One of the things about grief is that it can bring a deeper perspective into your life; in the end, it has, for me, though it's also brought sorrow.

The truth is, I need to experience my mother's presence in the world around me and not just in my head.

I'm not much like my mother; that role falls to my brothers, who have more of her blithe and freewheeling spirit.

Faith does help mourners survive their loss, some studies suggest; but I imagine one still struggles.

I believe in the importance of individuality, but in the midst of grief I also find myself wanting connection - wanting to be reminded that the sadness I feel is not just mine but ours.

We have an idea - a very modern idea - that dying is undignified. But I think this is because we have the illusion that we can control our bodies and our fates.

After all dying is one of the most profound and difficult experiences we have.