My young adult life was shaped by the soundtrack of the Sixties. I have a strong emotional bond to the soulful love songs and powerful protest songs. When I lost Camille, my wife and soulmate for over 40 years, I was devastated. Whenever I heard a love song like, ‘Just the Two of Us’, I would remember how strong our love was and relive the loss of my wife.

One of the most influential songs of the day was Roberta Flack’s ‘Business Goes on as Usual’. She tells how the world continues as if nothing has changed, ‘Except that my brother’s dead’. After the loss of a loved one, it is difficult to understand how the world can continue: all HOPE is lost.

I lost Camille in 2015 but found the organization H.O.P.E. later that year. I found a community of caring people who gave me the tools to understand my loss and provided the caring support to help me move through the grief.

I have HOPE to thank in great part for coming as far as I have because you have so freely shared your experiences which made me realize that the roller coaster of emotions I was feeling were to be expected—still don't like that word “normal." That was a real breakthrough for me that enabled me to have the confidence that I would get through this lifelong journey where there will still be sadness at times, but with it diminished in intensity. I can't ever see my love not being a part of me. Many of the things that upset me previously now bring back warm, comforting memories of that dear soul with whom I shared my life on this earth for so many years.

Thanks to HOPE, I was able to see my way through the darkest days of my life, during days when I was certain that I had fallen into insanity/schizophrenia/manic depression, after the death of My Beloved Wife, Elizabeth. Attending HOPE sessions was something that I had to do, was as necessary as breathing.

While HOPE was of supreme help to me, giving me perspective, making me realize that I was not the only person going through what I was going through, the time came for me to make my way on my own. I could do so because of the help I received, and so needed, during the year and a half that I attended HOPE sessions.

I am grateful and always will be for HOPE.

Helping Other People Evolve, to me, it’s been HOPE that there can be joy and happiness somewhere/sometime beyond my grief. I lost my husband, best friend, love of my life, father of my children, g’pa to my grandchildren, my rock, my biggest support, all on the same day. He was diagnosed with, a very rare neuro-degenerative disease, and died six weeks later. My world as I knew it ended. At the very first H.O.P.E. meeting, I felt connected. Everyone in the group had experienced what I did, including the leaders. When a member spoke, they were voicing my feelings; when I spoke, many members ‘nodded’ in agreement. There was never any judgment, just understanding, encouragement, and empathy. We have all been thrust into a life we didn’t want but were going to help each other ‘figure it out.’ The meetings have become a bright spot in my week, something I truly look forward to. I know that if I’m struggling, I will find help and support, and if I’m having a good week, I might be able to give a lift to someone else. None of us want to belong to this widowhood club, but since we’ve been thrown into it, I’m grateful that there is HOPE to help us!

When I lost my Stacy I was devastated. From a ten-month cancer diagnosis through surgery, chemo, radiation, a second surgery, he died. I lost not only my husband, but my best friend, teammate, confidant, supporter, you name it, he was a wonderful guy. This organized, in control person fell into the black hole of grief. I knew I needed help, big time! HOPE helped me climb out of that hole.

Knowing that you are not alone in your grief and that others are going through similar journeys is very comforting. The HOPE participants, compassionate group leaders and materials presented at each session helped me re-gain the me that I thought I had lost along with losing Stacy. HOPE helped me re-build my life as an active and loving member of my family, friends and community. I will always miss Stacy, he will always be in my heart, he helped me become the person I am today. I thank God for HOPE helping me find that person again.

At 32 years old my world was turned upside down. I woke up one morning and the love of my life was gone. He was my best friend, my future husband, my other half. I had just found out I was 5 weeks pregnant when I lost him suddenly in a car accident. I had a high-risk pregnancy and trying to grieve while also raising an 11-year-old felt impossible. I felt lost, heartbroken and alone. I was referred to HOPE, and it was life changing. After my first meeting, I felt like I finally belonged somewhere. I met others who could understand what I felt. The advice and support I’ve received has been amazing. I’m usually the youngest one in the group, but I’m always seen as an equal, I feel seen and heard and validated. It’s been over a year since my first meeting, and I have no intentions on leaving anytime soon. Every week I look forward to sharing and helping others and asking for guidance. I am so thankful for the friends I made and for HOPE.