Mother of 15 and Radio Host Delilah Shares How She Handles Grief Around the Holidays After ‘Crushing’ Loss of 2 Sons (Exclusive)

Mother of 15 and Radio Host Delilah Shares Advice on Coping with Grief During Holidays

The holidays can often evoke a mix of emotions, blending moments of joy and nostalgia with pangs of loneliness and sorrow. This sentiment is deeply understood by renowned radio host Delilah, a familiar voice to many listeners, who has been sharing stories of heartache with compassion and empathy over the airwaves for years.

Delilah, aged 65, spoke exclusively with PEOPLE about navigating the complexities of grief, especially during the holiday season. She remarked that during festive times, emotions tend to become more intense, particularly for those who have experienced loss or hardships. “Everybody during the holidays feels a heightened sense of whatever their emotions are,” she expressed, acknowledging the amplified feelings that can be overwhelming.

Her advice for those grappling with challenges during this period is to ground themselves by choosing joy. Delilah advocates for a mindful approach, suggesting individuals bring themselves back to a place of balance and declare, “Just for today, I’m gonna choose joy. Maybe tomorrow I’ll stress out and worry again. Just for today, in fact, just for the next hour, I’m going to choose joy and peace.”

Delilah emphasises the transformative power of hope in overcoming despair, asserting that hope fills the heart with positivity, displacing anxiety, negativity, anger, or depression. “When you have hope, you’re looking forward to a brighter tomorrow. That hope can sustain us through a lot. Trust me, I know,” she reassured, drawing upon her personal experiences.

Despite being a beacon of optimism for her audience, Delilah has encountered profound tragedy in her own life. In 2012, she lost her 16-year-old son, Sammy, to complications related to sickle cell anaemia. Tragedy struck again five years later when her 18-year-old son, Zack, took his own life. Despite these devastating losses, Delilah continues to hold onto her faith and cherish her family dearly.

Delilah, a mother of 15 children with 12 adopted and 19 grandchildren, recently welcomed three more young children into her care. Reflecting on her journey, she shared her shift from despair to faith in her twenties and the profound impact it had on her outlook on life. “The pain of life, the pain of loss is too crushing,” she recalled. However, finding solace in faith allowed her to relinquish the need to control the future and instead focus on navigating each day with purpose.

During the holidays, Delilah aims to create magical moments for her children by upholding cherished traditions and making lasting memories. She advocates for the spirit of giving, encouraging her children to craft ornaments from old Christmas cards and to present thoughtful gifts to family and friends, embodying the essence of the season.

In collaboration with Sonos, Delilah has launched the “Holiday Party Prep Talk,” a guided hour-long session available on YouTube to assist hosts in preparing for gatherings, infused with Delilah’s soothing voice and festive melodies. Delilah stresses the importance of fostering genuine connections with loved ones during celebrations, prioritising meaningful interactions over superficial details.

Whether offering words of wisdom on the airwaves or partnering with brands to spread positivity, Delilah continues to extend her support and hope to those navigating grief or celebrating the holiday season. Her resilience, compassion, and unwavering faith serve as a source of inspiration and comfort to many, shining a light during challenging times.