Articles by Saira Rao

Writing the Story My Mother Never Got to Tell

By Samuel G. Freedman

Long after her death, I used the tools of journalism to reckon with memory, regret, and love.

Read more

Springing Into Grief

By Kristen Forbes

How to appreciate those gerberas when someone you love may actually be pushing them up

Read more

Two Minus One

By Sarah Kravits

I always defined myself as an older sister to a younger brother. But after his sudden death in our 40s, I’m struggling to identify as an only child.

Read more

7 Ways To Accommodate Little Kids at a Funeral

By Megan Carmichael and Rebecca Soffer

Having my kids at my mom’s funeral was the right thing for our family. Here’s what helped.

Read more

‘Everything Happens for a Reason’ Is Not a Thing

By Gabrielle Birkner

And other lessons therapist Lori Gottlieb, the author of ‘Maybe You Should Talk To Someone,’ learned from her patients who are grieving — and those who are dying.

Read more

My Landlord Died From Cancer While We Sheltered In Place Together

By Faith Holloway

What it felt like to watch her slow, surreal demise during a slow, surreal moment in the world.

Read more

How to Brush Your Teeth While Grieving in a Pandemic

By Mel Zee

I’m an ex-addict grieving my partner’s sudden death. Thanks to COVID-19 isolation, all my comfort must come from within.

Read more

Grief Is My Neurodivergence

By Elizabeth Kopple

I had trouble relating to my son’s ADHD – until my muddled mind schooled me after his sudden death.

Read more

Chemo Stole My Dad’s Hearing. Then, My Daughter Heard Her First Sound.

By Evan Wolkenstein

Our family’s circular journey through cochlear implants, loss, and good vibrations.

Read more

My Boyfriend Died — and There’s No Word for My Loss

By Rachel Bartkowiak

He was the man I had hoped to marry, but others see our relationship in more ambiguous terms.

Read more