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
Jamie Yetter and Dr. Gloria Horsley; Organ Donation
January 7, 2011
Jamie and Dr Gloria talk about organ donation.
Memory Loss During Grief
January 5, 2011
In the last 15 months, I have had the privilege of talking and listening to many people on this journey of grief. One thing that seems to be constant with everyone I’ve listened to is the loss of memory. Not the memories created with their loved ones, but simply remembering everyday things. Why did I come into the kitchen? What was I going to do? Where did I put my keys? Those forgetful moments are normal when your mind and heart are grieving. I remember several times I was driving in the car and forgot where I was going! There […]
‘I’ll Take a Christmas Tree, Stocking and Kleenex for the Road’
December 22, 2010
The halls are decked out with glittered-things galore, our stockings are hung on the mantle with care, and one Christmas tree is glimmering – trimmed to the top because of an unexpected amount of holiday cheer. I couldn’t ask for anything more. Oh wait. Yes I could. Dear Brother, where are you? If only you could be here this very second! Indeed, I find it funny how the holiday seasons can be like that. At one point, I can find myself totally calm and in a state of complete bliss, especially after hearing my favorite piano rendition of “What Child […]
The Empty Room: Understanding Sibling Loss
December 17, 2010
Elizabeth DeVita-Raeburn’s book, The Empty Room: Understanding Sibling Loss, is available at Amazon.com.
Multiple Meanings for the Pietà
December 15, 2010
Art and music have a way of touching me in a way that words do not. I have always found much solace in seeing brilliant colors like cerulean paired with subtle hues of baby blue. So too have I been comforted upon hearing brilliant tones highlighted by subtle changes in volume. One of my most favorite works of art though, is Michelangelo’s Pietà. A statue originally commissioned for a cardinal’s funeral monument, which shows the Virgin Mary holding her son Jesus after his death. While I prefer Michelangelo’s Pietà – because of its simplicity and elegance, I find the image […]
How Friendships May Change for Bereaved
November 30, 2010
“Can’t make lunch tomorrow. We’ll re-schedule,” said the note. It was short, to the point and oh how it stung. It was nearly 3 months since my brother died, and this lunch with one of my oldest and closest friends was something I’d looked forward to for weeks. With a brief email, it was cancelled — as were the next two. And so the friendship drifted, and the person who I thought would be my biggest support disappeared from my life. My story is not unique. I’ve heard it repeated multiple times in different ways over the years. Those we […]
Finding a Purpose After a Sibling’s Murder
November 27, 2010
After my sister, Sandra, was murdered in September of 2009, I was pro-active in seeking help to deal with the tragedy. I saw my doctor regularly, a family therapist and later a psychologist. I also found a wonderful support group through our local hospice. At first, I felt so weak, needing help dealing with the loss. As the weeks unfolded into months, I realized, with the help of all my support, that I wasn’t weak at all for needing help. I was strong for realizing I needed it. And even stronger for asking for help. I remember discussing in the […]
Turkey, Cranberry Sauce and Memories
November 24, 2010
The holiday season has arrived and I welcome it! I open my arms to the experience of feeling excited and simultaneously having the sensation of a throat constricting grief – well-known visitors during the holidays. Together, bitter and sweet emotions have given my life vibrancy I would have least expected, especially when my brother died sixteen years ago. Indeed, I would have gladly cast off any emotions that are the antithesis of joy or happiness. And as an eight-year-old at that time, I probably did avoid such feelings. Today, I give thanks for those moments that I can mourn the […]
Prepare to Make it Through the Holidays
October 28, 2010
With the holidays fast approaching, I think about last Christmas. Last year was the first Christmas without my sister. Personally, I felt like skipping over the entire season. I knew in my heart that others were depending on me to help make the holidays bearable, so I helped. I did ask less of myself though. I did most of my shopping online. When I did go out to the malls I was surrounded by happy, laughing people and I felt very alone. I didn’t feel like laughing and being happy. I was almost angry that everyone around me was going […]
