Ancient wisdom and modern science both encourage us to be expressive when we are grieving.
MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) research reveals that the brain’s blood flow changes with emotional stress. Blood flows away from the left …

No, I did not see Toy Story 3; but, recently, my wife and two daughters did. When my wife came home, she shared with me the premise of the story. As she told it to …

Every mourner has a story to share. You may share your story with family members, close friends, and community groups. But you need to share it without upsetting listeners so much they turn you off. …

I have a suggestion for all bereaved parents to call up positive memories of your child.
First you need to find a quiet place in your home with no distractions, sit in a comfortable chair and …

Shana Feste wrote and directed a new movie to be released on April 2nd  titled THE GREATEST, starring Pierce Brosnan, Susan Sarandon and Carey Mulligan.  The story focuses on a family who loses their son …

Ed Gray of Howell, Michigan, is reaching out to others by sharing his story, a bereavement story of both sadness and triumph.  He lost his parents and his wife in just over one year’s time.  His …

Oh……. we’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful wizard of Oz …Those words and melody always bring to mind one of my favorite movies. Maybe it was gathering around the television with mismatched Tupperware …

I know of two books published in 2002 that dealt with the death a child in a young family’s life. In the stories, the children are different in ages and gender, the cause of death …

Oprah has one of the top shows on television, but I rarely have time to see it.  Last week, however, I watched part of Oprah’s interview with Rosie O’Donnell.  For decades, Rosie had been portraying …

Ellen Gerst, contributing writer to Open to Hope, has been named editor of two volumes of the book series Thin Threads® Stories.  Gerst is currently seeking submissions from writers.
Thin Threads® Stories embraces the best of …

Last month, my husband and I went to a holiday party. We enjoyed the food, piano music, and visiting with friends. As we prepared to leave, a friend asked what I was doing these days. …

This is the second in a 3-part series about how to speak about one’s grief.
Listeners are alert to cues that you aren’t going to be a huge burden to them. Here’s how you can send …

On January 11, 2003, I visited my dad who was recuperating from pneumonia in a care center. That night, as always, we talked about the old days, something we loved to do. Sometimes the topic …

I have been in and out of jail for well over a year.
I’m not there because I’ve broken a law or violated probation. I visit the barb wired facility to bring hope into a very …

I still have a powerful relationship with my daughter Jeannine six-and-one-half years after her death. I believe that my relationship with her extends to other people in my life.
I have been an adjunct professor at …

I think I have the greatest job in the world.
I get to sit across from people—people lost in profound, life-altering pain—and listen carefully to every word they say as they share their stories of life, …