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3 guides from the Journal about grief.
Writing9 min read
A good reconciliation letter takes responsibility for your part in plain words, asks for nothing, and leaves the door open without pushing. If the person is alive and it's safe, consider sending it now, while they can answer. A letter left for after your death should only ever comfort, never settle scores or reopen wounds.
Practical8 min read
In the first 48 hours, get a medical certificate, tell close family, contact a funeral director, look for a will and secure the home. In the first week, register the death or order death certificates and start notifying people; in the first month, deal with banks, insurers, subscriptions, online accounts and probate.
Writing7 min read
A good goodbye letter is one honest page that includes a specific memory, what the person gave you, permission to grieve and live on, a small hope for their future, and the plain words “I love you”. Leave out old arguments, binding instructions and passwords, which belong in a separate practical note.
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