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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Who Is Your Hero? How Has Your Hero Influenced Your Life?
May 12, 2026
“ I believe that our heroes in life change over time based on our values and maturity. We don’t cling to those who impressed us with their status. Instead, we align our vision with those who are authentic, reliable, and role models. However, there may also be the unlikely, unclaimed hero who changes our life and lives in our heart forever.” (Nan Zastrow) A year ago, in a support group meeting, I shared the story of how the ®Wings organization began…in Memory after the death of our son, Chad. After the group, a man who was present came forward and […]
Ginger Vigil: The Quiet Between Goodbye and Hello: Healing After Loss and Remarriage
April 9, 2026
Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley welcome Ginger Vigil—writer, artist, and mental health advocate—to discuss divorce, remarriage, and helping her partner after his wife’s death. Vigil wrote the memoir Somewhere Between You and Me: Finding Light in the Quiet Between Goodbye and Hello. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Ginger-Vigil_-Quiet-Between-Goodbye-and-Hello-Healing-After-Loss-and-Remarriage.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Cristi Bundukamara: Pain to Purpose; Building Mental Strength Through Grief
April 2, 2026
Need support with grief? Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley speak with Cristi Bundukamara, clinical nurse specialist, widow, and bereaved mother. Dr. Bundukamara shares how her experiences led to the Mentally Strong Method featured on her website and in her book, Pain & Purpose: My Journey to Mental Strength. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Cristi-Bundukamara_-Pain-to-Purpose-Building-Mental-Strength-Through-Grief.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Dropping the Ball Again This Year? 3 Easy Intentions for Bouncing Back
March 31, 2026
“ I love it when they drop the ball in Times Square. It’s a nice reminder of what I did all last year.” Bouncing back after a significant loss is not only daunting but often shatters one’s self-confidence. I wanted to prove to myself that my grief was not going to control me and force me to surrender just because certain tasks were tedious and the work was hard. Since my husband’s death, I began to question my desire to handle all the maintenance tasks and other things “we “used to do. So, I didn’t plant flower pots overflowing with […]
Jerry Danielsen: Dying to Live: Love, Loss, and Life After Widowhood
March 26, 2026
Dr. Gloria Horsley and Dr. Heidi Horsley talk with Jerry Danielsen, composer, producer, author, and podcast host, about widowhood. His book, “Dying to Live,” recounts his and his late wife Angela’s experience with terminal illness and the F-Cancer National Tour. The show concludes with his song, “We all will die someday.” https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Jerry-Danielsen_-Dying-to-Live_-Love-Loss-and-Life-After-Widowhood.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Barry Hoffner: Around the World in 193 Lessons Coping with the Death of a Spouse
February 26, 2026
Have you ever thought of travel as a coping mechanism? Join Dr. Heidi and Dr. Gloria Horsley and their guest Barry Hoffner, a lifelong traveler who after the death of his wife Jackie found healing in making a commitment to visiting 193 countries on earth. He is the author of “A Journey from Grief to Connection in Every Country on Earth.” https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Barry-Hoffner_-Around-the-World-in-193-Lessons-Coping-with-the-Death-of-a-Spouse.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
A Lighthearted Valentine Evolved Into a Lasting Commitment. A commitment in life and in death.
February 14, 2026
““ Success in marriage is more than finding the right person. It’s becoming the right person.” Many of us had those “puppy love crushes” in our teenage years with no expectation of it leading to the altar. I purchased a cute Valentine’s Day card for a “guy” I was dating on-again, off-again. There was no intention in mind other than to get his attention with a bit of lighthearted humor. For all I knew, he could have promptly discarded the greeting card. On the front of the valentine was a picture of a sad, droopy hound dog and the words: […]
Dana Frost: Finding Light After Loss
February 12, 2026
Seeking support after loss? Join Drs. Gloria and Heidi Horsley with guest Dana Frost, who became a widow at 35 after being diagnosed with cancer at 28. Dana founded the Forced Joy Project and its online grief community, creates custom memorial books, and leads Widows in the Wild retreats. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Dana-Frost-Finding-Light-After-Loss.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
