My Loss

‘Smad’ and Other Words Born of Grief

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In the year since my husband died, there have been many lessons — and a few new vocabulary words.

A Therapist Says Goodbye

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We are not ‘friends’ with those we treat. But many of our patients make a very deep and lasting impression on us.

The Modern Loss Holiday Gift Guide — 2018

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From scalp whisks to s’mores to soups that arrive at your doorstep, these gifts for the grieving say ‘the holidays are rough, but I love you.’

Cable News (Support) Network

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The year after my husband died, Mika, Rachel and Lawrence kept me company.

Grief-Inspired Jewelry

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From lapel pins to cremains jewelry, these accessories can help honor loss with something beautiful.

Why Michelle Obama’s Miscarriage Revelation Matters

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The former First Lady could change the conversation around pregnancy loss and infertility.

Letters To My Dead Mother

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I’d imagined these words, penned on the anniversary of Mom’s death, as an emotional storage unit for my grief — only to realize there’s no such thing.

Grief Bacon: Breastfeeding Through My Grief

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After Dad died, my body felt numb, but my breasts soldiered on.

Finding New Meaning in My ‘Tree of Life’ Necklace

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After my fiancé died, I took off my favorite pendant. After Pittsburgh, after Jeffersontown, I put it back on.

Why I Didn’t Post About Grandma’s Death on Facebook

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It felt like something that I was supposed to do, but it wasn’t something I wanted to do.

Traveling the World With My Daughter’s Ashes in Tow

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In Ireland, alongside an empathic stranger, I watched Rachel's cremains scatter with the wind. 

Had My Dog Come Back as a Squirrel? 

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My beloved beagle died, but he still seemed to inhabit our yard.

The Pittsburgh of My Dreams

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By day, I am aware that 23 years have passed since my father’s death. When I close my eyes, it’s a different story.

We All Have ‘That Ex.’ Mine Died.

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What it means to lose somebody who isn’t your somebody anymore.

Screening Calls for My Dead Son

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‘Sorry, he’s not here.’ You have no idea how sorry I am Eric’s not here.

Saving the Date for a Wedding That Will Never Take Place

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I was supposed to be married on November 9, but tragedy stopped this self-proclaimed ‘Bridezilla’ in her tracks.

Meet My ‘Dead Mom Friends’ 

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I’ve found kinship (but no judgment or pity) among my friends — and even acquaintances — who have also experienced a loss of a parent. 

Why I Told Anne Lamott My Husband Died

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I promised myself I wouldn’t, but then I opened up to a writer I’ve long admired about the most surreal, unbelievable thing that has ever happened to me.  

When My Husband Died, Facebook Became My Boyfriend

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Some people see social media as a trigger during times of great suffering. But after my husband died, it helped me stay afloat amid my grief.

What I Still Can’t Do

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Ten months after my sister’s death, I can laugh and smile. I can sometimes care about other people’s problems. I can’t listen to voicemails or write thank you notes or stop waiting for the other shoe to drop.

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