A few weeks ago, it was my father’s birthday.  Although he died 38 years ago, his memory is always in my heart. And it is in these days — anniversaries, birthdays, Father’s Day – that his …

The dogs were barking strangely one early morning in July of 1970; I was 15 years old. I knew someone had probably driven up our driveway and was taking their time to come to the …

My father was an immigrant who came to the United States when he was 15 years old. As he did not speak a word of English, he joined the kindergarteners in learning the language. Each …

Father’s Day in 2007 was one of the real highlights of the relationship I had with my dad.  Mom had died in May, 2007. Dad was wearing out (he was 94), but hung on until …

Open to Hope author Eric Hipple is featured on the U.S. Army’s official blog. Hipple is co-author, with OTH founders Heidi and Gloria Horsley, of  Real Men Do Cry:  A Quarterback’s Inspiring Story of Tackling Depression and …

Around Memorial Day, many people go to the cemetery to spruce up their loved ones’ graves. They want visitors to see that they are nicely cared for. I don’t  have to do that because I know I …

While sorting through boxes and bags, it is not unusual for me to find something unexpected. It happened just the other day. Shifting through a box, I came across a wrinkled, somewhat yellowed piece of …

January 22, 1979 – October 1, 2000.  As bereaved parents we look at those dates often because they represent our child.  Thinking about this Mother’s Day, I recognize how the meaning of those dates has changed …

When I was born
God gave me
The greatest gift of all
He gave me – my mother.
My mother’s love was
Unconditional.
Her love was
Sacrificial, but infinite.
Everyday I’m grateful
To my Lord
For his precious gift
A mother’s love.
Through her I learned
Faith, Hope …

Mother’s Day had been one of the most dreaded days of my life for a long time – until I learned that guilt can be overcome and forgiveness can take place after the death of …

I’ve always been adept at “compartmentalization” or, as it’s less euphemistically known, DENIAL.
I’ve read some wonderful books about the grieving process and its non-linear stages, most notably Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler’s On Grief and Grieving.  …

Mother’s Day is on its way. You can’t miss it. There are advertisements on TV.  Stores have big ads placed everywhere. The Mother’s Day sales are here. Reminders are everywhere.
It can be one of the most …

Every year on the morning of Mother’s Day, I cry.
On this special day, I’m greeted with a huge dimpled smile from our daughter Dempsey, who sneaks into our room, usually with a present she has …

As Mother’s Day approaches, we find ourselves thinking about the relationship that started it all, and about our need to honor the woman who helped to make the world a better place. Indeed, perhaps the …

Mother’s Day has to be one of the worst days of the year if you have already lost, or are in the midst of losing, your mom.
Wherever you go, there are reminders that your mom …

With Mother’s Day quickly approaching (in the U.S.), my thoughts become more focused on my son, Connor, and all children who have died too soon.  Of course, Conner is always on my mind, but during this …