Author Archives: Jeanette Summers (Blog Writer, SevenPonds)

My Nephew Died of a Fatal Drug Overdose

My brother's only son lost his life to heroin at the age of 19

This is Sophie’s story as told by Jeanette Summers. Our “Opening Our Hearts” stories are based on people’s real-life experiences. By sharing these experiences publicly, we hope to help our readers feel less alone in their grief and, ultimately, to … Continue reading

Posted in Opening our Hearts | 2 Comments

My Parents’ Recent Divorce Fractured All of Our Lives

A young woman tells how the end of her parents' marriage tore their family apart

This is Grace’s story as told to Jeanette Summers. Our “Opening Our Hearts” stories are based on people’s real-life experiences. By sharing these experiences publicly, we hope to help our readers feel less alone in their grief and, ultimately, to … Continue reading

Posted in Opening our Hearts | Leave a comment

My Disenfranchised Grief When I Discovered My Husband Is Gay

The searing truth of unknowingly being in a small, private room

This is Suzette’s story as told to Jeanette Summers — the story of her disenfranchised grief over discovering her husband Peter’s homosexuality. Our “Opening Our Hearts” stories are based on people’s real-life experiences. By sharing these experiences publicly, we hope … Continue reading

Posted in Opening our Hearts | 11 Comments

My Spiritual Teacher Died by Suicide

Wracked with pain and fearing the loss of the independence he treasured, William took his own life

This is Michelle’s story as told to Jeanette Summers. Our “Opening Our Hearts” stories are based on people’s real-life experiences. By sharing these experiences publicly, we hope to help our readers feel less alone in their grief and, ultimately, to … Continue reading

Posted in Opening our Hearts | Leave a comment

My Brother’s Unexpected Death from Necrotizing Fasciitis

Grief led my brother to neglect himself to the point that a terrible infection took his life

This is Tammy’s story as told to Jeanette Summers. Our “Opening Our Hearts” stories are based on people’s real-life experiences. By sharing these experiences publicly, we hope to help our readers feel less alone in their grief and, ultimately, aid … Continue reading

Posted in Opening our Hearts | Leave a comment

I Had to See My Mother Dead at the Crematorium and No, It Wasn’t Macabre

Seeing her — and, later, her bones in the retort — was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life

This is Suzette’s story as told by Jeanette Summers. Our “Opening Our Hearts” stories are based on people’s real-life experiences. By sharing these experiences publicly, we hope to help our readers feel less alone in their grief and ultimately aid … Continue reading

Posted in Opening our Hearts | 10 Comments