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 …

Welcome to the Pet Loss Blog!

People think women by nature are nurturers. Not so.

This isn’t a new phenomena born out of the 60s, and I’ve met many men who are the primary caregivers for their moms or dads–and certainly their …

If there’s one thing we could all use a little more of, it’s mercy.

Caregivers are notoriously hard on themselves. I know, I was my own worst judge.

Caregiving isn’t easy. It’s relentless, and you …

By Bob Baugher, Ph.D. –
We know that guilt is a part of the human condition; and it is certainly part of most people’s bereavement process. If you experienced survivor guilt when your brother or sister …

By Carol O’Dell
I think I’m depressed.
Have you had this thought but couldn’t say it out loud? Caregiver depression doesn’t always look like depression. That means it can go undiagnosed for a very long time.
Caregivers who …

By David Harrity
W.J.H., Sr., b. January 31, 1924, d. May 1, 2000
I was old enough to remember your hands
waking me-the stars just beginning
to move west. But I was too young to understand.
The moon found its …

I USED TO LIVE IN MAY
I used to live in May
brilliance,warmth and
laughter filled my days
I used to live in May
Then you died and went away
Now darkness,cold,and crying fill my days
I used to live in May
Come back,Come back I say .
For when you were here
I used to live in May.
written by Louise Lagerman

By? Trignano
This past week has been filled with stories about the life Tim Russert lived. How he lived life to the fullest. I am saddened at his passing; saddened at losing such a remarkable person and journalist. As I listen to the many stories, I am reminded again of the lessons death teaches us.? Although [...]

by Amiee Kate Helms
A few of your possessions left to hold,
But the treasures true,
They lie down deep?
Deep within my heart and soul?.
Deep inside of Me?..
I see your face and you smile at me,
You tease to make me laugh?
I hear your songs? And your music
resonates among my soul?
While your words, ?I love you, Mom?
Echo? in every [...]

By oAnne Funch
There is no simple way through the grieving process, I know because I’ve been there.
In 2005 I lost my Mom and husband within a month of each other and later that same year an uncle. I have lost relatives to death before, but this was different. This was the first parent I’ve lost [...]

By? J. Finnis
Divorce, redundancy, changing job, moving home etc are usually cited among the major causes of stress, but surely the most stressful thing we experience is bereavement. Our relationships with others are what really define our identity and place in the world, and when we realize that one who’s been close will no longer [...]

?As you may have heard on “Healing the Grieving Heart,”?a research survey on grief and loss has been approved by the psychology department at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and is ready for participants.? If you have lost a loved one and are over eighteen years old, we invite you to participate in a brief [...]

Remember Loved Ones Forever
Create a Memorial Photo Guest Book
?Fill the Memorial Album with Cherished Photos
The memorial album is filled with photos that tell a lasting story about the lost loved one.
Have Friends and Family Share Their Memories
Have the album on hand or send it to friends and family members to view the photos and share [...]

?As you may have heard on “Healing the Grieving Heart,”?a research survey on grief and loss has been approved by the psychology department at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and is ready for participants.? If you have lost a loved one and are over eighteen years old, we invite you to participate in a brief [...]

No one knows the pain
That lies behind these smiling eyes
No one sees the tears that are
Buried deep within my heart.
?
Oh the lies I have told!
I am just fine I say.
When the truth is
I can hardly find my way.
?
While in my heart the pain
Grows and grows and grows
With the emptiness of loss
That no one really knows.
?
Over [...]