Linda Zelik

Linda Zelik is a retired occupational therapist who specialized in treating hand injuries. Unable to have children, she and her husband felt blessed to be able to adopt two newborns: a girl in 1984 and a boy a year and a half later. Being a family with these two beautiful children was a highlight of their lives. Tragically in 2010, Kevin their 24-year-old son, died in an accident. Linda and her husband have been consoled through witnessing many and varied signs from their son since his passing. Linda wrote a book entitled From Despair to Hope, Survival Guide for Bereaved Parents. Its purpose was to assist other bereaved parents and siblings through their painful grief journeys. Additionally, she details the many signs she has received in hopes that the readers will be open to recognizing signs from their loved ones on the other side.

Articles:

Caring for Yourself During Grief

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 similar to a flight attendant telling you to put your oxygen mask on first, then assist your child. If you aren’t able to function, you can’t help those around you. Don’t feel guilty about taking care of yourself during grief. Here are some ways to care for yourself. Be as compassionate to yourself as you would to a beloved friend who experienced a major loss. Focus on things you can […]

Parental Guilt After Suicide

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 causes underlying this tragic act are complex and varied. Many sources report that a mental condition such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or personality disorders may be an underlying cause. Sometimes it is due to a chemical imbalance in the brain. Additionally, teens and young adults can have mood swings, be impulsive, and lack perspective. They may see no alternative after a significant loss or other stressful life event. A […]

Are Psychics and Mediums Real?

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 my 24-yer-old son, Kevin, when I had the chance to visit a psychic in Sedona, Arizona. The following is my experience. True psychics are able to use extrasensory perception to identify information hidden from the normal senses. Mediums mediate communication between spirits and the living. When someone refers to himself or herself as a “psychic medium,” it is because they claim to have both “gifts.” While visiting friends in Flagstaff, my […]

It IS Possible To Survive Christmas While Grieving

Surviving Christmas While Grieving Surviving Christmas, supposedly the most joyous day of the year, without our beloved 24-year-old son seemed impossible. However, I did survive and it turned out not to be as bad as I’d anticipated. Unfortunately, the day doesn’t simply go away because you are grieving. There are so many family traditions including gatherings, meals, cards, gifts, and decorations that are expected. It is possible, and definitely recommended, to streamline the events as much as possible. But when it comes to younger children, or close family, it can’t be totally cancelled. In the beginning, I couldn’t imagine enjoying […]

Recognizing Signs From the Afterlife

Recognizing Signs From the Afterlife Some may say that the idea of recognizing signs from the afterlife is paranormal, metaphysical or just plain crazy. I used to be one of those people, until I lost my 24-year-old son. My thinking changed as I began to receive multiple and varied signs, which were far beyond mere coincidences. These signs from my son have been an indescribable blessing which have helped me achieve peace and healing. I believe our loved ones remain around us in spirit form and use whatever means of communication they can to help us move through our grief. […]

Moving Forward After a Profound Loss

Moving Forward is Possible With any profound loss, there isn’t a timetable for recovery. Moving forward is an individual thing, both in how it’s done and how long it takes. I have some suggestions to make this difficult journey a little easier. Although there is no such thing as “getting over” losing a child, it is possible to achieve a “new normal.” Naturally, you will never stop loving or remembering your beloved child, but trust me when I say it is possible to achieve happiness again. Don’t forget that there are other loved ones in your life, some of whom need you. I […]

Healing a Broken Heart After A Child-Loss

Although each person’s journey after a child-loss is unique, I hope to make yours a little less painful by sharing the following suggestions that helped me in those early devastating years as I was healing a broken heart. Therapists Can Help With Healing a Broken Heart Don’t be hesitant or embarrassed to pursue a professional counselor. Seeing a good therapist can be helpful for the entire family. I encourage any bereaved parent or sibling to consider this. My medical doctor diagnosed me with “complicated grief disorder.” This means that the painful emotions after a loss are so severe that the […]

How To Tame the Grief Monster

Taming the Grief Monster Having been a bereaved mother for over ten years years, I am now able look back and see how I was able to get from, “I don’t think I can survive this all-consuming pain” to “I will always love and miss my son, but the memories and joy of having him for 24 years now outweigh the pain of losing him.” Trust me, you too can tame the grief monster. Traversing through profound grief after losing a child will undoubtedly be the most difficult thing you will ever have to do. Unfortunately, there are no quick […]

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.