What to do when I'm no longer here

Most of us have probably felt the fear of what it will be like when someone close to us passes away. Perhaps we even imagine it out of curiosity, trying to prepare ourselves for that moment. What will I do when Mum dies?

This question sounds terrifying – which is precisely why illustrator Hallie Bateman decided to face it head-on. She asked her mother, Suzy Hopkins, to write her a set of instructions for the “after” period, while she was still alive. And the future deceased took on the task with elegance, empathy, and a healthy dose of sarcasm.

The result is a journal-like guide for her future orphaned daughter: what she definitely needs to get done in the first few days, what she should probably avoid, and how to cook meals that will heal both sorrow and an empty stomach. Between the lines, you'll find humour, wisdom, and a completely unique perspective on the world.

A little morbid? Perhaps. Moving and surprisingly funny?

Definitely.