Category Archives: Opening our Hearts

A Tragedy in Two Parts: Grief and Its Grim Aftermath

The loss of a spouse and the breakdown afterward
Posted on January 26, 2022 by Melissa Gouty

This is Bill’s story as told to Melissa Gouty. 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 →

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“Beeing” on the Brink of Death – and How It Changed Me

The trauma, terror, and triumph of recovering after a near-death experience
Posted on November 7, 2021 by Melissa Gouty

This is Rebecca’s story as told to Melissa Gouty. 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 →

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Comfort After Tragedy: A Love Legacy From a Friend

Learning how to live better after loss
Posted on September 10, 2021 by Melissa Gouty

This is Jeri’s story as told to Melissa Gouty. 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 →

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Watching Gladys Disappear –The Pain of Ambiguous Loss

Watching my friend of 30 years disappear into the fog of Alzheimer's disease is like no pain I've even known
Posted on July 11, 2021 by Melissa Gouty

This is Melissa’s story as told by her. 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 aid … Continue reading →

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“All Who Wander…” The Story of a Traveler Who Lived and Died on His Own Terms

"Uncle John" lived by his own rules. I think he wanted to die that way too.
Posted on April 18, 2021 by Kathleen Clohessy Editor-in Chief/SevenPonds

This is Kam’s story as told to Melissa Gouty. 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 aid … Continue reading →

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My Mom Died of Alcoholism, Denial and Despair

Too ashamed to ask for help when her marriage fell apart, she self-medicated with alcohol until cirrhosis took her life
Posted on March 14, 2021 by Kathleen Clohessy Editor-in Chief/SevenPonds

This is Kathleen’s story as told by her. 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 aid … Continue reading →

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