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 3,000 articles written by our Open to Hope authors.
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Mother’s Day After Loss: 9 Compassionate Ways to Cope with Grief on a Tender Holiday
May 10, 2026
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.
Missing Mom On Mother’s Day
May 10, 2026
I’ll be honest…I’ve been struggling what to say and write today. It’s because today is a day of celebration for so many, yet for so many others, this day comes packed with a punch to the gut and heart. Mother’s Day is about Sunday brunch, flowers, cards and family gatherings. It’s a day that’s filled with the celebration of life, love, happiness, gratitude, hugs and joy. But for some of you…it’s just another day living with a broken heart. There are so many different reasons (way too many for me to list in this blog) why this one day of […]
The Things You Loved Most
April 28, 2026
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 […]
Corry Chaplin: Wild Words, Wounded Hearts: Writing Through Grief and Isolation
April 23, 2026
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
The Eternal Bond: Daughters Honor Their Mothers On The Other Side
April 4, 2026
Death is the eternal mystery, a mystery that fills our souls with both awe and terror. The consequences of the death of one’s mother is not like any other ordeal in life. Daughters are often faced with resurrecting a new life without a road map, catapulted upon the ruins that remain, while enduring indescribable emotional pain. Based on my experience of my mother’s death, and the shared narratives with other daughters, I have spoken with, this journey is both courageous and terrifying. You will regain your balance, but you will not be the same person. I have never surrendered my […]
What Does The Research Tell Us About Grief?
March 19, 2026
Grief is part of the human experience; however, the grief of daughters whose mothers have died is significantly different than other losses. Research is needed that does not quantify or reduce the suffering women experience to only numerical findings, but includes tools for grief empowerment. According to the National Alliance on Caregiving, over 53 million baby boomers are now caring for their ailing parents, and 61 percent of caregivers are women caring for a female relative, most likely their mothers. Because caregiving is considered a “woman’s job” (i.e., unpaid), women often suffer emotionally and financially from what is referred to […]
Marie Crews: Rising Through Grief: Finding Meaning, Voice, and Growth
March 12, 2026
Struggling with grief? Join Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley as they speak with Marie Crews—bereaved mother, coach, and author—about finding growth after loss. Marie created The Nautilus Way: Write Your Way Free, a process for emotional breakthroughs, and wrote the best-selling Even When… She Rose. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Marie-Crews_-Rising-Through-Grief-Finding-Meaning-Voice-and-Growth.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Nancy Gershman: Unfinished Business: Healing After the Death of a Difficult Parent
March 5, 2026
Struggling with unresolved issues after the death of a loved one? Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley welcome Nancy Gershman, LCSW, to discuss coping with an obsessive-compulsive mother and finding forgiveness after her passing. Nancy created Dreamscaping therapy and Prescriptive Memories in Grief and Loss. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Nancy-Gershman_-Unfinished-Business-Healing-After-the-Death-of-a-Difficult-Parent.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Enya Flack: A Living Tribute: Creating Virtual Gardens of Remembrance
February 19, 2026
Looking for online grief support? Join Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley with guest Enya Flack, bereaved spouse and actress, as they discuss Infinity Garden—a customizable virtual memorial created by Tamark Berry for grieving families. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Enya-Flack_-A-Living-Tribute-Creating-Virtual-Gardens-of-Remembrance.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
