Do you feel your loss is overlooked? Find inspiration in stories by others who have lost siblings.
On this show join Dr’s Gloria and Heidi Horsley and their guests Jordan Gross Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Dr. Dan Wolfson licensed clinical psychologist discuss the needs of grieving families. Both Dan and Jordan specialize in grief recovery and have extensive experience working with bereaved adults and children. They are co-authors of My Whole Grief.
Listen to show
Join Dr Gloria and Dr Heidi Horsley and their guest Dr. Angela Dean for a discussion of how sibling loss can impact surviving siblings throughout a lifetime. Dr. Dean is founder of The Broken Pack and host of podcast The Broken Pack: Stories of Sibling Loss.
Listen to show
On this show, Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley talk with Dr. Jill Greenbaum, a contemplative chaplain, coach, visual storyteller, and Appreciative Inquiry facilitator, about finding hope after loss. Dr. Greenbaum is trained in Buddhist chaplaincy, integrative thanatology, art-assisted grief therapy, and trauma-informed teaching. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Jill-Greenbaum-The-Art-of-Living-with-Loss.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Listen to show
In this episode of the Open to Hope Podcast, Dr. Gloria Horsley and Dr. Heidi Horsley welcome communication expert and researcher Allison M. Alford, PhD, author of Good Daughtering: The Work You’ve Always Done, the Credit You’ve Never Gotten, and How to Finally Feel Like Enough. Together, they explore the often unseen emotional labor of adult daughters, the pressure to meet impossible expectations, and how grief, caregiving, and family relationships can leave daughters questioning whether they’re doing enough. Dr. Alford shares practical insights on setting healthy boundaries, building emotional resilience, and redefining what it means to be a “good enough” […]
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Listen to show
Feeling isolated during your grieving process,; consider joining Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley as they welcome guest Corry Chaplin. Following the loss of her father, Ms. Chaplin’s sister died by suicide. She is the founder of Wild Words for Grief, an online community that provides mindfulness practices, journaling opportunities, and live sessions to support individuals coping with grief. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Corry-Chaplin_-Wild-Words-Wounded-Hearts-Writing-Through-Grief-and-Isolation.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Listen to show
Looking for grief support? Join Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley and their guest Annie Sklaver Orenstein, whose brother Ben died in 2009 during military service in Afghanistan. Annie shares her insights on sibling grief and is the author of Always a Sibling: The Forgotten Mourner’s Guide to Grief. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Annie-Sklaver-Orenstein_-Always-a-Sibling-Navigating-the-Unseen-Journey-of-Grief.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Listen to show
Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley welcome guest Ian Ziskin, President of Exec Excel Group LLC, who lost his father early in life, and more recently his mother and brother. He authored Lives Lost and Leadership Found: Lessons from Special Somebodies. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Ian-Ziskin_-Exploring-the-Transformative-Power-of-Grief-1.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Listen to show
Looking for a creative way to remember a loved one? Join Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley with guest Ian McCartor, hospice nurse and certified grief counselor, as they discuss creative and counseling approaches to remembering loved ones through The Ash Rose Foundation, a nonprofit supporting grief management. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Ian-McCartor_-Carrying-Their-Memory-Forward.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Listen to show
Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley are joined by Anna Joyce, a bereaved sibling, Irish citizen, and experienced reporter and editor who has worked with RTÉ, WIRED, The New York Times, The Irish Times, and British Vogue. She coordinated editorial work for the groundbreaking podcast “Stolen Sister”. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Anna-Joyce-Breaking-the-Silence-Around-Grief.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Listen to show
