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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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A Companion on Your Grief Journey

Posted on August 18, 2008 - by Beverly Chantalle McManus

I became a widow when Steve, my husband of 20 years, died from esophageal cancer. With one daughter in college and the other finishing up high school, along with a new, highly demanding job, I felt so unequipped to deal with all the emotions, feelings, and tangible aspects of grief. When we lose someone we love, especially a spouse, whether it was expected (for example, after a long illness), or unexpected (such as after a tragic accident or sudden illness), there really doesn’t seem to be much of a roadmap we can follow to negotiate the twists and turns ahead. […]

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10 Things People Should Know About Grief

Posted on August 18, 2008 - by John Pete

1. Grief is the last “living connection” to a loved one who has died. So when you expect someone to “get over” their grief, you are expecting them to move on from a loved one. Others should think it in terms of their own loved ones; think of it in terms and the shock of losing someone they cannot imagine living without. People who are grieving cannot move on just because others want them to. They inch forward as they are able to do so, and to some degree will always grieve their loss. 2. Since grief is a last […]

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Everything is Gone In House Fire, Now What Do We Do?

Posted on August 15, 2008 - by admin

Tina H., Houston, Texas, asks: Our house burned down with everything we own in it. I feel like I’ve been orphaned. No surviving photos of our children or our parents. No LPs or CDs or cassettes. Our computers were fried. Our books burned up. Everyone says, “Praise God that no one was hurt.” But I can’t see it. How can I get over this? Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley respond: It is very tough to have a house fire that takes everything. One of our listeners’ house burned down a few years ago due to faulty Christmas lights. No one […]

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Five Strategies for Surviving a Divorce

Posted on August 14, 2008 - by Julia Sorensen

Counselor Julia Sorensen offers suggestions to men and women going through a divorce. Among other strategies, she suggests keeping a journal.

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When the Memories Come Without Pain

Posted on August 13, 2008 - by Abel Keogh

When I look back on our life together, there are many memories that are told and retold, and to me it seems further evidence of healing for myself and my children. The memories are there and fondly told, with a smile and reminiscent grin, without the pain that was once associated thinking of a loved one no longer there.

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Caregivers Do More Than Just Provide Care

Posted on August 12, 2008 - by admin

By Ryan L Malone In an assisted living environment, caregivers are often thought of only as “hired help.”  In fact, both short and long-term relationships with caregivers offer benefits far exceeding assistance with daily living. The acceptance that caregivers are play an important role in the daily happiness of both the patient and family can lead to a far more positive assisted living experience. For residents, caregivers play a number of different roles, including: A friend. Just like having a roommate, the caregiver and your loved one will spend a lot of time together. And just like a roommate, a […]

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Family Caregivers’ Loss of Independence

Posted on August 12, 2008 - by admin

By Martha Paulson Today, every six seconds someone turns 62. Makes you stop and think, doesn’t it? As more and more aging adults start to retire, families at one point have to take on the responsibility of care for a loved one. When you have your own family to worry about, the added responsibility can become overwhelming. Playing the role of caregiver can have adverse changes on everyone who enlists that into their own life. Whether it is the spouse, daughter or son of the ailing parent, becoming a caregiver will have a lasting effect on a person’s life. Families […]

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Faith and Suicide

Posted on August 12, 2008 - by John Pete

Having lost loved ones to suicide, I am deeply saddened and feel abandoned when the Christian faith I look to for support and comfort judge and condemn victims of suicides. While I certainly do not support or advocate suicide, nowhere in The Holy Bible does it exclude from Heaven our loved ones who have taken their own lives. In fact, Jesus said the only unforgivable sin was blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, so I am often mystified by seemingly-sanctimonious condemnations of suicide victims on “God’s behalf.” After all, would any loving and compassionate father forever turn away from his child for […]

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Poem: Walking With Andrea When Grief Shows Up

Posted on August 12, 2008 - by Fran Dorf

Poet/writer Fran Dorf gives voice to the experience we often have when we see someone who looks like a loved one who has died. It’s a haunting, healing reminder of how grief works.

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When You Doubt Your Faith

Posted on August 11, 2008 - by John Pete

Grief counselor John Pete is editor of Open to Hope’s Faith Blog at www.opentohopefaith.com. Here, he opens the conversation about how a major loss can challenge one’s faith

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