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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The Story of My Father’s Suicide
October 17, 2009
Late one January morning in 2008, I fell asleep on the sofa, something I rarely did and haven’t done since. I was awakened to my house phone ringing, then my cell phone ringing, again the house, again the cell. I wasn’t ready to wake up completely so I didn’t answer the phone, hoping they would just leave a message. The phones kept ringing and eventually my husband’s cell phone started to ring too. My husband came over to me on the sofa and said, “It’s your Dad calling my cell.…” I knew something was wrong at that point. I got […]
Dr Roberta Temes: Coping With Loss
October 15, 2009
Dr Temes is a therapist, author and has counseled hundreds of bereaved clients. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/2010/11/Roberta-Temes-101509.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Poem: I Hear You
October 14, 2009
Before I cross uncertain land I hear Daddy say to me. Little girl hold on to my hand And, remember to look both ways. If you should have any doubt Always call out my name. And, I will always guide you Through the unknown and the same. Keep laughing long into the night I hear Daddy say to me. Little girl wipe away your tears And, ride through life without fears. If you should have any doubt Always call out my name. And, I will always be by your side Through the joy and the pain. Compassionately go about your […]
Can We Ever ‘Accept’ Death of Loved One?
October 8, 2009
Question from a reader: This just isn’t something I can live with. I want to see my dad more than anything in the world. I can’t even go near the words “closure” or “accept.” My friend, who never lost anyone, even a pet, in her life, told me in a matter-of-fact, cheery voice, “You gotta get over it, right? Pick yourself up. Go out and live life. Your dad would have wanted you to be out there, I bet.” I almost hung up on her. I know she meant well, but I was so upset by that. My own reaction […]
How to Release Regret
October 7, 2009
I was talking with a man recently who’d been caring for his dying father. “I left him to take care of some personal business,” he said. “I knew I shouldn’t have gone because something inside told me not to go. But I didn’t listen. My father died while I was gone.” Regret. The word originates from Old French, regreter, ‘bewail (the dead),’ feel sad, repentant, or disappointed over something that has happened or been done, esp. a loss or missed opportunity. “If only I’d been a better sister, brother, wife, husband, mother, father, daughter, son, or friend. . .” “If […]
Poem: Grief in Slow Motion
October 2, 2009
Grief in Slow Motion The heart is a fragile vessel Navigating the sea of emotions Every day and every night Grief in slow motion. Drowning in our tears Surrendering to the pain And, our loss of hope We all feel the same. One day we feel happy The next day mad There are many days we don’t feel And days we’re sad. Praying for our shining light A sense of normal Grief in slow motion A journey for life. Deborah Ann Tornillo Author “36 Days Apart” Copyright© 2009 http://www.authorsden.com/dtornillo
Journal Your Journey Through Grief
October 2, 2009
The ceremony is over. The burial is complete. The concerns and dinners offered by others are less frequent now. The same old struggle greets each new day: how do you cope with loss while facing the reality that your life must move forward and return to “normal”? It’s at this time that most people will stay close to family and friends who will provide comfort and support. Some individuals will take proactive measures to relax the mind and body in an effort to manage their grief. But only a few will think about a simple, practical, inexpensive, every day function […]
Poem: The Eagle
October 1, 2009
The Eagle Peace in the midst Of the storm Lay aside, worries Discouragements Stretch my wings Rise above And, soar. Here it comes again Stretch my wings Catch the wind And, rise above it Cast my fears Remain at rest Stay in Peace. Fight through it Struggle And, strain Come out weary Worn And beat up Or rise above it. Stretch my wings Rise above it Cast my cares Ride the wind Do my best Enter into God’s rest. Deborah Ann Tornillo Copyright© 2009 http://www.authorsden.com/dtornillo
The Hidden Wounds of Bereavement
September 30, 2009
On a typical workday in mid-afternoon, Sandy slipped quietly from the conference room meeting. With a rapid tap, tap, tap, her heels echoed along the corridor. Purse in hand, she checked her watch, then shook her head. The meeting had taken longer than expected, and she was running late for her doctor appointment. The elevator arrived promptly and before long, she was out the front door. Lately, she had been plagued with migraines. The throbbing pain had become such a constant companion, she hardly remembered a time before it existed. She signaled a cab by raising her arm and was […]