Are you ready to make a change? Join Dr’s Gloria and Heidi Horsley and their guest Hakeem Bourne-McFarlane bereaved sibling and founder of the Choose Yourself Movement and the author of Choose yourself to be Chosen. Hakeem will inspire you with his story of loss, resilience and hope. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Hakeem-Bourne-McFarlane_-Transforming-Pain-into-Growth.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Listen to show
Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley interview Lauren Schneider, a leading expert in Child & Adolescent Grief who has directed the Children’s Programs at OUR HOUSE Grief Support Center for 23 years. Lauren co-produced the Emmy-winning HBO documentary “One Last Hug…and a few smooches” and its upcoming sequel. She also has a private practice in Los Angeles focused on grief and loss. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Lauren-Schneider_-Grief-Support-6Lw5WkuCMco.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Listen to show
Are you feeling overcome by grief? Join Dr’s Heidi and Gloria Horsley and their guest Dr. Mary-Francis O’Connor to learn about the physical nature of grief and ways that you can understand your body and learn ways to manage your responses. Dr. O’Connor is the author of The Grieving Brain and The Grieving Body: How the stress of loss can be an opportunity for healing. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Mary-Frances-OConnor_-Healing-Through-Grief.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Listen to show
Which loss is worse: sudden or long-term illness? Join Dr. Gloria Horsley and Molly Fowkes as they discuss this. Molly lost her brother to brain cancer in 2014 after an eight-year battle. She is a designer at MD Anderson Cancer and contributes to the sibling loss anthology and website “The Loss of a Lifetime”. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Molly-Fowkes_-Sibling-Loss-Sudden-Versus-Long-Term-Illness.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Listen to show
Wondering how to make sense of a loss? Join Dr’s Gloria and Heidi Horsley and their guest Alijah Marquez-Campagna who at age 17 faced the life-altering loss of her 25-year-old brother. This profound experience ignited her passion for supporting grieving families and inspired her to volunteer with The Compassionate Friends which lead her to a career in Public Health. Alijah serves on the Advancement team at George Mark Children’s House. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Alijah-Marquez-Campagna-Transformative-Power-of-Grief.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Listen to show
Sibling loss is one of the most overlooked griefs there is — bereaved siblings are often called the “forgotten mourners.” Here’s why losing a brother or sister cuts so deep, and why your grief deserves to be seen.
Read More
When my mother had a recent medical crisis, on my way home from the hospital nearly in tears, I called a first cousin. I was overwhelmed by a grief that felt new and heavy. I reached for someone who loves me and my mom, someone who has been in our family for longer than I have. She was kind enough to answer and stay on the line. She listened, was empathic, and said the right things. After we spoke, I felt I still needed more. So, I called my aunt. Similarly, I felt heard, empathized with, and truly supported. While the conversation left me feeling better than the one with her daughter, somewhere in the middle of that conversation, I […]
Read More
Twenty-five years after September 11th, I continue to think about the families I came to know through my work with the FDNY–Columbia University Family Guidance Program. I worked closely with families who lost a firefighter in the World Trade Center attacks. I remain in touch with some of these families today, which has allowed me to witness how grief, resilience, and hope continue to evolve over time. Some of the children I once knew have grown into adults and even followed in their parents’ footsteps by becoming firefighters themselves. One of the most important things I learned is that grief […]
Read More
Over the past 25 years, I have watched New York City carry unimaginable loss while continuing to grow, rebuild, and find hope. What stays with me most is how people came together. Families, first responders, neighbors, volunteers, and strangers supported one another in extraordinary ways. In the midst of grief, there was also an incredible sense of connection and community. As the years passed, I watched the city change. Lower Manhattan came back to life. New buildings rose, families grew, and children like mine came of age in a city forever shaped by 9/11. The 9/11 Memorial and Museum became […]
