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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Mitch Carmody; Hope for the New Year
December 29, 2011
Mitch Carmody is an acclaimed author, artist, workshop presenter and keynote speaker on grief. He has written several books and is currently a staff writer with “Living with Loss Magazine” as well as writing for many newsletters, and internet sites. He is the creator of the innovative 20 Faces of Grief, Proactive Grieving, and the S.T.A.I.R.S model of grief staging. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/2012/07/Mitch-Carmody_04.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Nine Gifts from Grief
December 29, 2011
It can be hard to grasp or even accept the idea that there are such things as “grief gifts.” How can we possibly believe that the experience of grief and loss will bestow any such gift? Especially when all we have now is an aching longing for that which is so out of reach. It is not a new concept. History and literature abounds with a similar notion. “In my end is my beginning.” — Mary Queen of Scots “Sadness flies on the wings of the morning. And out of the darkness comes the light” — Jean Giraudoux “Even the […]
Alan Pedersen; Holiday Candle Lighting With Alan Pedersen, Dr. Heidi and Dr. Gloria
December 22, 2011
Alan Pedersen is an award winning songwriter, successful recording artist and nationally recognized speaker on grief and loss. On August 15, 2001 Alan’s 18 year old daughter, Ashley died in an automobile accident. Alan travels the United States with his wife Denise, sharing his music and story with grief organizations. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/files/2011/11/Alan-Pederson_03.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Christmas Grief: Tips for Enduring After a Child’s Death
December 21, 2011
Anniversaries, birthdays, special memories and holidays intensify the pain after the death of a child. And although we may have discovered daily tools to help guide our everyday grief, December seems to require special tips and ideas to navigate the days leading up to the holiday dates. The following are some helpful ideas I have compiled over the years from my own history and from those shared by other bereaved parents. These ideas seem to follow the categories of Self Care, Traditions and Honoring Your Child. Self Care • Accept support • Allow/ask others to help with Christmas tasks (card […]
Like a Three-Legged Dog: Adapt and Survive
December 19, 2011
My niece’s husband’s brother (got that) has a dog named Samson; he’s an enthusiastic, loving dog. Samson has only three legs. I don’t know the story behind the loss of his right front leg, but I do know he was born with four legs and lost one to an injury. Quite the fork in the road for Samson. Since we can’t understand how dogs rationalize, problem-solve on an intellectual level, or speak to their owners as to how to help them, Samson had to adapt to his new world on his own. His out of balance world provided quite a […]
Angela Alexander; Turning Pain Into Power and Grief Into Peace
December 15, 2011
Angela Alexander is retired from the Air Force Reserve. She is currently an author & inspirational speaker. Her autobiography is titled ‘Miracles in Action’. Through her testimony, she shares how she turned her pain of losing two children into power, and grief into peace. God allowed Angela to transform what could have easily devastated her, and her family’s life forever in to a ministry that blesses all who hears her incredible testimony. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/files/2011/11/Angela-Alexander_01.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
The Gift: Mother Finds New Connection to Daughter
December 15, 2011
Like my winter birds who come to the feeder in a variety of ways, Christmas presents come in a variety of packages. Yesterday, I arrived home to find a beautifully wrapped gift on my kitchen counter. I enjoyed just looking at it – so smartly wrapped waiting to open it with the giver. But reading in bed late last night, it was delivered to me. I was encouraged to go ahead and unwrap it so I could use it during Christmas. And I love the gift and will use it – maybe today! But earlier in the day I received […]
Seven Years Later, Coping With the Anniversary of a Death
December 14, 2011
This past November marked the 7-year anniversary of losing my sweet daughter Katie. I’m not sure what happened to the last 7 years, but they’ve managed to slip away. I know many of you are newly bereaved and probably think “7 years? I am not sure if I can make 1 year or 2 years. How will I ever be able to make it 7 years?” Those are excellent questions, questions I also asked myself at the beginning of this hell. I know the feeling of surviving second by second and then moving to minute by minute, hour by hour, […]
We Never Lose the People We Love
December 11, 2011
I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love. — Leo Buscaglia I happened to see this quote in an issue of the online Compassionate Friends Newsletter. How true it is! I think of how I can apply this quote to everything I have done since my daughter died. Every time I have to make a decision […]
