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?
Mothers and Daughters
Why Is My Mom So Obsessed With Our Obsession With Celebrities?
Julie Klam's teenage daughter sits down with the writer to discuss her new book about our culture's love affair with famous people. Which may or may not be cool.
My Mother Has Always Wanted to Die. Do I Let Her?
After a lifetime of living with her mother’s mental illness, our writer reckons with the love of a parent who longs to say good-bye.
“Whatever She’s Making, I Don’t Want Any”
In this exclusive excerpt from her poignant new memoir, TREYF, Elissa Altman's mother demonstrates over brunch with her in-laws that being difficult isn't the same thing as being wrong.
I Wish My Mother Were Here to See Pope Francis
The Pope’s first U.S. visit inspires the “SNL” alum to reflect on the most influential person in her life: her late mother, a woman who spent years reconciling her feminism with her Catholic faith.
How Will I Survive August Without My Shrink?
Many mental-health professionals take up to a month-long vacation in late summer. Which fills clients—like this grief-stricken writer—with existential dread.
Happy Effin’ Mother’s Day, Betty Draper!
The Hallmark holiday, on which the latest episode of "Mad Men" aired, is far from perfect. But, then again, so are we.
My Mother Didn’t Work. And That’s Okay
Driven by passionate professional goals, the writer—and now cheese maker—was embarrassed by her mom’s lack of career. Until she realized why she shouldn’t be.
My Mom Didn’t Want to Be a Mother
In this painfully honest essay, the writer shares what it’s like to grow up with a toxic mom who made it very clear that she didn’t want to have children.
My Mom Was Always Old
The writer’s mother embraced her grays and wrinkles like every other woman of her generation. Her daughter, however, faces her terror with Botox, hair dye, and a healthy dose of denial.