Loss of a Family Member

After Loss of a sibling

Do you feel your loss is overlooked? Find inspiration in stories by others who have lost siblings.

Articles

  • Caring for Surviving Siblings

    Posted on May 2, 2025 - by Judy Lipson

    Caring for Surviving Siblings  A decade ago, I was fortunate to meet Heidi Horsley, a fellow surviving sibling and philanthropist. We bonded immediately. After years of being alone in my grief, I was grateful to connect with individuals who understand, are compassionate, speak the same language, and are members of the same club. Thanks to Heidi, who is executive director of Open to Hope, this year marks a decade of me contributing articles for this website. Writing became a vital tool in my grief journey. The process began with journaling, progressed to articles, and ultimately a memoir. I never dreamed […]

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  • How Many Siblings Do You Have?

    Posted on April 28, 2025 - by Judy Lipson

    How Many Siblings Do You Have? “How many siblings do you have?” It is a dreaded question asked of many a surviving sibling. When I’m asked, my heart thumps out of my chest. I sense the heat rising on my face and struggle to breathe. How do I answer? For me, the answer has changed over time. When asked, decades after I lost my sisters, I still experience the tremor in my body. Regardless of how ready I believe myself to be, the experience leaves me reeling when asked. After my younger sister Jane died in 1981, was I now […]

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    Honoring Sibling Loss

    Posted on March 24, 2025 - by Gloria Horsley

    Honoring Sibling Loss The discussion centers on the deep pain and continuing impact of losing a sibling. The conversation gathers heartfelt stories, personal reflections, and practical advice from those who have experienced such a loss. The dialogue touches on the challenges of grief, how sibling loss shapes personal identity, and ways to remember those who have passed. The speakers share how these losses have altered the course of their lives and offer inspiration for others dealing with similar emotions. Sharing Personal Journeys Several individuals recount their experiences with sibling loss. Among the speakers is a host who is a doctor, […]

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  • To Lose a Twin

    Posted on March 4, 2025 - by Linda Pountney

    To Lose a Twin I was taken captive by life and death at the age of twenty-one. My identical twin sister Paula and I faced life together for twenty-one years. We never imagined life without the other. As twins, we had an unspoken pact to care for one another. When she died suddenly in a small plane crash, I questioned who I was in the world without her. Could I even function in life without my twin? Our losses are as unique and personal as our love. All bereavement experiences are different. For me, grieving for my sister came many […]

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  • Managing Holiday Grief

    Posted on November 24, 2024 - by Sarah Kravits

    Managing Holiday Grief It was Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend, the first Thanksgiving without my brother, just months after a drunk driver had ended his life. I needed to get some shopping done and I found myself at a mall. The instant I stepped inside, I was enveloped in holiday atmosphere. Everything shone and glittered, music rang out, scents of pine and cinnamon candles mingled with the smell of perfumes being sprayed on shoppers in the department stores. Delight hung in the air. But I was feeling holiday grief. It felt like I had been punched in the stomach. I couldn’t […]

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  • Death of a Sister: ‘Part of My Soul Has Left Me’

    Posted on November 13, 2024 - by Evan Rieger

    Death of a Sister I walk to your grave alone, in the cold demise of Fall.  It seems so much colder here without the comfort of knowing that you will be here to protect me in this life as you have so well.  The sky is white and endless.  The sun has been cloaked by the cryptic fog.  The leafless trees sway back and forth with the algid wind.  The ground is damp and dreary.  The world never seemed to be such a strong representation of death before you left me here, all alone. Oh, my elder sister, why have […]

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  • Alone with the Memories: When Your Only Sibling Dies

    Posted on November 5, 2024 - by S. Dione Mitchell

    Halloween When I was 9 and my sister was 12, we made the bold decision to craft The Haunted House of All Ages in our 250-square-foot living room and the 10-x-3.5-foot hallway that ran down the center of our second floor flat. It would be just for our own enjoyment: for us to build, experience and deconstruct in the sweet solace of flat and of our sisterhood. And we were democratic about the whole affair: She would adorn the front room with all manner of Halloween horror for me to walk through, and I the hallway for her. So we […]

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  • Re-imagining Hope After Trauma

    Posted on October 6, 2024 - by Lori Grande

    Re-imagining Hope The silent voice of trauma lies idle in the body. Years of dormancy may be followed by its unexpected impact, often on the precipice of healing.  As I fought for justice in my brother’s unsolved homicide, I knew I was losing my life. Over nineteen years, that awareness never became clearer to me than the moment I learned I had breast cancer.  My fight for justice, which ushered in the decline of my health, also initiated a creative approach to rise above the unresolved and touch the edge of hope. Engaging with Stress Stress can be a positive […]

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  • Grief Can Surface Any Time

    Posted on August 24, 2024 - by Linda Pountney

    Grief Can Surface Any Time Denial of grief is common and misunderstood. Grief can wait in the wings for a time to surface, when you are better prepared to absorb its lessons. It can be triggered by other losses. Left undone, grief can wreak havoc with your ability to enjoy life and feel positive emotions. Grief has no time frame. It can be postponed, but never put away. My identical twin sister Paula Pountney died unexpectedly as her small plane crashed into the Atlantic Ocean one Thanksgiving night. We were 21 years old. With the same genes and a shared […]

