The Open to Hope Community

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Articles:

My 4 year old son drowned in a town sponsored program

Almost 4 weeks ago my 4 year old son drowned in a town sponsered rec program. He was found under the dock. They wouldnt allow them to wear life jackets because there were too many kids. The dock was shaped like a lower case h where the kids are only supposed to be in the shallow u end. I cant find the words or strength to move on. He was my best friend, His 5 year old brother was with him and had to watch the whole thing. In Massachusetts for every 10 kids there needs to be 1 lifegaurd. […]

Poem: For Michael

Michael, Heart racing, shallow breaths, the tears keep falling without rest. For you left me without a goodbye, softly in your sleep you did die. Feelings of regret, need and despair, for you my angel, I do care. Memories creep in awake or asleep, these are the little things I will keep. Until we meet again my heart will ache, but i will stay strong for our kids sake. Love you Mick xxxxx Jodie

I lost my son, Dylan on May 21

My son Dylan was died on May 21, 2007. He was hit by a 4?4 truck driven by a so-called friend the night before. I can not actually believe that he is really gone. I still think he will come walking through the door at some point. The past 2 weeks, I am starting to come out of the fog that hit once he died. I am now realizing the fog was the easy part?.now that it is fading reality is setting in. A reality I am not sure I can handle. Everyone says how strong I am, but on […]

How Do You Mourn An Ex-Spouse?

My first wife died several weeks ago. We were married almost thirty years, we have four kids and four grandsons, and we were divorced four years ago.? Donna was sick for many years, and her body finally gave out. As sad as it was, it was also a relief. As I am fond of saying, The Angel of Death is not always an enemy, and in this case it was true. But as difficult as the last years might have been between us, her death created new and wrenching dilemmas for me and the kids.

My Boyfriend Was Killed 5 Days Ago

My boyfriend was killed 5 days ago and I feel like I died with him. I am not sure how to deal with it and I feel like noone really understands what I?m going through. I just want to thank the person that created this website and say that I am sure that I will spend alot of time here. Nikki

The Pain of Losing My Mother

I lost my precious Mother in April, 2007. She was 94 and had lived with me for over 20 years. She had slight dementia, but was healthy and active. I had gone to run some errands, she was sitting on her bed and had either a stroke or heart attack and I didn?t get back before she died. I miss her so much, we were always so close. I don?t think I will ever get over the pain. Luann

Remember Flight 175

Dear Listeners, The following are e-mail correspondence we have had with Dawn regarding the death of her nephew, and friend on flight 175 on Sept. 11th.? We will be discussing these and other e-mails on Thursdays show with Dr. Paul Greene.? Please listen in and give us a call.? Dr. Heidi and Gloria Dear Dawn: I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother, nephew, and friend on flight 175.? That is a lot of loss to go through at once.? I also had a brother that died, and know what a horrific loss a sibling death […]

Participants Needed

Dissertation Research Study Examining Peoples? Relationships With Their Dogs After The Death Of A Loved One ? As dogs increasingly have been identified as members of families and household composition has changed, their roles in the family have become more valued. This study aims to examine the owner?s relationship with his or her dog after the death of a loved one. ? We are seeking individuals between the ages of 25 and 60 who lost a loved one to death in the past two years while owning a dog. You will be asked to fill out three surveys that will […]

A Widow Shares

I am a 32yr old Widow. I was almost 28 at the time of my husbands death due to a tragic car accident and just into my third month of marriage. This September would be a celebration of our 5yr wedding anniversary. Although, it is only July?I am having bitter-sweet memories & tear as that was the happiest day of my life. I was told by a friend last week that I basically shouldn?t be crying anymore! What??? The tears/sadness aren?t like they used to be, my pain is less often than the one year, two year, etc. I am […]

TCF National Conference Ends on High Note

Exceptional speakers and the Walk to Remember highlighted The Compassionate Friends 30th National Conference in Oklahoma City last weekend. The conference itself drew more than 1,100 bereaved parents, siblings, grandparents, and family members, as well as professionals intent on learning more about how to help bereaved family members following the death of a child. For a comprehensive look at what made the 30th TCF National Conference special, be sure to read the Fall issue of We Need Not Walk Alone, TCF’s national magazine. The Fall issue will also include a special interview with TCF Founder Simon Stephens. To receive the […]

Open to Hope is an online community offering inspirational stories of loss, hope and recovery. We believe hope is the bridge between loss and recovery.