Read More
Dear Family, There were so many things we didn’t get to do, and our time together was cut short. Physical and mental ailments prevented us from living out all the plans we made, but we still made the most of our time together. Y’all beat the odds and lived longer than anyone expected for people in your condition. God didn’t answer my prayers to take away the sicknesses, but He granted me favor through temporary healings and the blessing of extended time. You slowly slipped away. Year by year, month by month, and day by day, until I was somehow […]
Read More
As I drifted off to sleep last night, my heart hummed with a familiar warmth and, in its secret way, sent out a quiet invitation to those nocturnal angels who watch over us at night. I found myself in one of those quasi-dream states in which most of me was dreaming, but there was a sliver of awareness that could witness what unfolds. I was standing alone in the gauzy grey of twilight, underneath a large exterior deck of a familiar ski lodge from my childhood. I don’t know what I was doing there but the mood was expectant, preparatory. […]
Read More
I reread the rabbi’s eulogy from my beloved sister Jane’s funeral. He said, “There is no satisfactory answer to understanding why bad things happen to good people. Not all questions have answers. Unanswered “whys” are part of life. The way to face tragedy is with love. Use the love we had for Jane to forgive ourselves.” Focusing on his words helped me knock down roadblocks to forgive myself.” Forgiveness for me was not a quick fix, magic bullet, instant gratification, but a long, arduous triathlon. I needed to program my heart and mind in sync to forgive myself and […]
Read More
Grief Changes You – Awareness Helps You to Rebuild Loss changes you. It’s natural to feel lonely and unsure when someone important is no longer there. When depression that follows loss is part of the picture, everything can feel heavier and harder to move through. For a long time, that weight can feel constant – like you’re moving through fog. Separation can also create a space you don’t recognize, but it can also help you see yourself without old patterns or expectations. That distance can feel uncomfortable at first, but it is often where something begins to shift. You start […]
Read More
Surviving siblings are sometimes called the forgotten grievers. Brothers and sisters lose their oldest witness, their playmate, the keeper of their childhood — and the world too often expects them to be the strong one. Here’s why sibling loss is uniquely complicated, and 7 ways to honor your grief.
Read More
Mother’s Day after loss can feel like an emotional minefield. Whether you’re grieving your mother, a child, a sibling, or anyone you love, here are 9 compassionate, therapist-tested ways to cope with grief on Mother’s Day, honor your person, and find a quiet thread of hope on a tender holiday.
Read More
Have you ever lost someone close, and in the brain fog of grief, wondered if you might forget some of the things you loved most about them? Their infectious belly laugh, extravagant generosity, or maybe their unconditional love for people? I get it. Since losing several of my closest and favorite family members- my beloved Mom, Dad, Nana, sister-in-love, Kay, and most recently, my “splendiferous” (his word) brother Mike, I’ve been trying to dig deep and remember exactly what it was that made each of their lives so memorable and magnificent. What if you could be the […]
Read More
Monday is my brother’s birthday, and he has been gone for almost four years. I have been more emotional for weeks, and I didn’t even realize it; it hit me like a brick wall the other day. Grief is crazy like that; how it can just come in and take over like a bad storm, and you don’t even realize it. Today I got a text from his wife, in a group chat with my other brother and his wife. Asking “Is the plan still on for Monday?” I was personally unaware of any plans for Monday. So, I had […]
Read More
Skating is a sport I shared with my beloved sisters. When we were young girls, we proudly carried our skates in plaid bags and raced to be the first ones on the ice. Margie, my older sister, the most talented, Jane, the youngest, was athletic, and I, the middle sister, a bit of a klutz. Little did I know that skating would become the chord that would bind me, honor, and remember, and forever find peace and joy with my sisters. Throughout my life, somehow the ice called me, a pull I never quite understood, my happy place, where […]
Read More
