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
Sibling Bonds
July 5, 2011
You are my brother and always will be Not even death can take that away from me. The love we share is everlasting A bond that can never be broken. I hate saying I miss you but It´s true. Every day. The fights, the chats, the small things Mean even more now they´re gone. I hold onto my memories, never Do I want to forget your life. You are my brother and always will be Not even death can take that away from me.
Twin who Died in the Womb Became Guardian Angel
June 24, 2011
Last fall, I gave my writing students a very powerful exercise taken from the work of Deena Metzger. The basic premise was to choose a traumatic incident from our past—one that changed the course of our lives for the worse—a moment when we felt betrayed or abandoned or alone, a moment when an essential part of ourselves went underground. We began by writing the story of that event. The next week, we rewrote it—this time creating a fictional version of the same event in which we inserted a new character—a character who not really there at the time. An ally. […]
Father’s Day After the Death of a Brother
June 13, 2011
“You know that story, Finding Nemo?” my 4-year-old nephew asked. “That’s a story with a happy ending because he gets to find his daddy.” It was six days since my brother, my nephew’s father, had died and oh, how my heart broke hearing this simple observation. This will be our 5th Father’s Day without my brother. On the first one, we planted a tree in his memory. My nephew, then 5, held up the card he’d made for his dad, said a few words and then hung it on a branch. It gently fluttered in the wind as we snacked […]
What To Do With a Loved One’s Possessions?
May 28, 2011
What to do with your loved one’s possessions? Less than two months after my sister’s murder, her 24-year-old daughter (my niece) called and asked for my help. My sister owned her home and the insurance company would pay for a total restoration; however, everything had to be removed from the home before the restoration could begin. When my niece was talking to me about this, I realized I was holding my breath. My sister was murdered in her home and now, we had to walk into that home and clear it of all her possessions. Of course, I told my […]
Snow and Sibling-Loss
May 15, 2011
Snow fell from the cold winter skies when my beloved sister was buried. Miniature, delicate snowflakes seemed so out of place in the cemetery filled with grief, tears and darkness. I stared into the sky, away from the casket, and became completely captivated by the gorgeous snowfall. I needed something to distract my mind, even if only slightly. Everyone who surrounded me — my best friends, my family — I loved them more than anything. Watching them all break into tears and show that they too are human beings, and not gods, was quite a lot to handle. I found […]
Heaven Bound
May 6, 2011
Heaven Bound Year after year On your special day Mother’s Day I brought you flowers Gave you a hug and kiss Reminded you how special you were. Every one of those years I knew you were grateful For my gifts and my love Yet, a sadness remained In your beautiful blue eyes It remained throughout the years. I remember that dark day When we were told that Your only son, my only brother Was killed in war On Mother’s Day Body never recovered. But, this Mother’s Day I will rejoice for you, and Will no longer […]
Dr. Brenda Marshall: Sibling Loss and the Effects of Surviving Siblings
May 2, 2011
Dr. Brenda Marshall & Dr. Heidi Horsley talk about adult sibling loss and the effects on the surviving siblings.
Woman Finds it Hard to Trust after Sister’s Murder
March 26, 2011
“A normal reaction to a very abnormal situation.” My psychologist spoke those words to me so often in the months following my sister’s murder. Choosing to seek the help of psychologist was one of the most important decisions I made. I discussed so many emotions and feelings with her. Emotions and feelings I would have most likely kept bottled up inside had I not made that first appointment with her. Of all the issues I discussed with her, trust seemed to be the most difficult. I remember my first appointment. She was soft spoken, gentle, she put me at ease. […]
Releasing Anger While Dealing with Loss
March 16, 2011
As most of us know, there are certain things that trigger our emotions while on this journey of grief. I think it’s safe to say that we all understand there are different stages of grief, different emotions and feelings also. Many people experience anger while grieving. Anger at the deceased, anger at God, anger at the situation, just plain anger. After my sister was murdered, just under 18 months ago, I experienced anger. I still experience it. I was angry that it happened to my sister. I was angry at God, and I still have a few questions for him. […]
