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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Husband’s Death Surprises Wife with its Power
November 26, 2009
I expected to have this “grieving thing” wrapped up within a year. The way I saw it, I was 47 and probably had less years ahead of me than behind. I was willing to grieve (like I had a choice…), but I was counting on a sort of a statute of limitations, a timeline of grief that had a very distinct end point, after which I would feel free and wonderful and excited about my future. I knew women who were still grieving two, three, and four years after their husband died. To be honest, I saw them as rather […]
Easing Your Loss During the Holiday Season
November 24, 2009
Sometimes loss is so devastating it sends you into a seemingly never-ending downward spiral. Do you often find yourself descending into darkness rather than looking for the positive ray of sunshine present in every situation? Try to remember that every event in life is neutral. It is neither good nor bad, positive nor negative, happy nor sad. It is you, and your response, which gives meaning to the event. I do not mean to minimize the death of a spouse, or any loss for that matter. However, you can look at the “event” as the most horrible thing that happened […]
Creating New Thanksgiving Traditions as Widows
November 24, 2009
Each family’s holiday traditions are precious and, one hopes, the children and grandchildren will remember and continue them. But as we move on, and our lives change dramatically, our traditions must change too. And, as single people, we can strive and thrive through holiday seasons by bringing cheer to others. For example, we always had Thanksgiving dinner at home, but when our children married, they began going to their in-laws’ celebrations and we started holding our celebration a day or so after the holiday. This year, I’m joining our daughter at her in-laws’ Thanksgiving Day dinner, and we’re celebrating again in my home two […]
Bonnie Carroll: Holiday Grief, Loss, Hope Healing
November 23, 2009
Bonnie Carroll founded TAPS, Tragedy Assistance Program, after her husband died in the military. Here she shares what to do around the holidays. Learn more about Bonnie https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/2010/10/Bonnie-Carroll.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Ten Best Ways to Get Through Holidays After Your Spouse Has Died
November 19, 2009
Dreading the upcoming holidays? If you’ve recently lost your spouse, the coming festivities can feel as unwelcome as Marley’s Ghost. Here are some tried and true strategies for facing the holiday season: 1) Think ahead and try to anticipate how you’ll feel on each holiday. 2) Even if you don’t join in the festivities, don’t remain alone all day. Spend some time with a friend. 3) Considering your loss, don’t expect yourself to be as upbeat as usual. Expect some sadness as you take part in the festivities. 4) To lessen the chance of emotional “sneak attacks,” make some time […]
Suicide Survivorship: How To Resolve Your Guilt
October 27, 2009
No one can know the depth of despair to which a person may sink upon contemplation of suicide. Possibly, the black hole in which one finds him/herself gets deeper and darker as the days go by. Soon, even the smallest sliver of light is blocked from view. And then — instead of being frightening — the darkness becomes comforting and safe. It cradles and protects the person from all outside forces – from life and all the decisions to be made, both large and small. Eternal sleep and “supposed” freedom from worry beckon the suicide until he/she can no longer […]
Moving to the Middle of the Bed
October 23, 2009
Last night, I slept in the middle of our king-size bed. It took me two years to do that. For 55 years, I shared that bed with my husband. He never walked on water. Sometimes we broke that cardinal rule and went to sleep angry. But far more often, we embraced that bed, and each other, with tremendous joy, grateful we found mates that showed love, kindness, consideration, and selflessness on an almost daily basis. How unusual is that? So often people reach out their hand when they hear I’m a widow and say, “I’m so sorry for your loss.” […]
Lyn Prashant: Grieving the Loss of a Spouse
October 22, 2009
Lyn teaches about de-griefing and using a holistic approach to healing grief related pain. To Learn More About Lyn https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/2010/11/Lynn-Prashant-102209.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Paul Bennett; Grieving the Loss of a Spouse
October 22, 2009
Paul is the author of Loving Grief, it is a journey written of loss and spiritual growth. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/2010/11/Paul-Bennett-102209.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