Christmas had always been a special time for me. The anticipation of Christmas day – decorating the tree and house, buying presents, beautiful food and spending time with family. But over time, Christmas has lost its sparkle. While I still appreciate the day with people I love – it no longer holds the same energy as years before. The excitement has been replaced more with a time for reflection and a longing for times gone by. Grief has woven her darkness through the tapestry of life with my brother Carl’s passing after a car accident, precious pets transitioning, and long-term […]
Read More
Drastically, his mental state had deteriorated. Now I see it clearly: my brother was incredibly strong for holding on as long as he did. He carried the weight for over a decade, ever since I left him behind when I immigrated to Canada. Conditioned to live by abandoning his own needs and silencing his own dreams, he poured all his energy into everyone else. Facing my own suicidal thoughts became the heaviest burden of all. Only later did I learn from Dr. Alan Wolfelt’s The Wilderness of Suicide Grief: Survivors of suicide loss are at high risk themselves. It’s not just […]
Read More
Join host Dr. Heidi Horsley for a candid and deeply personal conversation with Heloiza Asaro, Elizabeth Creel, and Carrie Pike about one widow’s journey through 25 years of loss, resilience, family, and legacy. Heloiza Asaro is the widow of FDNY firefighter Carl Asaro, who was killed in the World Trade Center attacks on September 11, 2001. Left to raise their six children, Heloiza has spent the past 25 years navigating life without her husband while keeping Carl’s memory and legacy alive. That legacy has continued through their children. Four of their six children—Carl Jr., Matthew, Rebecca, and Marc—became FDNY firefighters. […]
Watch
What lessons have we learned over the past 25 years that can help other communities rebuild after mass violence and devastating loss? Join host Dr. Heidi Horsley and her guests, Richard Beck, Mary Fetchet, and Jim Giaccone, for an honest and thoughtful conversation about resilience, healing, and the lessons New York has learned in the aftermath of September 11. Richard Beck, an adjunct professor at Columbia University and a psychotherapist in New York City, has worked extensively with individuals and families impacted by September 11th. Drawing on his clinical experience, he offers insight into grief, resilience, trauma, and the long-term […]
Watch
How do we move from unimaginable loss to purpose and legacy? Join host Dr. Heidi Horsley for a heartfelt conversation with Jim Giaccone, Mary Fetchet , and Richard Beck as they explore this question and reflect on the ways profound loss can shape our lives, our work, and the legacy we leave behind. Jim Giaccone’s brother Joe, worked in the North Tower for Cantor Fitzgerald and was killed in the World Trade Center attacks on September 11th, Jim turned his grief into service. He has dedicated himself to helping others through his volunteer work with Tuesday’s Children, Tunnel to Towers, […]
Watch
What are the lasting impacts of losing a family member, and what unexpected strengths can emerge from grief? Join host Dr. Heidi Horsley for a candid conversation with Mary Fetchet and Jim Giaccone as they explore how profound loss can shape the way we live, serve, and find purpose. Mary Fetchet, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Executive Director of Voices Center for Resilience, founded the organization after losing her son Brad in the World Trade Center attacks on September 11. She turned her personal loss and professional experience into a commitment to supporting families, survivors, and communities affected by […]
Watch
Does faith play a role in grief, and if so, what role does it play? Join host Dr. Heidi Horsley, and her guests, Nate McClendon, and Lori and Raul Morales as they discuss faith after a loss. Nate McClendon is a keynote speaker for The Compassionate Friends, music educator, and musician. He is the author of, The Emerging You, which was born from the loss of his 18 yr. old daughter Naomi, who died from an accidental fall from a 10-story building. Lori Morales has a Grief Counselors Certification, and presents workshops at The Compassionate Friends National Conferences. Her son […]
Watch
How do we support grieving people after a death? Join host Dr. Heidi Horsley, and her guests, Nate McClendon, and Lori and Raul Morales as they discuss the Do’s and Don’ts. Nate McClendon is a keynote speaker for The Compassionate Friends, music educator, and musician. He is the author of, The Emerging You, which was born from the loss of his 18 yr. old daughter Naomi, who died from an accidental fall from a 10-story building. Lori Morales has a Grief Counselors Certification, and presents workshops at The Compassionate Friends National Conferences. Her son Jonathan died at 16 yrs. old […]
