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
Now: Overcoming Crushing Grief By Living In The Present
October 28, 2010
Jack Cain’s book, Now: Overcoming Crushing Grief By Living In The Present, is available at Amazon.com.
Completeness Shattered by Complete Separation
October 28, 2010
Completeness. This is what I miss today. The feeling that you have all that you need and that all is well and safe. There were many moments that I remember feeling complete in our life together. From the early moments when we held each other to the final moments when we let each other go. What a gift feeling complete is. Contentment with all the peace that everything I needed was with me and around me. That gift of feeling complete is now a memory to me that makes my days and moments now less bearable. The incompleteness screams in […]
Healing Through Art: One With the Universe
October 28, 2010
It was the last painting. I didn’t see it until it was done. When Gary finally unveiled the long canvas, there were no words. I hoped the tears in my eyes communicated the beauty I saw in the piece. He named it One With the Universe. It was like his reconciliation with God…his embracing of everything in his life…the love, the creativity, the illness and whatever was to come. There was power and peace in the colors and the image. A quiet strength…the kind it would, I imagined, later take to hide from me the fact his cancer diagnosis was […]
Ellen Gerst: Finding Your Single Self
October 28, 2010
Ellen Gerst’s husband died suddenly leaving her a widow for the first time. Here she shares how she learned to cope with being a widow. Ellen is one of our authors at Open to Hope, to visit her bio. click here. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/2010/10/OTH_Ellen-Gerst_09_27_2010.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
In My Mother’s Kitchen: An Introduction to the Healing Power of Reminiscence
October 28, 2010
Robin Edgar’s book, In My Mother’s Kitchen: An Introduction to the Healing Power of Reminiscence, illustrates how to recall and record memories of your loved ones in order to develop rituals that celebrate the times you had with them. This inexpensive paperback is available at amazon.com.
Lost My Partner — What’ll I Do?
October 27, 2010
Laurie J. Spector and Ruth Spector Webster’s book, Lost My Partner — What’ll I Do?, is available at amazon.com.
Beware the Ghouls and Goblins That Prey on the Widowed
October 27, 2010
In the days and weeks following your spouse’s death, shock and exhaustion can leave you vulnerable to certain people who are difficult to avoid. Usually disguised as well-meaning family and friends, these creatures often unknowingly say or do upsetting things. Here are some tips for identifying them and protecting yourself: 1. Platitude Ghouls Spot them: Though well-intentioned, these creatures don’t think before spewing out insensitive remarks such as, “It’s all for the best”, “Aren’t you over it yet?”, “Don’t worry – you’ll find someone else” or “I went through exactly the same thing during my divorce.” Ward them off by: […]
Essence of Grieving
October 27, 2010
Ed Gray’s book, Essence of Grieving, is available at essenceofgrieving.com.
Are Thank You Notes Necessary After the Death of a Loved One?
October 16, 2010
I was brought up with a Southern mother who drummed into us the lesson that it doesn’t matter if someone gives you a diamond or a dandelion…thank you notes are a must. And for the most part, I completely agree. For whatever the gift or sentiment, the giver thought of you, took the time out of their day to give you something, and that action should be acknowledged. Even now, with my kids as young as they are, I have them write their own thank you notes. And I even have them write them to each other after a birthday […]
