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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Grief Reminders: September, October, November
September 29, 2009
The first few days in the hospital I was told by my father’s doctor that he had experienced several more strokes. One of the strokes required 4-5 nurses to hold him down. He became very physical during these episodes and on this particular one he managed to break one of the nurse’s glasses. They had him in a room directly outside the nurses’ station where they could monitor him 24/7. There was also a nurse brought in from Hospice to sit vigilantly outside his bedroom door. He continued to make attempts at trying to get out of bed, but his […]
Grief: An Ongoing Journey to Rebirth
September 26, 2009
Grief: An Ongoing Journey I just want my joy back! It seems as if it were just yesterday when I spoke those words to my husband. He had just been diagnosed with Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma and I had just lost both of my parents to Alzheimer’s. Grief is an ongoing journey for me. There are good days and then there are horrible days. It is in my darkest of days that I find some comfort in my writing. It is through my writing that I’m finding my joy. Very recently I was approached with this question “What is reborn and […]
Poem: Reflections of my Soul
September 26, 2009
Reflections of my Soul Words in my heart Reflections of my soul Some are weak Then, many are bold. Grief is an emotion, a word That rapes the soul Leaving me lost And, out of control. Reflecting on God’s love And, my faith in him Mirrors my life With peace and joy. With my Lord’s help In the words I reflect Will bring me serenity And, my happiness. Deborah Ann Tornillo Author, “36 Days Apart” Copyright© 2009 http://www.authorsden.com/dtornillo
Poem: For All I Am
September 25, 2009
For All I Am They raised me with love And, never left my side Although I left them I’m still their child. They taught me life Love and compassion They taught me how to Find and live my passion. Every day that I live I’m an example of their pride There are days that I have failed But, more important I’ve tried. Mom and Dad have gone home To our Lord’s promise land Although their not here for me to see They will always be here holding me. Mom and Dad, thank you For all I am. Deborah Ann Tornillo […]
The Importance of Journaling
September 22, 2009
Writing has always been very therapeutic for me. I enjoy writing and especially enjoy writing poems. Writing allows me to express my fears, my sadness, my anger and yes, my happiness. Shortly, after my brother’s death I went in to a deep depression. I was blessed to have received therapy and apply what I had learned in ways that now benefit me. One of the best tools I learned was how to journal. Writing helps me express my feelings on paper and then later go back and read what I have written. When I feel angry – I will act […]
Poem: Daddy, I Miss You…
September 22, 2009
I see your eyes staring back at me as I look in the mirror each and every day. Daddy, I miss you. I hear your words of wisdom telling me keep smiling and always think positive. Daddy, I miss you. I feel your heart touching mine as I express my love to God and family. Daddy, I miss you. I feel your strength within my shoulders as I promise your son-in-law there will be a tomorrow. Daddy, I miss you. I feel your hands guiding mine as I express these words, my feelings, the best I can. Daddy, I miss […]
Books and Prayers
September 22, 2009
When I was taking care of my parents, whom were both diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I prayed daily for God’s guidance. Through prayer I knew that no matter how bad or how difficult things became God would carry me through it. I read many books on the subject of Alzheimer’s. I read many books on the subject of Caregiving and I read many books on the subject of Dying. I was convinced I was an expert on the subject matter of Alzheimer’s, Caregiving and Dying and no matter what obstacle I confronted I would be able to overcome it. The reality […]
Take Care of Yourself
September 21, 2009
As I reflect back on the past when I was taking care of my parents, whom were both diagnosed at the same time with Alzheimer’s, I often found that it was very easy due to the stress of caring for them to neglect my own needs. I encourage every caregiver to take time for yourself, to maintain your own health and to avoid becoming over-stressed and vulnerable to other problems. By taking care of yourself, you are also making sure that you will be able to continue caring for your loved one. Here are a few basic ways you can […]
Poems of Healing and Hope
September 21, 2009
Sometimes I forget how powerful poetry can be. Then I find a lovely book like Beloved On the Earth: 150 Poems of Grief and Gratitude, and resolve to read poems more often and share them with others. Brought together by editors Jim Perlman, Deborah Cooper and Mara Hart, this anthology includes work by poets you’ve heard of and ones you’ll be happy to discover. The book takes its title from a line in Raymond Carver’s poem, “Late Fragment.” I was pleased to find the book includes two poems by writers I know personally. The idea for Colorado poet Marj Hahne’s […]