Watch
How do we understand bereaved children and support them after a loss? Join host Dr. Gloria Horsley, and her co-host and daughter Dr. Heidi Horsley, with their guests: Dr. Dan Wolfson, and Jordan Gross and learn techniques for helping children. Dr. Dan Wolfson is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, and the Senior Clinical Director of Experience Camps Adult Grief Retreat; he is an Adjunct Researcher and Professional Education Trainer at Columbia University’s Center for Prolonged Grief. Dr. Dan’s mother died of cancer when he was 18 yrs. old, and he is the author of; My Whole Grief. Jordon Gross is a […]
Watch
The death of a parent is an identity loss. Who are we without our mother and/or father on this earth? Join host Dr. Gloria Horsley, and her daughter and co-host Dr. Heidi Horsley, and their guest to talk candidly about parent loss. Dr. Dan Wolfson is a licensed Clinical Psychologist, and the Senior Clinical Director of Experience Camps Adult Grief Retreat. He is also an Adjunct Researcher and Professional Education Trainer at Columbia University’s Center for Prolonged Grief. Dan’s mother died of cancer when he was 18 yrs. old, and he is the author of; My Whole Grief. Elizabeth Devita-Raeburn […]
Watch
How do we help teens and young adults navigate their changing world after a death? Join host Dr. Gloria Horsley, and her daughter and co-host Dr. Heidi Horsley, along with their guests Jordon Gross, Dr. Dan Wolfson, and Elizabeth Devita-Raeburn for an informative and honest conversation about this topic. Jordon Gross is a licensed Clinical Social Worker, and a staff psychotherapist at Wolfson Therapy. He is a training specialist for the New York Psychotherapy and Counseling Center. Jordan has extensive experience providing support to Grief Camps such as Camp COPE, and is the author of; My Whole Grief. Dr. Dan […]
Watch
How do you transform sorrow into strength after a death? Join host Dr. Gloria Horsley, and her co-host and daughter, Dr. Heidi Horsley along with their guests Sharon Strouse and Dr. Sarah Vollmann to talk about the role of art in healing after a death. Sharon is a bereaved parent, and licensed clinical professional art therapist. She is the Associate Director for The Portland Institute, and the author of; Artful Grief: A Diary of Healing. Sharon is also the co-founder of the Kristin Rita Strouse Foundation. Sarah is a bereaved sibling, registered board-certified art therapist, and faculty member of The […]
Watch
The impact of a death on a newborn’s world is a minimized and unacknowledged loss. Join host Dr. Gloria Horsley, and her daughter and co-host, Dr. Heidi Horsley and their guest Dr. Sarah Vollmann, whose sister died before she was born in a drowning accident. Sarah is a registered board-certified art therapist, licensed clinical social worker, and faculty member of The Portland Institute. She is the Associate Director of The Young Widowhood Project, and the Author of: Born Into Loss: Shadows of a Deceased Sibling.
Watch
The death of a sibling can be extremely difficult, yet society often minimizes this loss. Join host Dr. Heidi Horsley, with her guests Kim Burditt Bartlett and Zaneta Gileno to talk about sibling loss. Kim Burditt Bartlett is the Co-Founder of Sibling Strong Retreats. In 2010, Kim’s younger brother, Jon, died by suicide, forever changing her life. Kim serves as Senior Manager of Family Engagement for the Black Box Project at Stop Soldier Suicide, a groundbreaking initiative using digital data to better understand and prevent suicide. She previously worked at the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), where she’s created […]
Watch
What does grief look like when the person who raised you is gone? Join host Dr. Heidi Horsley and her guests Zaneta Gileno and Kim Burditt Bartlett as they talk about grieving the death of a parent. When Zaneta Gileno was just 10 yrs. old her Dad died of a heart attack, and in 2023, her Mom died of lung issues. Zaneta has a private practice called Hope Rising Psychotherapy & Wellness. She is an adjunct professor at Columbia University, and currently serves as Senior Mental Health Advisor and Board Member for Repatriate Our Patriots. In addition, she previously worked […]
Watch
