Open to Hope Articles

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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Why We Grieve

Posted on February 24, 2023 - by Brian Smith

Why do we grieve? If loss is a part of life; if death is normal, why do we mourn? I’ve heard grief described as being similar to withdrawal from drugs. […]

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Caring for Yourself During Grief

Posted on February 22, 2023 - by Linda Zelik

Care for Yourself First and foremost, it is essential to take care of yourself when you have suffered a major loss. This is not selfish – it is necessary. It’s […]

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Grief is Complicated

Posted on February 21, 2023 - by Ilana Estelle

Grief is complicated, it takes time to work through. Losing someone isn’t something you just tell yourself you’re okay with, it’s more complex than that. It’s also not something that […]

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Parental Guilt After Suicide

Posted on February 20, 2023 - by Linda Zelik

Causes of Suicide Complex Suicide is tragically all too common today. And it is one of the most complicated and heartbreaking ways to lose someone you love, especially a child. The […]

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Are Psychics and Mediums Real?

Posted on February 18, 2023 - by Linda Zelik

Are Psychics and Mediums Real? I had never gone to a psychic before and, honestly, did not believe in them. I now feel differently. Back then, I had just lost […]

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About Your Room: Letting Go of a Son’s Belongings

Posted on February 16, 2023 - by Elizabeth Brady

Dismantling the Room Your blue camo backpack hung on the back of your desk chair with your Pittsburgh Penguins baseball cap on top of it for eight years. It was […]

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Grief Journaling for Valentine’s Day

Posted on February 12, 2023 - by Bunny Bennett

Grief Journaling for Valentine’s Day Valentine’s Day, like every holiday while grieving, is a difficult time to get through, especially after the loss of our “Valentine” or spouse.  All of […]

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Valentine’s Day and Grief are Connected

Posted on February 11, 2023 - by Kelly Grosklags

Valentine’s Day and Grief Valentine’s Day and grief can be a very tender combination. This is a commercialized holiday, and it has a strong presence in the stores, social media, […]

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Memories are Gifts for Grievers

Posted on February 10, 2023 - by Beth Marshall

What could someone else do to help you as you begin your healing journey? In the beginning, you probably had plenty of food, volumes of cards and a house full […]

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Valentine’s Day Triggers Mother’s Grief

Posted on February 8, 2023 - by Janice Bell Meisenhelder

From the author of  Surviving the Unthinkable: The Loss of a Child: Meisenhelder, Janice Bell: 9780979651120: Amazon.com: Books My firstborn, Melissa, was a hopeless romantic! She loved Valentine’s Day ever […]

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