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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Smile at Yourself This Holiday Season
December 23, 2012
This time of year is impossible to get through without thinking about Mark. Winter just seems like it is supposed to be a time to be together with loved ones. And if you have lost a loved one it may feel hard. Cold weather is made for cuddling after all. But this year, the fourth winter without Mark, feels different. He isn’t here with us in the physical plane, but the boys and I know he will always be with us spiritually and in our hearts. And during these holidays I am choosing to follow my children’s lead and bask […]
Next to Cancer, Next to Normal
December 8, 2012
The insidious intruder that never leaves is cancer. It is pesky, sneaky, invisible, and it works aimlessly to kill and bankrupt you. The strangle of cancer (never to be capitalized in my mind and heart) invaded him and tackled me and dumped us in the cancer club, and we daily paddle to embrace joy in a disheartening world that is vastly different than it used to be. We call it Living Next to Normal. Always wondering, waiting and semi-ready for the next curve, I have discovered a durability. I live the unthinkable, attempt to rest with the unforgettable, and acknowledge […]
Terry Jones-Brady; Finding Love and Happiness After Profound Loss
November 22, 2012
Terry Jones-Brady is a strong and deeply spiritual person. Both of Terry’s daughters were born with cystic fibrosis. Terry began an unfathomable journey and survived not two but three deaths. After the deaths of her daughters, her husband died by suicide. She grieved, searched for understanding, and finally, found love and happiness again. She is the author of Mosaic Heart: Reshaping the Shards of a Shattered life. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/2012/10/Terry-Jones.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Dealing With The Loss of a Spouse; Janet Gallin
November 15, 2012
After college, marriage and work came widowhood, single motherhood and the discovery that love and taking responsibility has healing power. Today Janet Gallin is remarried and a grandmother. She is a bright spirit and brings joy to others with her weekly column for the San Francisco Examiner on-line called Love Letters. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/2012/10/Janet-Gallian.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Grief and Sexuality
November 5, 2012
A reader writes: My mother died recently, and although she was older and it happened rather quickly, still it was the saddest thing I’ve ever experienced. Now, three months later, I’m finding it very difficult to become intimate again with my husband. Even being in close proximity to him is difficult for me. It almost scares me. Especially because I want so desperately to know that my mom is watching over me, but I don’t want her to see me having sex with my husband! Can you give me some direction on this? My response: You say you […]
Why Do People Say Hurtful Things?
October 26, 2012
I learned a lot after I lost my husband, and one of the things I learned is what not to say to someone who is grieving. We are all different, but I found it hurtful when people would say things like “Oh you will see a reason for this someday.” Maybe that would be comforting for someone else to hear, but I found those types of comments very unsettling, to say the least. Our emotions are turned upside down after a terrible loss, and in my case I know I was overly sensitive. But maybe the reason words like that […]
Finding Courage to ‘Do Something About It’
October 17, 2012
It was a blur of words, a daze of sentiments. Collecting my sadness, I closed my eyes. I looked inside myself trying to find a way to trust God again. I was mad at Him for leaving me behind. Yet, I prayed anyway and prayed honestly. Poppy, give me strength. I took a deep breath. Amen. Then shuffled my way to the front of the church. “Most of you know Anthony was an amazing writer. He was a great kisser too, but that’s not what I’m here to tell you about.” The church giggled. “I’m going to read an e-mail […]
Janet Gallin on The Open to Hope Show with Dr. Gloria and Dr. Heidi Horsley
October 7, 2012
Handling the Loss of a Spouse; Special guest Janet Gallin shares her story of love letters and photographs after the loss of a spouse. Document yourself in love.
A Widow Ponders Beginnings, Endings, and Middles
October 2, 2012
We all have gifts and challenges. Some of us are better at beginnings, some better at middles and some are better at the end. I am better at middles. I love the comfort of knowing things are how they are and that routine and ritual work. I do appreciate the excitement and exhilaration of beginnings and ends, but can’t live there all the time. It’s probably why my children were happy toddlers. I am very good at setting up structure, transition time and being there for people. I am reliable and responsible…probably to a toxic level for myself…attributes I assume […]
