Both of my wife's parents died. Her dad first in January, now her mom in September. My wife is the oldest child. No will was left. What do we do? [more inside]
posted by Bageena on Nov 18, 2009 - 24 answers

Death, mourning, family, and holidays: How to prepare for the holidays in a post-Dad world? [more inside]
posted by NikitaNikita on Nov 10, 2009 - 13 answers

Facing death: I have received a medical estimate of dying within a year, but this is known only to me (within my circle of family and friends, including my wife). I am so lost as to how to break the news in a caring, non-stressful way. [more inside]
posted by potato on Sep 7, 2009 - 36 answers

My grandmother died this morning. I'm going home to help out the family, but I would like to make a list of things I might not remember before I leave so that we don't forget anything. [more inside]
posted by Unicorn on the cob on Aug 12, 2009 - 23 answers

My uncle has one week to live. I'm visiting him tomorrow. What am I supposed to say? What am I supposed to do?
posted by jennyhead on Apr 21, 2009 - 19 answers

Coming-of-age Filter: My world is coming crashing down. Is this a sign? Should I just soldier on? How? Trying to be a rock-em sock-em robot and get back on the horse. Details inside. [more inside]
posted by big open mouth on Mar 11, 2009 - 37 answers

Cousin Zach is a sweetheart, but I don't have the time or inclincation to attend everything he invites us to. How to say no tactfully? Guilt is involved. [more inside]
posted by frosty_hut on Jan 27, 2009 - 21 answers

I can't stop obsessing about my parents' mortality. Yes, I will probably seek therapy at some point, but for now it would be nice just to hear how others have dealt with this. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 13, 2008 - 16 answers

The new normal sucks. How am I supposed to cope after my father's suddenish death? [more inside]
posted by bash on May 19, 2008 - 29 answers

My dad is dying, but how do I know how quickly, and how do I know which "scares" I should travel across the country for? [more inside]
posted by bash on Mar 26, 2008 - 31 answers

Two years ago, my grandfather suffered a rare stroke in his brain stem that rendered him in what could only be called a waking coma. Think The Diving Bell and the Butterfly but without any capability of communicating. He died two weeks ago in Israel, where he lived with my grandmother. [more inside]
posted by bondgirl53001 on Feb 1, 2008 - 20 answers

Would it be worthwhile to preserve a sample of my parents' DNA, with their permission, in case I ever need it for genetic testing of myself or my family? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 26, 2008 - 9 answers

Earlier this year, my cousin shot himself. I'd been estranged from him for several years, but we used to be close. How do I go about getting information about his death and about the last few years of his life? [more inside]
posted by desjardins on Dec 28, 2007 - 7 answers

I've reached my late 20s without ever facing death. How do I deal with death when I know I will face it sooner or later? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 10, 2007 - 25 answers

How do I tactfully avoid having to accompany people to the casket at a family member's funeral? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Sep 6, 2007 - 17 answers

Are there any books you think a smart, grieving preteen would find comforting or of use? More details inside. [more inside]
posted by Ash3000 on Dec 17, 2006 - 15 answers