Personal Essays

My Brother’s Christmas-Themed Funeral

By

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

By

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

By and

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

By

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

‘Smad’ and Other Words Born of Grief

By

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

A Therapist Says Goodbye

By

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

By

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

Letters To My Dead Mother

By

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

By and

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

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

By

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

By and

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

Had My Dog Come Back as a Squirrel? 

By and

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

The Pittsburgh of My Dreams

By

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.

By

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

Screening Calls for My Dead Son

By

‘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

By

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

Meet My ‘Dead Mom Friends’ 

By

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

By

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

By

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

By

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.

1 … 6 7 8 9 10 … 22