Camisha Williams Gently Introduces The Concept of Death While Offering Hope and Understanding to Children in Her New Book

Camisha Williams is a passionate grief and loss advocate, speaker, and author who understands the profound challenges that come with navigating sorrow. After experiencing the heartbreaking loss of her first husband and her son’s father, Camisha felt a deep calling to help others facing similar struggles. This personal tragedy inspired her to write her first children’s book, Life’s Endings Bring New Beginnings, which aims to guide children aged 4 to 9 in understanding and processing the complexities of loss and healing. It follows the journey of a young boy as he navigates everyday life experiences while grappling with themes of loss and healing. Through his story, he discovers the importance of hope, faith, and resilience, even amidst grief. This serves as a gentle guide for families, offering comfort and support as they navigate their own healing journeys together.

Through her work, Camisha is dedicated to fostering meaningful conversations about grief and helping families find hope and resilience amidst their pain. She believes that addressing the emotional needs of children during such sensitive times is crucial, providing them with a safe space to express their feelings and understand that they are not alone.

Today’s Purpose Woman spoke to Camisha about the inspiration behind Life’s Endings Bring New Beginnings and her commitment to supporting those in need. 

What motivated you to write this book?

The motivation for this book stems from my personal experiences. When I lost my first husband and my son’s father, I was 34, and my son was just 6 years old. Back then, there was a limited amount of literature addressing the themes of life and death in a way that was accessible to young children. Recognizing this gap, I felt a strong calling to contribute to this essential conversation. This realization inspired me to create a children’s book that would help guide young minds through the complexities of life, death, emotions, grief and understanding.

What is the core message of Life’s Endings Bring New Beginnings?

The core message of this book revolves around the profound truth that life inevitably includes death. While navigating this challenging crossroad can be incredibly difficult, it emphasizes the importance of grieving as a vital part of the healing process. Through grief, individuals can cultivate resilience, ultimately guiding them toward a future filled with purpose. Often, in the wake of loss, the emotional needs of children can be overlooked, leaving them feeling isolated in their sorrow. This book aims to bridge that gap, providing a safe space for children to express their feelings and understand that they are not forgotten. It encourages parents to engage in meaningful conversations with their children about death, emotions, love, and hope, fostering connection and understanding during a sensitive time. By doing so, it nurtures a supportive environment where both parents and children can navigate their grief together, building a foundation for healing and growth.

What do you believe is the most important aspect of supporting someone who is grieving? 

I firmly believe that the most crucial element in supporting someone who is grieving is simply being present for them in whatever way they need. Since grief is a deeply personal experience that varies from person to person, it can often be challenging to know precisely how to help. In these moments, it’s important to communicate openly and ask them what they specifically require. Those who are grieving need love and compassion; they need to feel surrounded by support, allowed to cry, and given the space to express their thoughts and feelings. By being attentive and responsive to their unique needs, we can provide the comfort and understanding they seek during such a difficult time.

How does faith play a role in your life? 

At the heart of my existence lies an unwavering faith and a deep relationship with God, which I consider essential to my being. It is through God’s boundless love that I receive everything I need for my journey. His grace showers me with unearned favor, reminding me that I am cherished and supported. In moments of weakness, when I feel overwhelmed and tempted to surrender, it is God who uplifts me with His grace, infusing me with the power and strength to persevere. God empowers me to move forward, no matter the challenges I face. I embrace and proclaim this truth in both my personal and professional life, relying on scripture as a source of strength and inspiration. My faith fuels my belief that with God’s guidance, I can overcome obstacles and fulfill my purpose with confidence and resilience.

What advice would you give to your audience/readers who are struggling with grief or loss right now?

First and foremost, I want those who are grieving to understand that they are not alone in their journey. It’s essential to recognize that healing is a process that takes time; there are no quick fixes for the pain of loss. One approach that has been particularly helpful for me, and that I’d like to share, is the concept of the 3 C’s:

1. Choose: Focus on the present rather than getting overwhelmed by the future. Embrace each new day as a fresh opportunity, and take it one step at a time.

2. Connect: Building relationships is vital. Surround yourself with people who love and care for you, and who genuinely have your best interests at heart.

3. Communicate: Don’t hesitate to share your feelings with others—whether they’re positive or negative. Being open and honest about your emotions can be incredibly therapeutic.

Lastly, I want to emphasize that seeking outside help is perfectly okay. Sometimes therapy or counseling can provide additional support for those struggling with grief or loss. Utilizing these resources can be a significant step toward healing and finding peace.

How do you recognize when your work has achieved its purpose?

It’s in the moments when I witness the profound impact my personal journey and writing have on the lives of others. It’s in the heartfelt messages from parents who share how my book sparked essential conversations with their children, bridging gaps and fostering understanding. When adults express gratitude for the insights they gained and how they’ve applied them to their own lives, that feeling of connection and resonance is whattruly defines my success. It is knowing that my words have not only reached hearts but have also inspired meaningful dialogue and growth within families.

What are your future writing or advocacy goals, and is there a particular subject you wish to explore next? 

I have another writing project inspired by my life experiences that I am excited to pursue in the future. My plans include attending various local book fairs to share my work and engage with readers. Additionally, I aim to network and build connections with funeral homes and grief support organizations both locally and nationally, as I believe there is a profound opportunity to explore themes of grief and remembrance. By collaborating with these organizations, I hope to create meaningful dialogues around my writing and its potential to provide comfort and understanding during difficult times.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to share my story with you. This book holds a special place in my heart, as it represents a significant mission for me: to gently introduce the concept of death while offering hope and understanding to children. I believe that by addressing this delicate topic, we can help young ones navigate their feelings and find comfort during difficult times. It’s an important journey, and I am honored to be a part of it.

To get your copy of my book, please visit my website: camishawilliams.com. I invite you to connect with me; I would love to hear from you and learn about your story. Your experiences and insights are important to me, and I look forward to engaging with you.