Personal Essays

The Perverse Pleasure of Grief

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I was repeatedly told to 'get over' my double losses. Instead, I reveled in their depths and heights.

Twitter for Eternity   

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I wish I had more letters from my mother, more time with her, more everything. What I do have, though, is her 16.7K tweets.

New Year’s Resolutions for the Emotionally Infirm, the Crushed, and the Weary

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4 ways (and more) for grieving souls to cut themselves a break in the new year.

Unmet Love

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I never ‘met’ the babies I lost, but I love them.

My Brother’s Christmas-Themed Funeral

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Alan lived with a rare genetic disorder that made him unpredictable, child-like and full of wonder. When he died at age 43, his memorial service was unique as he was.

The Christmas Anthem I Needed To Hear

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I spent years avoiding the favorite song a friend lost to suicide. But last December, I listened anew.

The Good China That Will Outlive Us All

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After my mom’s death and my sister’s suicide, the dishes they left behind are newly sentimental.

A Year of Grief, 15 Seconds at a Time

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After my dad's murder, Instagram served as both my grief counselor and a surprising professional outlet.

‘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.

Cable News (Support) Network

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

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.

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.

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