How do we transform our loss through purpose and meaning? Join Dr. Gloria Horsley and her co-host and daughter Dr. Heidi Horsley with their guests Dana Lerner, Georgia Lavey, and Casey Mulligan Walsh to discuss finding purpose and meaning after a loss. Dana Lerner is a psychotherapist in NYC, and the founder of Cooper Stocks Way, and co-founder of Families for Safe Streets. Georgia Lavey is a licensed clinical social worker, and the Clinical Program Director at Our House Grief Support Center in New York City, where she oversees the design and implementation of grief support programs. Casey Mulligan Walsh […]
Watch
Loss is difficult at any age, but especially when you are a pre-adolescent or teenager. Join Dr. Gloria Horsley and her co-host and daughter Dr. Heidi Horsley along with their guests Georgia Lavey, Casey Mulligan Walsh, and Dana Lerner, as they discuss how to support pre-adolescents and teens after a loss. Georgia Lavey is a licensed clinical social worker, and the Clinical Program Director at Our House Grief Support Center in New York City, where she oversees the design and implementation of grief support programs. Casey Mulligan is a the author of the award winning memoir; The Full Catastrophe: All […]
Watch
When you have suffered a loss, what is the role of faith? Join Dr. Gloria Horsley and her co-host and daughter Dr. Heidi Horsley and their guests; Casey Mulligan Walsh, Dana Lerner, and Georgia Lavey as they discuss faith and the role it played or didn’t play after their losses. Casey Mulligan is a the author of the award winning memoir; The Full Catastrophe: All I Every Wanted, Everything I Feared, and has written for the NY Times, Modern Loss, and Huff Post. Dana Lerner is a psychotherapist in NYC, and the founder of Cooper Stocks Way, and co-founder of […]
Watch
How do you find hope again when you have the death of a parent and a sibling? Join host Dr. Heidi Horsley and her guests; Dr. Parul Dua Makkar and Elizabeth Devita-Raeburn to discuss when your world breaks twice. Parul lost her younger brother in his thirties to oral cancer, and later her father. Parul is a practicing dentist, the co-author of Life Interrupted Dr. Dua’s Survival Guide, and Stories of Friends and Family Lost. Elizabeth Devita- Raeburn lost her teenage brother Ted to a rare autoimmune disorder, and her mother many years later. Elizabeth is a blogger and […]
Watch
How do we best support someone after a death? Join host Dr. Heidi Horsley and her guests; Dr. Parul Dua Makkar, Elizabeth Devita-Raeburn, Jordon Ferber, and Keith Singer as they candidly talk what they needed after their losses. Dr. Parul Dua Makkar is a practicing dentist, the co-author of Life Interrupted Dr. Dua’s Survival Guide, and Stories of Friends and Family Lost. Elizabeth Devita- Raeburn is a journalist and blogger. She is the author of; The Empty Room: Understanding Sibling Loss, and The Death of Cancer. Jordon Ferber is a Co-Chapter Leader for The Compassionate Friends Manhattan chapter, and hosts […]
Watch
“A thoughtful, compelling, and deeply human novel.” -John O’Leary, bestselling author of On Fire and In Awe Grief opened the road. Love revealed the way. After the death of his only son shatters the life he once controlled, a fallen sports media executive follows a final message west, trading certainty for a road where grief becomes his guide. Each stranger he meets pulls him deeper into a sacred web of connection, culminating in an encounter with an enigmatic Cheyenne medicine woman who challenges everything he believes about loss and purpose. The Circles We Carry is a sweeping, luminous novel about how love does […]
The Price We Pay is a gentle, honest exploration of grief told through the lived experience of a support group — a place where vulnerability becomes connection, and connection becomes healing. Through my own story of loss, I invite readers to witness what it feels like to sit in a circle of people who are learning to breathe again after life has changed forever. Each chapter ends with tender, reflective questions designed to help readers pause, feel, and find language for what hurts. These questions aren’t instructions — they’re invitations. They create space for readers to meet their grief with […]
AFTER SURVIVAL: A Memoir of Choice, Consequence, and the Life That Followed traces Shane Neilsen’s life after a catastrophic brain injury at ten years old, through the relationships, decisions, and losses that shaped the decades that followed. Among those losses was the murder of his younger sister and only sibling, Michelle. Shane reflects on the grief and anger he carried, the role of faith in finding peace, and learning to remember his sister beyond the circumstances of her death. He also explores the loss of his father and the responsibilities of caring for his aging mother. With honesty, faith, and […]
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.
