Open to Hope Articles

Behind the Veil

January 21, 2015

When you see me, you probably see what you would consider to be a strong person. You see someone who appears to be living the American Dream — juggling a successful career, a beautiful family, a healthy social life, and even time to volunteer for a good cause. You see a person who came back from the death of a young child, and – as you usually put it – has moved on with life.  You see someone who has seemingly taken lemons and turned them into lemonade. But unless I want you to, you don’t really see me. You […]

Episode 40: Helping Families Deal With Drug and Alcohol Overdose

January 14, 2015

On this show Dr. Gloria Horsley and Dr. Heidi Horsley interview Barbara Allen whose son, Jim, overdosed on heroin and alcohol in 2003.  She is the founder of  “Shatter the Stigma” an organization with the goal of bringing the disease of addiction into the light of hope and healing.  Joining her on the show is Dave Roberts, LMSW, CASAC, a bereaved parent and addiction professional. Both Barbara and Dave are actively involved with The Compassionate Friends. The Show will close with singer songwriter Paul Alexander singing, “Light a Candle.”  Played at memorial candle lightings around the world.

Episode 39: Finding Hope After Multiple Deaths

January 14, 2015

On this show Dr. Gloria Horsley and Dr. Heidi Horsley interview Jill Kraft Thompson an amazing woman who has re-built her life after losing five people she loved the most. She survived the car crash that killed five members of her family – her husband Bart, her two sons, Ben and Sam, her mom and her niece, Sarah. She is the author of “Finding Jill”.  Richard Beck Ph.D. and trauma expert gives his thoughts on trauma recovery.  The show will closes with singer songwriter Paul Alexander singing “Light a Candle”.

Is Grief Making You Feel Sick?

January 13, 2015

Recently I got an email from a woman who had lost her son a few years ago. She openly shared how much she had aged fast since her son’s passing. She listed a couple of her most urgent ailments and I quickly realized the process of grieving was taking its toll on her health. As I continued to read, my heart sunk. First off, she is younger than I am, and I’m nowhere near ready to admit that I’m old. Secondly, her ailments were symptoms of secondary losses to grief, not aging. She was slowly killing herself and she had […]

How to Fill an Empty Stocking

December 24, 2014

It is the day after Thanksgiving, or “black Friday” as most of us refer to it these days. I imagine myself in my best holiday shopping outfit complete with new leather boots, a warm peacoat and a bright holiday scarf. I navigate the Vintage Faire Mall parking lot like a champion. With my non-fat, extra hot white chocolate mocha in hand I brave the crowds to meet up with my best girlfriends. We laugh, we wait in long lines and sing along with the cheesy holiday soundtracks playing in the background. But this is not how my day is going. […]

Seeking Support After a Child-Loss

December 11, 2014

After a loved one has passed on and the funeral is over, the cards stop coming in the mail and it feels like the rest of the world has moved on. For the newly bereaved, this can be the loneliest time of all. Many times family and friends will pull away because they feel uncomfortable seeing you cry. Others avoid talking about your loved one altogether, when that is all you want to do. Hearing the name of the one who has died can bring comfort to the bereaved. After my infant son died, I was completely immobilized with pain […]

Dating After The Loss of a Spouse and a Child; Guest: Abel Keogh

December 11, 2014

At age twenty-six, after the tragic suicide of his wife and the death of their 9 day old baby Abel Keogh unexpectedly found himself a young widower and bereaved parent.  Abel works in marketing for a technology company and is also the author of the memoir Room for Two, and four relationship guides. His current book is The Ultimate Dating Guide For Widowers. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/OpenToHope_Abel-K.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Wishing the Holidays Would Go On By

December 5, 2014

At least I don’t have to deal with Christmas. It must be terrible for those who used to rejoice in the holiday. One less present under the tree. One less diner at dinner. One less reason to go on. And everyone else happy and smiling. It’s Christmas. The happiest time of the year. Rejoice in the season. Or else.” Joy for them maybe. But not for us. Just a mean reminder of how much has been lost. How hollow the day is. And they want you to be happy. To join in and decorate the tree. Hang holly when you’d […]

Hope After Loss: Guest Angela Miller

December 4, 2014

Angela Miller is a writer, survivor, bereaved parent of Noah, and grief advocate who provides support and solace to those who are grieving worldwide. She is the author of You Are the Mother of All Mothers: A Message of Hope for the Grieving Heart. Angela writes candidly about child loss and grief without sugar coating the reality of life after loss. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/OpenToHope_Angela-M.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Podcast: Play in new window | Download