Parenting After Loss & Helping a Sibling Navigate Grief | Episode 152 with Kjerstin Davies

Episode 152

This week I am talking with Kjerstin Davies about the unexpected loss of her son Charlie and what life after loss has looked like for her.

We talk about:

finding answers and Kjerstin shares her surprising response to learning why her son died
the guilt and shame that follow the loss of a child and what she did with those feelings
the fear that follows a loss and how she practically dealt with the fear in the pregnancies and the parenting that followed losing her son
therapy and what that has looked like for her, how it has changed over the course of her grief journey and ways that it has brought healing
parenting her living son, how she talked to him about his brother dying, how she helped him grieve and what therapy for him looked like as well.

We also talk about the organization, Charlie’s Guys, that Kjerstin founded in honor of her son Charlie. Charlie’s Guys serves children 18 years and younger who have lost a sibling or loved one in any way. Their mission is to remind children who have lost a loved one that they are loved and not forgotten and provide them with support while they are on their grief journey.

If you are a mama with living children this could be an excellent resource for you to help them in this season as they grieve the loss of their sibling – I’m so grateful for the work that Kjerstin is doing to help children in this way and I can’t wait for you to learn more about it as she shares why she started it, how it works, how you can take advantage of this opportunity or even get involved.

As we end our time together, Kjerstin shares how her grief has changed over the years since losing Charlie and her answer may surprise you. Listen all the way to the end to hear why she says time does not heal and what her therapist said that made her angry – I have a feeling that you will be able to relate.

QUESTIONS we discuss IN EPISODE 152

What would you say to another mom listening who had no answers or reasons as to why her baby suddenly died?
The way you lost Charlie was incredibly traumatic, what has healing been like in that regard?
How did you / do you fight fear in parenting your living children?
What was it like to parent your living son through the devastating loss of his brother, while you were also grieving?
How did you talk to him? How did you explain what had happened?
What wisdom or advice would you give to those listening who are parenting living children while grieving?
Tell me about Charlie’s Guys. What is it? Why did you start it?
How does Charlie’s Guys help grieving children?
Why is it important to provide support for children/siblings?
What are some positive things you’ve seen happen as a result of supporting families/children?
How does a parent get connected to Charlie’s Guys?
How has your grief changed over the years?

Meet Kjerstin

Kjerstin Davies is a mother of five children who runs the nonprofit Charlie's Guys in memory of her second eldest son, Charlie, who passed away in August of 2017 when he was nearly 2 years old. She lives in Boulder, Colorado with her husband, their four living children, one dog, and one bunny.