Open to Hope Articles

Articles Home

5 Truths About Grief That Will Make The Process Easier To Manage

Posted on May 4, 2020 - by Nat Juchems

Dealing with loss is an unimaginable process, something that, unfortunately, you have to experience to understand. But, this isn’t to say that there is one universal grieving process. Grief is individual and therefore will affect each person in their own unique way. While we can conclude that loss is an inevitable part of life, nothing can prepare you for the reality of losing a loved one. There are many books and movies that deal with grief that may provide you with some insight into loss, but you can never be ready for this experience. Although grief may feel like an […]

COVID-19 Reminiscences: Two Lost Sisters

Posted on May 4, 2020 - by Judy Lipson

We have been sheltered in place for over a month with an abundance of time to think. Not always a prescription for those of us who have lost loved ones coupled with the repeated stories of daily multiple deaths. I have chosen to distance myself from the news and focus on being grateful that my family and now extended family are all safe and healthy. With time on our hands, although challenging, the best practice for me best is to produce a schedule into a non-scheduled existence, finding projects and activities to fill up the days which seem to be […]

Grief From Darkness to Light

Posted on May 4, 2020 - by Gloria Horsley

Grief impacts all of us in different ways. But, one of the best ways to visualize it is to see grief and the movement through grief to healing is going from darkness into light. With the dark, foreboding feeling that COVID-19 has caused everyone, including those already dealing with grief, it is important to talk about how we can deal with this sense of loss and be open to hope again. On our Facebook Live discussion today, Heidi and I were joined by Dr. Joanne Cacciatore, the founder of the MISS Foundation and the Selah Carefarm. She is a professor at Arizona […]

Handling Emotions During COVID-19

Posted on April 27, 2020 - by Gloria Horsley

Are you wondering what to say or how to respond to others during this stressful time? Sheltering in place for this extended amount of time can create some uncomfortable interactions for both those inside and outside of the home. Today’s Facebook Live included Dr. Jill Harrington who discussed techniques to decrease stress and moderate responses to difficult situations and conversations during COVID-19. Increased Stress Everyone has experienced more stress during COVID-19. If you are a parent, you are worried about ensuring the kids are entertained, healthy, and busy with their online school work all while you are trying to navigate […]

End of Life Issues During COVID-19

Posted on April 24, 2020 - by Gloria Horsley

Do you have a family member who has recently died? Due to visitation restrictions, sheltering in, and social distancing, bereaved families are experiencing isolation and loneliness. Barbara Karnes, RN, author, and educator, shared her thoughts on end of life care and self care during these stressful times as part of a recent podcast. Barbara’s experiences with hospice care can help provide a unique perspective on what’s happening during COVID-19. Hospice Care in the Age of COVID-19 Hospice care already comes with many obstacles, but COVID-19 has only added to those through the shelter-in-place mandate. Families are left with guilt, shame, […]

Caregiver Burnout During COVID-19

Posted on April 23, 2020 - by Gloria Horsley

Are you feeling worried, anxious, and exhausted? Who takes care of the caregiver? Social worker Rob Zucker, bereaved spouse and grief counselor, joined us for a discussion on our podcast about self-care during these stressful times. Rob is the author of The Journey Through Grief and Loss: Helping Yourself and Your Child When Grief is Shared. The Role of Caregiver This is a tough time for everyone, but it’s even harder for those that take on the role of caregiver. There is even more for them to do now to help keep their loved ones safe. In taking care of […]

Support For High-Risk Individuals During COVID-19

Posted on April 20, 2020 - by Gloria Horsley

The loss of a loved one is powerful and can lead many to struggle with how to cope. Add other issues to this equation, and today’s high-risk individuals may be having a tougher time handling the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. From survivors of suicide loss to those touched by death and loss in other ways, the need to shelter-in-place has made it more difficult to get much-needed support for everyone, including high-risk individuals. These high-risk individuals are those with a family history of addiction, suicide, and depression, which puts them at risk during this period of isolation. Navigating Tough Times Today, […]

Affirmations to Ease Your Grief

Posted on April 18, 2020 - by Harriet Hodgson

Here are 10 affirmations from my book, 101 Affirmations to Ease Your Grief Journey, available from Amazon. As I reconcile my losses, I give myself permission to say no to things I do not want to do. Sorrow gives new—and surprising—meaning to my life. When I think of sorrow, I think of it as a sacred experience and place. Down days don’t defeat me; they are an opportunity to feel better tomorrow. I have promises to keep to my deceased loved one, myself, and my life. Despite the pain, the one-year anniversary of my loved one’s death proves I am […]

The Awakening: A Widow-to-Be in Five Scenes

Posted on April 16, 2020 - by Ginny Grulke

SCENE I I awoke with a start; I had been buried in a dream, but a sound reached in and pulled me out abruptly. Was it a thump? Raising up on my elbows, I glanced at the clock. 2:34 AM. Very dark outside, a cloudy night with no moon. The blue glow of the digital clock gave the room an eerie tint. It is not unusual to hear noises in the night when you live in the country. Wind knocking over trash cans, tree branches falling on a roof, a, raccoon upsetting a planter. Occasionally a horse kicking the side […]

How Severe Grief Affects Marriage, and Ways to Recover

Posted on April 16, 2020 - by Ralph Macey

“What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.” — Helen Keller Facing the death of a dear one is too difficult to believe and the pain is unbearable to any person. The effect of grief will be devastating if one of your beloved friends or family members has passed away. No matter how much time you spend to forget this shock, their death is difficult to deal with. Many experts say that grief is a part of life. But it can be said also that it is […]