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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Caregiving is an Unavoidable Link to Anticipatory Grief
March 14, 2014
More than a decade ago I became my mother’s caregiver. Though she lived in an assisted living community, I had many responsibilities and, as mini strokes robbed her of memory, my responsibilities increased. From taking her to medical and dental appointments, to running errands, to going out for lunch, I did something for my mother every day. And every day I wondered, “Will this be the day she dies?” Anticipatory grief became my constant companion. Now I’m a caregiver again. In late October my husband’s aorta dissected and he had three emergency operations. During the third one, 13 hours of […]
Beverly Smallwood: Parent Loss-Overcoming Adversity
February 27, 2014
Dr. Bev Smallwood is a psychologist, professional speaker, and executive coach who knows first-hand the experience of loss. At the age of 9, her 38-year-old father died of cancer. Since he was a pastor she and her mother were required to move from their home provided by the church. She is the author of “This Wasn’t Supposed to Happen to Me.”
Daddy, This is it. Being-with my Dying Dad
February 26, 2014
Julie Saeger Nierenberg’s book, Daddy, This is it. Being-with my Dying Dad, is available here.
Gracefully Gone
February 26, 2014
Alicia Coppola’s book, Gracefully Gone, is available at Amazon.com.
The Other Side of Grief
February 18, 2014
Have you ever flipped over a colorful seashell that was wedged in the wet sand and examined its other side? You were probably first attracted by the reflection of the flashy hues of the exterior. But the smooth, concave inner surface of the vessel, which once protected life with a mirrored piece, also has a subtle beauty of its own. Now tossed up on the shoreline by the turbulent sea, it is half, not whole. The mollusk is gone along with the other matching section of the shell, making both sides exposed. There is a new purpose for it now […]
Being-with My Dying Dad
February 17, 2014
For our last three years of father-and-daughter life on this planet, Daddy and I talked daily to be as close as we could be. Our time together was coming to an end. We didn’t know when that would happen; we just knew it was coming sooner than we wished. And then came the news: “There is nothing more we can do.” Daddy didn’t feel like dying. He felt full of life and longing to live. He had more to do, more to say, more to feel, to taste, to write, to experience. He was angry and sad, disappointed and confused, […]
Episode 31: Forgiveness
February 12, 2014
On This show Dr. Gloria Horsley and Dr. Heidi Horsley discuss with Fred Luskin Ph.D. the rationale for forgiveness and why forgiveness is necessary. Radha Stern author and victims advocate will join Dr. Luskin to discuss how she deals with forgiveness when the man who murdered her son shows no remorse. The show closes with music by Randy Cookson and Peter Anderson.
Episode 29: Holiday Candle Lighting and Cooking
February 12, 2014
On this show Dr. Gloria Horsley and Dr. Heidi Horsley discuss with the executive director of The Compassionate Friends, Alan Pedersen, bereavement advice for getting through the holidays. Included is a segment from The Compassionate Friends, Midpensula Chapter, National Candlelighting. Katie Morford registered dietician and author of Mom’s Kitchen Handbook closes the show with ideas for making easy and healthy foods during the holidays.
Episode 28: Grief Styles: The Enneagram
February 12, 2014
On this show Dr. Gloria Horsley and Dr. Heidi Horsley discuss grieving styles given Enneagram personality types with the author of the Enneagram Made Easy, Elizabeth Wagele, and Jan Conlon, grief support expert. Katie Morford registered dietician and author of Mom’s Kitchen Handbook gives tips for healthy eating during stressful times.
