sadness, my anger and yes, my happiness. Shortly, after my brother’s death I went in to a deep depression. I was blessed to have received therapy and apply what I had learned in ways that now benefit me. One of the best tools I learned was how to journal. Writing helps me express my feelings on paper and then later go back and read what I have written. When I feel angry – I will act […]

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Poem: Daddy, I Miss You…

Posted on September 22, 2009 - by Deborah Tornillo

I see your eyes staring back at me as I look in the mirror each and every day. Daddy, I miss you. I hear your words of wisdom telling me keep smiling and always think positive. Daddy, I miss you. I feel your heart touching mine as I express my love to God and family. Daddy, I miss you. I feel your strength within my shoulders as I promise your son-in-law there will be a tomorrow. Daddy, I miss you. I feel your hands guiding mine as I express these words, my feelings, the best I can. Daddy, I miss […]

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As You’re Grieving: Seven Questions to Ask Yourself

Posted on September 22, 2009 - by Harriet Hodgson

Losing four loved ones within a nine-month span made my mind go in all directions.  I thought about my childhood, things I wished I could have changed, and a future without my loved ones.  Most of all, I worried about my twin grandchildren, who lost both parents in separate car crashes. I also worried about myself and my new role of GRG – grandparent raising grandchildren.  Grief worries can take over your life.  I didn’t want that to happen to me, so I made a list of questions that pull me back to the moment. My list may help you. […]

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Books and Prayers

Posted on September 22, 2009 - by Deborah Tornillo

When I was taking care of my parents, whom were both diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I prayed daily for God’s guidance. Through prayer I knew that no matter how bad or how difficult things became God would carry me through it. I read many books on the subject of Alzheimer’s. I read many books on the subject of Caregiving and I read many books on the subject of Dying. I was convinced I was an expert on the subject matter of Alzheimer’s, Caregiving and Dying and no matter what obstacle I confronted I would be able to overcome it. The reality […]

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Dad Troubled by Accidental Death of Son’s Kitten

Posted on September 21, 2009 - by Cori Bussolari

By – Marty Tousley, CNS-BC, FT, DCC Question from a reader: I received a phone call last night from my frantic wife with my 13-year-old son screaming and crying in the background. He put the recliner chair down and it crushed his 12-week-old kitten. She died on the way to the vet’s . . . I am surprised at my own mourning because she attached herself to me quite a bit, napping in my arm or on my chest a lot. She could make us smile no matter what was going on, no matter how bad it was. She is […]

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