Open to Hope ® is a non-profit with the mission of helping people find hope after loss. We invite you to read, listen and share your stories of hope and compassion.
Who write for Open to Hope! Whether you're a grief professional or a person who has gone through a major loss, you can help others through writing.
Learn MoreWe have helped over 2,000,000 people in 26 countries find hope after the death of a loved one.
SubscribeWhat does it take to heal from a sudden and traumatic loss? Join Dr. Heidi Horsley and her guest Vanessa Francis to hear the answer to this question. Vanessa lost her husband Rick to suicide, she found meaning in the tragedy by volunteering with Heartache2Hope, an organization that provides support to suicide grievers. Vanessa volunteers with Soaring Spirits Canada for their camp widow program where she co-leads the suicide support circle. Visit Vanessa Francis at: vanessafrancis.com
Read MoreAre you struggling with what to say or do after the loss of a loved one to substance related causes? Join Dr’s Gloria and Heidi Horsley and their guest Leslie Lagos, bereaved sibling and Director of The Sun Will Rise (TSWR) a non-profit bereavement support organization founded by bereaved parent, Robyn Houston-Bean. She also co-facilitates TSWR’s Peer Grief Support Group for People in Recovery, SADOD. Visit Leslie Lagos at: www.thesunwillrise.org https://media.blubrry.com/open_to_hope_1/www.opentohope.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/Leslie-Lagos-Grieving-a-Death-Due-to-Substance-Related-Causes.mp3Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
Read MoreOn Grieving the Death of One’s First Love Question from Barbara: Is it normal to grieve over someone you have not seen in 30 years? Recently, a guy who was my first boyfriend when I was 15 was murdered. He was 47. I have not seen him since we were 15. I did not expect to feel so much loss. I do not remember how or why we stopped seeing each other, or how long our relationship lasted. I only have 4 or 5 memories. I don’t understand why I feel such a deep loss. He was a great guy then, […]
Read MoreWhen your child dies, the holidays quickly lose their luster. The entire spectrum of lights is muted to a dull gray, while the endless barrage of seasonal music only brings out the blues. When you combine that with freezing temperatures and the whirlwind of activities, it can lead to treacherous living conditions. Additionally, a string of silent nights bring neither comfort nor joy. I spend a tremendous amount of time and effort during the holidays trying to block out the past and ignore the present. Why? Because all the great memories reiterate how much I have lost. But without them, […]
Read MoreBecome a part of our healing community and find out what’s happening at Open to Hope.