‘Death Is Not an Emergency’ — A Death Doula’s Advice On How To Talk To Kids About Mortality [Exclusive]
Professional death doula Darnell Walker says to be honest and age-appropriate when discussing death with children. The post ‘Death Is Not an Emergency’ — A Death Doula’s Advice On How To Talk To Kids About Mortality [Exclusive] appeared first on MadameNoire.
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In October 2019, my mother was suddenly diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. For months, doctors confused her symptoms—steady weight loss, fatigue, high blood pressure, anemia—as simply the stresses of single motherhood. As a result, we were thrust into a new routine of chemotherapy, surgeries, and extended hospital stays.
But that wasn’t the worst of it.
My three siblings and I now had to face the possibility of life without her. Something we had never thought about prior. And seven years later, we still haven’t discussed.
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I recently asked my mom why she never talked to us about what life might look like after her death. She answered, “I never thought I would die.” Her faith lent us courage during that difficult season, but kept her from preparing us for the inevitable.
With the “what if’s” still lingering in my mind, I decided to tap an expert to learn how to better navigate the taboo.
Enter, death doula, Darnell Walker.
Walker’s work educates individuals and communities on how to face mortality with care and courage. With platforms like his highly anticipated debut book, Never Can Say Goodbye: The Life of a Death Doula and the Art of a Peaceful End, he is redefining how we talk about life, loss, and everything in between.
The post ‘Death Is Not an Emergency’ — A Death Doula’s Advice On How To Talk To Kids About Mortality [Exclusive] appeared first on MadameNoire.
