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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Adult Sibling Loss: Interview with Dr. Brenda Marshall
July 22, 2014
At the annual ADEC (Association of Death Education and Counseling), I spoke with Dr. Brenda Marshall about adult sibling loss. Brenda got into this field when her younger brother Brent died eight years ago. It was then that she realized there’s not very much support for siblings. That realization called on her to ask the question “Why?” and “What can I do about it?” I asked Brenda why she thinks people don’t understand how significant a sibling loss is. Hear Brenda’s response in the video below. Here are some key takeaways from the video: For one thing, a lot of […]
My Sister Died and I Waited 16 Years to Deal With It
July 7, 2014
I never expected to make a documentary film about my family. I didn’t think of myself as someone who had a story to tell. My sister had died when I was ten years old and by that time her illness seemed pretty normal to me. Aimee was diagnosed with leukemia when I was two years old, so I grew up always knowing my older sister was sick. One of my earliest memories is playing with the toys in the hospital waiting room while she was in the examination room getting a spinal tap. When she died in 1994, I became […]
Jill Kraft Thompson Rebuilding A Life After Losing Five People
June 19, 2014
Jill Kraft Thompson had a life filled with love: an adoring husband, two young precious sons, a devoted mother, and a close extended family. Jill’s story begins as everyone’s worst nightmare. In 2002 she lost five close family members in a car crash that she survived. Her beloved young sons, husband, mother and niece were gone. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/Jill-Kraft-Thompson.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Brenda Marshall Ph.D.: Death of an Adult Sibling
June 12, 2014
Brenda Marshall Ph.D. is a speaker, coach and educator in the field of bereavement. Her interest in providing help to others, who have lost a sibling, came after the sudden death of her younger brother Brent. She is the author of Adult Sibling Loss:Stories, Reflections and Ripples. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/Brenda-Marshall.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Ministry of Bereavement: Interview with Ronald Ritter
May 17, 2014
Today, we had the privilege to interview Ron Ritter about a very basic tool that will assist people of faith to minister intelligently and effectively to those who grieve. The turning point for Ritter was when the shackles of clinical depression were removed five years after his son Steve’s death when he could focus his full energies into the ministry of bereavement. Here is the full interview: Ron Ritter was born the 7 September 1938. Born and Raised in Baltimore, MD. B.S. Business Administration, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA. B.Th. Concordia Theological Seminary, Springfield, IL 1970. Ordained, Lutheran Church Missouri Synod, […]
Beth Rotondo: Hope For Those Who Grieve
May 8, 2014
Beth Rotondo has worked in the bereavement for 20 years. She has lost an infant, parent, and sibling. Her losses and expertise have made her a comforting companion for those who grieve. She is the author of Threads of Hope and The Big Chair. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/Beth-Rotondro.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Beth L. Hewett, Ph.D. : Father and Sibling Loss
April 17, 2014
Beth L. Hewett understands the pain and anguish of grief. A facilitator and trainer for the National Catholic Ministry to the Bereaved (NCMB). She has in recent years lost her brother, sister and father. She is the author of the Good Words For Grieving series. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/Beth-L-Hewett.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Coping With the Death of a Parent: Galen Goben
March 27, 2014
Galen, a Certified Thanatologist, is one of the Grief Support Coordinators for Forest Lawn in Southern California. He is responsible for providing grief education and services to the community and to the grieving families served by Forest Lawn. Galen is an ordained Disciple of Christ minister. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/Galen-Goben.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
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.
