Telling the Stories of the Unclaimed Dead
A longtime child welfare advocate uses her skills to locate next of kin for unsolved cases, bringing closure to grieving families, and making peace with her own painful past.
death
Can You Overcome Your Fear of Death?
The writer has been gripped by a lifelong terror of her own mortality—but her son may finally have shown her that's no way to live.
What It’s Like to Plan Your Mother’s Funeral
A few years ago, doctors told the writer her sick mother wouldn’t survive the night—they were wrong. She’s prepared for her funeral, but how can you prepare for what comes after?
Women Are Revolutionizing the Death Industry
The death-positive movement is being built around activism, science, entrepreneurship, art and feminism. Can it remove the stigma from mortality?
There’s No Eating at the Morgue
The author’s lifelong fascination with death leads her to tour the L.A. coroner’s office soon after she nearly dies herself. And she discovers it’s not exactly as pristine as the ones on TV.
Muhammad Ali Showed Me How to Be Proud
“The Greatest” inside and outside the ring, the Kentucky native inspired generations of black and brown children by demonstrating the true meaning of “Black Is Beautiful.”
Beyoncé Helped Ease My Prince Grief
Surprise-dropping "Lemonade" two days after the death of the High Priest of Pop was an incredibly bold move. And, according to this writer, a welcome and necessary one.
How Will We Teach Our Kids About Bowie?
A few days after the icon’s death, an eerily poignant holiday card has this mom reflecting on the loss while still feeling hopeful about his impact on the future.
I Donated My Dead Body to Give My Life Purpose
At 40, the writer—single, childless, and employed but not career bound—secretly feared dying alone having accomplished little. So she decided to do something about it. (But not today.)
The Privilege of Dying—and Killing—While White
They say all lives matter. But the memorialization of the two murdered Virginia journalists underscores the role race plays in the way victims—and shooters—are treated by the media.