Holidays

Our Christmas Décor Became a Metaphor for My Grief

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What is the protocol for embroidering a Christmas story that stops abruptly in the second chapter?

Tips For Getting Through the Holidays When You’re Totally Sad

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Maybe someday the season won’t feel like someone is taking a melon baller to my heart, but for now getting through it is about knowing what to avoid and what to embrace.

Rebecca Odes for Modern Loss

DNA and Middle C

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My son's resemblance to my father was always striking. But after my dad died, it took on new meaning.

Father's Day listicle

Random Acts of Dadness

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From rejecting perfectly good restaurant food to donating to worthy causes, I'm spending the first Father's Day after my dad's death trying to emulate his character.

Modern Loss Mother's Day gift swap

The Modern Loss Mother’s Day Gift Swap

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Missing someone special on the Hallmark holiday? Sign up to send a gift to (and receive one from!) someone else who is, too.

The Widow's Yoga Tribe_Modern Loss

A Widow and her Galentines

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After my husband died, I stumbled about looking for my tribe. Counterintuitive to my nature, I found it in yoga class.

In Defense of Magic

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The winter holiday rituals have soothed our grieving souls. So has our son's belief in Santa.

The Stoic’s Guide to the Holidays

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An emotional clam wishes he could take his own advice for enduring the festivities with loss.

I’m Done Hanging Stockings for Dead People

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For the past 7 years, holiday decorations reminded me only of who was missing. This year, I said ‘enough.’

Grief Is a Change Agent

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This Thanksgiving, don’t normalize your grief. Turn it into a catalyst.  

21 Things You Probably Don’t Know About My Dead Dad

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No. 9: If he loved you, he'd write you an insanely clever poem for every birthday, milestone or minor holiday.

20 Things You Probably Don’t Know About My Dead Dad

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He never met my children, but they will know him through the photos, scrapbooks and stories of those who knew and loved him best. Through me.

Modern Loss Fathers Day

A Father’s Day Sale for the Recently Deceased Dad

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I keep getting emails from Bed Bath & Beyond reminding me that “It’s Not Too Late To Find the Perfect Father’s Day Gift!” But in this case, it kind of is.

Why I’m Jealous of Grieving People

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Dad died when I was 6, and life went on seemingly undeterred. All these years later, I find myself envious of those who have the chance to mourn.

Modern Loss Going Home

Going Home

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After my dad's death, now it just feels like a house.

Love, Dad

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On my 8th fatherless Father's Day, my dad found a way to send me a handwritten message from the grave.

Yes, You Should Binge-Watch Netflix Alone on Mother’s Day

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Cut yourself a break on Mother's Day — with or without a dead partner.

I Hate That Mother’s Day Rips Me Apart with Sadness and Guilt

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I know it's cliché, but the holiday still knocks me off my axis.

My Ectopic Pregnancy Nearly Killed Me

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How my body betrayed me with an ectopic pregnancy.

Take a Breather

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And 4 other grief therapist-approved tips for surviving Christmas after a loss.

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