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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Barbara Rubel: After Suicide; Finding Resilience to Cope
January 21, 2010
Barbara talks about coping with her father’s suicide while pregnant with triplets. Barbara’s Bio https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/2010/10/Barbara-Ruble-012110.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Poem: I Promise You This
January 8, 2010
It doesn’t matter What age you are. When a loved one dies It’s very, very hard. I was sweet sixteen When my brother died. I shut down Never once, did I cry. Over the years I’ve learned to accept. As a man, a soldier He fought to protect. He accepted his orders And, took command. But, why did they leave him In a far away land? Many, many years Letters came to remind. No soldier – their comrade Would be left behind. Mother and Dad Never gave up hope. It was all they could do In order to cope. One […]
Poem: A Living Death
January 5, 2010
Alzheimer’s – A living death Mental deterioration A slow suffocation. A Caregiver’s love Hugging, kissing, holding Hope – from above. Out of control Loved one lost in space In a black hole. Alzheimer’s – A living death A reality, so cruel Until the very last breath. Deborah Ann Tornillo Copyright© 2010 http://www.deborahtornillo.com
Poem: A New Year
January 4, 2010
A New Year is here What will it bring? Happiness or sorrow You’ll know tomorrow. Last year is behind us This year lies ahead. Is life pre-determined? Do we have free will? New Year’s resolutions Will we abide? Or, will we simply toss Our resolutions aside? Life is pre-determined And, we have free will. Happiness or sorrow You’ll know tomorrow. Deborah Ann Tornillo Copyright© 2010 http://www.deborahtornillo.com
Paul Alexander: Coping With Grief Through Music
January 1, 2010
Paul’s music has inspired many and helped heal him. On this show he also talks about signs and signals after the loss of a loved one. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/2010/10/Paul-Alexander.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Five Tips For Grievers During the Holidays
December 26, 2009
The first Christmas without my mother was agony. Actually, the month before was probably worse than the day itself. Because my mother had been sick between December 6 and January 11, I relived the whole month, which included Christmas and New Year’s Day. I tried to do things that I had done with my mother in hopes of making everything “all right”. But of course, it would never be the same. Grief causes physical and emotional pain. Baby Boomers have come to expect instant pain relief in this fast paced society. Unfortunately, Baby Boomers will be facing this chapter in […]
There’s No Grief in Santa
December 17, 2009
Last year was the first year my mother didn’t recognize me at all . . . not even a glimmer. I’d been expecting Alzheimer’s to take away her ability to recognize my face, but wasn’t really prepared. That was the first Christmas it seemed to make no difference whether or not I called my mom for the holidays since she didn’t know whether it was Christmas or St. Swithens Day, whether it was me or the Easter Bunny. She’d long since forgotten what the telephone was and what those noises coming into her ear were. Christmas was always a big […]
Poem: Message
December 15, 2009
In my dream An elderly gent Flowing, white hair Comforted me In my despair. Mesmerized By his love, His blue eyes As heavenly As the sky above. Words not spoken Filled my mind. I understood then His message, His message of time. A message of hope And, of courage. A message of love And, of strength. A message of truth. The backbone of life It’s in your spine. The pain of today Will leave with time. God’s love will light the way. Deborah Ann Tornillo Author, “36 Days Apart” Copyright© 2009 http://www.deborahtornillo.com
Poem: Comfort
December 12, 2009
The pain of tonight He’s finally resting. He’s not hurting That is all that matters In this life of mine. The struggles of the past Been there, died there. Nothing compares To the love of today Wanting, wanting to protect. How do I comfort? Same question I’ve asked Not too long ago, How do I stop their pain? My arms don’t sustain. God, help me comfort And, give them their strength. The power of you Comforts the power of them. Shine, let them feel your light. Frustrated, scared, and Asking for a miracle. Do you hear me? My Lord and […]
