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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For the kids…
June 8, 2009
Yesterday I attended a charity function for a wonderful charity here in the Metro Detroit area benefitting children who have lost a parent. Yatooma’s Foundation for the kids provides financial assistance, groceries, counseling, coaching to family members, and just about anything else to children in need after a parent has died. Their annual Champions for the Kids event was held at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham and it was the first time I had ever been to an event like this. It was first class all the way and through live and silent auction items over $171,000 was raised for […]
‘Don’t Leave Me Here Without You’ – Why Caring For a Spouse is So Difficult
June 6, 2009
By Carol O’Dell — For many of us, caregiving for a spouse is in our future. We like to not think about it, or at least imagine that it’s a long, long time from now. For many, it’s a daily reality. According to the Family Caregiving Alliance, there is a much higher likelihood of receiving care from a spouse than from an adult child. Nearly one-quarter (22%) of caregivers who are themselves 65+ are caring for a spouse. (Personally, I think it’s higher than that). And it’s not all the women who are doing the caregiving. I know lots of […]
Katherine Stengel: Widowhood, Dealing With Loss And Survival
June 4, 2009
Katherine Stengel talks about the loss of her husband at 36. She has gone on to write and help others. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/2010/10/Kim-Stengel-060409.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Will I Ever Find Me Again? — New Roles After the Death of a Spouse
May 30, 2009
In response to “From a Plea for Help,” Julie Z. wrote: My husband died about 1.5 years ago, I continue to cry daily. He was everything to me. I am so tired of being so alone. I miss him so very much. Why did someone so wonderful need to go? I pray so very much, that the wonderful memories we made together will make me smile, not cry. I miss everything about him. I miss him, the wonderful marriage we shared and I miss, who I was when I was with him. He completed me. Will I ever find me […]
Mother’s Power Limited in the Face of Death
May 27, 2009
By Michele Neff Hernandez — Motherhood brings out the lioness in me. No task is too small or sacrifice too great to ensure the well being of my three children. In my mind’s eye, I can see myself jumping in front of an on-coming train to save their lives; feeding them first from my last ration of bread; offering myself as a meal for the hungry bear that is chasing them. In every one of these imaginings I manage to save the day. In the normal course of life, moms feed, bathe, clothe, soothe, encourage, celebrate, hold, hug, and protect […]
10 Dating Tips for Widows and Widowers
May 17, 2009
By Abel Keogh — Dating again after the death of a spouse can be an awkward experience. It can bring out feelings of guilt and betrayal for the person dating again. It can also bring out feelings of confusion and concern from friends, family, and those who were close to the deceased spouse. If you’ve lost a spouse and are looking to date again, here are 10 tips to make sure you’re able to successfully navigate the dating waters. 1. When you decide to date again is up to you There’s no specific time period that one should wait before […]
Kim McLean: The Healing Power of Music
May 14, 2009
Kim McLean shares her music. She has inspired many people and has helped them to heal. https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/audio.opentohope.com/2010/10/Kim-McLean-051409.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Should I Dump the Widower I’m Dating?
May 13, 2009
Julie asks: I recently began dating a widower who told me his wife died a year ago. I’ve just learned she actually died 4 months ago. I like this man very much and we enjoy each other’s company. I don’t know details of how long she was ill, but he did say some of his kids (adults now) don’t approve of his dating. Should I stop dating this recent widower for not telling the truth or simply because it’s too soon, or both? Abel Keogh, author of Room for Two, responds: To paraphrase an old saying: If you see one […]
Six Questions To Prepare You For, “How Are You Doing?”
May 11, 2009
By Sharon Greenlee — It’s been over six months since my husband died and people still ask the question: “How are you doing?” If you’ve lost a loved one, you’re familiar with that phrase. I wonder how you’ve responded? Do you really tell them, or do you offer a polite cliche? I found myself practicing various responses so as to not be caught off guard and either melt into a pile of tears or sound stoic and cold in my efforts to stay together. As a counselor in private practice I have worked with many grieving clients and I have […]
