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.
SORT BY RELATIONSHIP
Three Years into Grief Journey: A Surprising Struggle
December 15, 2009
As I get closer to the third anniversary of my daughter’s death, I struggle with opposite emotions. I feel the pain of death and the joy of living. The first year after my daughter died I cringed when people asked, “How are you?” Now I welcome the question. For as the months passed, people began to forget about my losses. While this is normal, it was hard for me, especially since I had so much grief work to do. A few days ago, I went to the florist and bought a holiday plant. The sales associate knew my grandchildren became […]
The Yin and Yang of Caring for Terminally Ill Child
December 14, 2009
Alternative therapies weren’t the first line of defense when our five-and-a-half month old was diagnosed with cancer. We opted for what was proven; we put Madison’s life in the hands of exceptional pediatric oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, nurses and anesthesiologists. If untreated, the cancer was sure to kill her, but so could the treatment. We threw every recommended treatment at the cancer. Her quality of life was the point off which we navigated the maze of medicine hashing out benefits vs. burden. We sought alternative therapies in an effort to support our daughters system throughout the rigors of treatment. Lavender wafted through our […]
Poem: Comfort
December 12, 2009
The pain of tonight He’s finally resting. He’s not hurting That is all that matters In this life of mine. The struggles of the past Been there, died there. Nothing compares To the love of today Wanting, wanting to protect. How do I comfort? Same question I’ve asked Not too long ago, How do I stop their pain? My arms don’t sustain. God, help me comfort And, give them their strength. The power of you Comforts the power of them. Shine, let them feel your light. Frustrated, scared, and Asking for a miracle. Do you hear me? My Lord and […]
Jeff Zhorne; Searching for Peace and Meaning After Loss
December 10, 2009
Jeff lost both of his children in a car accident. He has helped many people on their grief journey and healing through the Grief Program https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/2011/02/Jeff-Zhorne-121009.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Crossroads in Grief: To Hide or Persevere
December 4, 2009
To most folks, Aug. 6, 2005, was an ordinary day, but for me it became the worst day in my life. I woke up that morning expecting to celebrate my birthday; instead, I learned of my youngest son’s death. Despite the fact that I had many loving family members and friends, I found myself feeling isolated and numb. It took so much of my energy just to make it through each day that I had nothing left for anything else. I drifted through my days in a fog of pain over Clint’s death. There were moments that I was sure I […]
Genesse Gentry; Poetry, Caring and Healing
December 3, 2009
Genesse is a poet, bereaved parent and is Northern California Regional Coordinator for The Compassionate Friends https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/2011/02/Genesse-Gentry-1203091.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Connections to Daughter Abound Even After her Death
December 3, 2009
I still have a powerful relationship with my daughter Jeannine six-and-one-half years after her death. I believe that my relationship with her extends to other people in my life. I have been an adjunct professor at Utica College since January of 2003. I love my students deeply. They gave me energy when I had none, and purpose in a world that became foreign to me after Jeannine died. During the fall 2008 semester, I taught a Death, Dying and Bereavement class, and one of my students, “Jody,” shared an experience that she had during the semester. This is her story: […]
Letter to a Son, Decades After His Death
November 30, 2009
Dear Kelly, November 23, 2009 I was going to name you Connor but decided on Kelly, another good Irish name… gosh that was 31 years ago…wow…now we are thinking about baby names again. We had named your sister Meagan, who is now due to have her second child at any moment. You left us, my son, when that veil between our worlds separated briefly and you stepped through. December 1st is always a grim reminder of that calendar day. It is approaching fast, like fierce storm clouds gathering on the far horizon; a dog howling deep down and fearful […]
The Quantum Physics of Giving
November 30, 2009
St. Frances of Assisi said: it is in giving that you receive, it is in healing that you are healed. I do not care what your religious background or belief system is, this 13th century Catholic monk hit it straight on the head. Nothing is more healing to our aching heart and soul then reaching out with a compassionate hand and heart to others in pain. During the course of my 8-year-old son’s battle with cancer, I attended a holistic college to learn massage. I wanted to be able to help rid toxins from Kelly’s chemo-ridden body and to give […]
