My Loss

Will I Be All Right Again in 2021?

By

In 2019 my mom died. In 2020 we had a family suicide, a botched burial, and a catastrophic pandemic. Now, I’m looking ahead to 2021 — with (gasp!) hope.

Radio sound waves

The Power of Public Mourning

By

Listeners of the 'Death, Sex & Money' podcast were invited to hold space for their 2020 losses. Here's what happened.

‘Tis the Season for Hot Widower Movie Dads

By

Apparently, sad dads are sexy and sad moms are a burden. But who am I to complain? Here are my top four.

Modern Loss 2020 gift guide

A Gift Guide for Grievers (and Those Who Love Them)

By

From ego-boosting apparel to frame-worthy puzzles to an instant community, these gifts say ‘I know the holidays are rough, and I'm here for you.'

‘Don’t Forget This Happened’

By

A COVID-era plea on World AIDS Day

A Person Is a World

By

My mother’s death was followed closely by the pandemic — creating this strange and still and endless space in which everyone is grieving something.

How the Modern Loss Holiday Gift Swap Sparked a Powerful Friendship

By and

We were complete strangers who disentangled our lonely and complex feelings about grief together.

You Don’t Have to Be Festive if You Don’t Want to Be

By

As a young widow, I'm used to the holidays sucking. I'm here to encourage you to fly whatever flag you need to get through this season.

Modern Loss Self Care

It’s Time to Build Your Self-Care Routine

By

Grief gives us little control over ourselves, so it’s vital to control what we can by nourishing our needs. Here are some ideas.

Countdown to Forever

By

Sydney, the dog my ex and I share, is dying. How do I say goodbye? 

Miscarriage after IVF - Modern Loss

I Had a Miscarriage After IVF

By

A year later, I still can't bring myself to try the process again.

How Day of the Dead Gave Me Life

By

Embracing the Mexican tradition helped me deal with my anger after my mom's death.

What I Wish I Could Tell My Younger Grieving Self

By

45 years after my mom died, I finally know the impact of loss across time.

Saying Kaddish Into the Screen

By

After my father died, a weekly memorial gathering connected me to community when I needed it most. Then came COVID.

The GOP Won’t Stop Texting My Dead Dad

By

My father died before the pandemic and the election season's fever pitch. Now, every political ping reminds me of the first time we were truly divided.

Hoe Ik Het Rouwvocabulaire Maak Dat Mist in Onze Taal

By

Sterkte. Dat is wat we in het Nederlands zeggen om elkaar kracht te wensen als er iets moeilijks is gebeurd. We wensen elkaar nooit zachtheid of de openheid om het allemaal te kunnen ervaren.

How I’m Creating the Grief Vocabulary My Language Doesn’t Have

By

The Dutch wish each other strength to move through tough times. But in loss, we need different words of support.

My Little Fictions Legacy

By

Dad applied his gifts for narrative to everything from pornography to children's stories. One of those brought my son and him together after he died.

‘Call It Grief and Then See if it Changes How You View it’

By

Grief can have a clarifying effect, a way of lasering away the mundane. Here's how you can apply some lessons from loss to this year's surreal new world.

How I Found an Unexpected Gift in the Berkshire Hills

By

My New York City apartment ceased being a happy place after my partner died. Over the years, and especially during this pandemic, my second home became my salvation.

1 2 3 4 … 26