Father Loss

A Year of Grief, 15 Seconds at a Time

By Ryan Langer

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

Breastfeeding Through My Grief

By Jesse Anna Bornemann

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

The Pittsburgh of My Dreams

By Geoffrey W. Melada

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.

My Childhood’s Signature Scent

By Elise Seyfried

The smell of tobacco brings my late father — and his favorite vice — back into my airspace.

Just Sit (and Other Simple Steps to Meditate Your Way Through Grief)

By Sukey Novogratz

My dad's meditation advice helped me to cope with his death -- and more. Here's how it can help you, too.

My Dad Was Dying While I Was Divorcing

By Molly Rosen Guy

I vowed never to speak with my ex-husband again. Then my father was diagnosed with leukemia.

On Father’s Day, Grief Tastes Like Berry Cobbler

By Shannon Casey

When Dad was here, we made olallieberry jam on Father’s Day. Now that he’s gone, our sweet tradition has evolved.

The Big Question and the Perfect Answer

By Anna Brand

It isn't easy asking a dying person what they believe comes next. But my philosopher dad knew just what to say.

Dad-Die Issues

By Yassir Lester

Death brings up so many feelings and conversations. Plans to be made. Legacies to cement. I had none of that.

Time Machine in a Timepiece

By Dani Klein Modisett

In telling me he wanted me to have his beloved watch, Dad was also letting me know his days were numbered.

Purple Rain on Father’s Day

By Janine Annett

My dad and the rock star Prince had everything and nothing in common. This is the time of year I feel their absence most acutely.

Does Moving Away Mitigate Grief?

By Melanie Takefman

Thousands of miles now separate me from the landmarks of my memories with Dad. Here's what the distance has changed — and what it hasn't.

Vacant Seats

By Kathryn Frey-Balter

I heard about Justice Scalia’s death at one of my last dinners with my beloved, if complicated, father. Months on, as the justice’s seat sat unfilled, so did Dad’s.

What to Keep When Someone Dies

By Shira Gill

Banish guilt, set concrete limits, and other rules for figuring out what to save, store, and donate.

DNA and Middle C

By Rebecca Odes

My son's resemblance to my father was always striking. But after my dad died, it took on new meaning.

Random Acts of Dadness

By Rob Kutner

From rejecting perfectly good restaurant food to donating to worthy causes, I'm spending the first Father's Day after my dad's death trying to emulate his character.