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  • Loss of a Twin has Huge Impact

    Posted on August 23, 2024 - by Linda Pountney

    Loss of a Twin has Huge Impact The unthinkable can happen. One of your twins or triplets could vanish from your life. During a period of deep grief, how would you console each other and provide support for your surviving twin or triplet? By addressing this uncomfortable subject, a dual purpose will be served. There is a remarkable connection between twins and other multiples. The link that binds twins together from before birth is crucial to understanding what happens when the bond is broken. It sheds light on what constitutes a twinship. Mourning the loss of one’s twin can threaten […]

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  • How Does Twin Honor the Sister Who Died?

    Posted on August 19, 2024 - by Linda Pountney

    How Does Twin Honor the Sister Who Died? Gladys writes in: I just lost my twin sister three months ago to something we now know as Long QT syndrome. She was perfectly healthy and woke to check on her crying baby one morning and fell unconscious and never gained consciousness again. Our 30th birthday is this Sunday and I am wanting to do something special. Honestly, I wish that I could skip this birthday altogether. Do you have any ideas of how to honor her memory? Linda Pountney, vice president of Twinless Twins Support Group International, responds: Dear Gladys: Please […]

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Open to Hope Radio

Open to Hope TV

  • Episode 235: Navigating Loss

    Posted on December 20, 2024 - by admin

    Losses are complicated, how do we navigate them?  Join hosts Dr. Gloria Horsley and her daughter Dr. Heidi Horsley and their guests; Julie Ryan, Sarah Voleman and Dr. Korie Leigh to talk about navigating loss. Julie Ryan is a Medical Intuitive. She is the author of, Angelic Attendants: What Really Happens As We Transition From This Life Into The Next, and Angel Messages, picture books answering kids’ tough questions. Julie hosts the “Ask Julie Ryan” show which is heard by millions worldwide. Sarah Voleman is a board certified art therapist and a licensed social worker.  She is a faculty member […]

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  • Episode 234: Parenting After A Sibling Loss

    Posted on December 3, 2024 - by admin

    Does the death of a brother or sister impact the way bereaved siblings’ parent? Join Dr. Heidi Horsley and her guests; Keith Singer, Elizabeth Devita-Raeburn and Rebecca Horsley Bara to candidly discuss parenting after a sibling loss. Keith Singer facilitates workshops and monthly sibling meetings for The Compassionate Friends. Elizabeth is the author of The Empty Room: Understanding Sibling Loss and co-author of The Death of Cancer, which she co-wrote with her father, Dr. Vincent Devita. Rebecca Horsley Bara is the President of the Open to Hope Foundation, and serves as a trustee on The Compassionate Friends Foundation Board.

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  • Episode 233: Grief Release; Transforming Grief Through Creative Expression

    Posted on December 3, 2024 - by admin

    How do we transform our grief through creative expression? Join Host Dr. Heidi Horsley and her guests, Rebecca Horsley Bara, Jason Wendroff-Rawnicki, and Jordon Ferber to discuss creative ways to release grief. Rebecca Horsley Bara is the President of the Open to Hope Foundation, and serves as a trustee on The Compassionate Friends Foundation Board. Jason Wendroff-Rawnicki started Sibs Online, a bereaved sibling peer support group and is featured in the book, Faces of Grief. Jordon Ferber hosts the Where’s the Grief podcast. He facilitates a Compassionate Friends sibling support group, and runs The Russell Ferber Foundation with his family.

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  • Episode 232 : Suddenly Alone! Becoming An Only Child After A Sibling Death

    Posted on December 3, 2024 - by admin

    What happens when your only sibling dies and you are suddenly alone? Join Dr. Heidi Horsley and her sister and Co-Host Rebecca Horsley Bara to talk with their guests about becoming only children after a sibling loss. Joining them are Elizabeth Devita-Raeburn, Keith Singer, Jason Wendroff-Rawnicki, and Jordon Ferber. Elizabeth Devita-Raeburn’s brother Ted died of a rare autoimmune disease. The movie The Boy in the Bubble, starring John Travolta was based loosely on Ted’s life. Elizabeth is the author of The Empty Room: Understanding Sibling Loss. Keith Singer’s sister Laurie died in an automobile accident, Laurie was serving in the […]

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  • Episode 231: Faces of Grief

    Posted on November 6, 2024 - by admin

    Grief comes in many forms, and on this show we will talk about the groundbreaking book “Faces of Grief.” Join Dr. Heidi Horsley and Jason Wendroff-Rawnicki, to discuss Faces of Grief. Joining them are Bill Correll, Jan Jeremias, Carin Mikos, and Kate Mollison. Co-host Jason Wendroff-Rawnicki is a somatic therapist, who started SIBS online, a weekly peer support group. Bill Correll has a podcast called Lightening the Candle: A World the Works.” Jan Jeremias, is the best selling author of “Spoil Your Pet: A Practical Guide to Using Essential Oils in Dogs and Cats.” Carin Mikos is the creator of […]

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  • Episode 230: Turning Loss into Legacy

    Posted on November 6, 2024 - by admin

    How do we turn loss into Legacy? Join host Dr. Heidi Horsley and her co-host Alan Pedersen to talk about the creative ways that people have turned loss into legacy. Joining them are Kate Mollison, Jordon Ferber, Kelli Holst, and Jason Wendroff-Rawnicki. Co-host Alan Pedersen has presented programs for grieving families in over 1,600 cities, and is the former Executive Director of The Compassionate Friends. Kate Mollison, is the founder and CEO of “On Tuesdays We Wear Black.” Jordon Ferber, runs an online Compassionate Friends sibling goup, and is podcast host for Where’s the Grief. Kelli Holst, is the Founder […]

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  • Episode 229: Grief as a Teacher

    Posted on November 6, 2024 - by admin

    Is it possible to learn something from your grief? Join host Dr. Heidi Horsley and her co-host Alan Pedersen as they discuss how grief can be a teacher. Joining them are, Jason Wendroff-Rawnicki, Carin Mikos, Jan Jeremias, Bill Correll, Jordon Ferber, and Kelli Holst. Co-host Alan Pedersen has presented programs for grieving families in over 1,600 cities and is the former Executive Director for The Compassionate Friends. Jason Wendroff-Rawnicki, is a somatic therapist, who started SIBS online, a weekly peer to peer support group. Carin Mikos, is the creator of Quietus House, and podcast host for In the Gap. Jan […]

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  • Episode 228: Finding Hope in the Face of Grief

    Posted on September 27, 2024 - by admin

    Is it possible to find hope again after loss? Join Host Dr. Heidi Horsley and her guests Kelly Cervantes, Tysha Scott and Anne Smith, as they talk about their struggle to find hope in the face of grief. Kelly Cervantes daughter died just before her 4th birthday of epilepsy. She wrote the USA Today best-selling book; Normal/Broken: The Grief Companion For When It’s Time To Heal, But You’re Not Sure You Want To. Kelly has been featured on MSNBC, The NY Times, and CNN. She has been published in the Chicago Tribune, Cosmopolitan, and Fortune. Tysha Scott is the owner […]

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  • Episode 227: Grief and The Preservation of Self

    Posted on September 27, 2024 - by admin

    How do we take care of ourselves when we are so busy taking care of others after a loss? Join Host Dr. Heidi Horsley and her guests Tysha Scott and Anne Smith as they discuss the importance of the preservation of self. Tysha Scott is the owner and management consultant of TS Management Consulting and is the Executive Board Member of Classic Stage Company. Tysha has been a theater teacher for middle school, high school, and college. She was married to Phillip Randall Scott for 30 yrs. until his untimely death. Anne Smith is one of nine children, and her […]

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  • Episode 225: Turning Grief Into Growth

    Posted on September 12, 2024 - by admin

    Early on in grief, it’s often impossible to believe that there will ever be any growth. Join host Dr. Gloria Horsley and her daughter and co-host Dr. Heidi Horsley, along with their guests, Maria Georgapoulos, Elizabeth Devita-Raeburn, Dr. Frank Powers, and Jordon Ferber to discuss how their grief has changed and transformed over the years. Maria Georgapoulos is a licensed mental health counselor, and founder of Roulas Kids, a place for grieving children and their families. Elizabeth Devita-Raeburn is a journalist, and blogger, and the author of, “The Empty Room, Understanding Sibling Loss,” and “The Death of Cancer.” Dr. Frank […]

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  • Episode 224: Healing Guilt, Anger, and Regret After A Loss

    Posted on September 12, 2024 - by admin

    Dealing with guilt, anger, and regret after loss is often difficult. Join host Dr. Gloria Horsley, and her daughter and co-host Dr. Heidi Horsley, along with their guests Jordon Ferber, Dr. Frank Powers, and Maria Georgapoulos for a candid conversation about this topic. Jordon Ferber is a comedian, host of “Where’s the Grief” podcast, and co-founder of the Russel Ferber Foundation. Dr. Frank Powers a licensed psychologist, has been in private practice for over 40 years, and is the author of “Finding Love After Loss.” Maria Georgapoulos is a licensed mental health counselor, and founder of Roulas Kids, a place […]

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  • Episode 223: Understanding and Supporting Bereaved Children

    Posted on September 11, 2024 - by admin

    How do we not only understand bereaved children, but support them after a loss? Join host Dr. Gloria Horsley, and her co-host and daughter Dr. Heidi Horsley , along with their guests Dr. Frank Powers, Maria Georgapoulos, and Elizabeth Devita-Raeburn and learn techniques for helping children. Dr. Frank Powers a licensed psychologist, has been in private practice for over 40 years, and is the author of “Finding Love After Loss.” Maria Georgapoulos, is a licensed mental health counselor, and founder of Roulas Kids, a place for grieving children and their families. Elizabeth Devita-Raeburn is a journalist, and blogger, and the […]

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