106: Tricky Topic #5: Death & Dying (with Dr. Kimberly Rich)

Thinking about the inevitability of death and the process of dying makes many people quite uncomfortable—but talking about it might help us face it with a little less fear and a little more openness. Our own personal stories with loss—from growing up in a funeral director’s home to walking through the deaths of both our fathers—set the stage for a conversation with Dr. Kim Rich, grief educator, death doula, and founder of Tomorrow Mourning. Kim helps us think beyond fear and euphemism to consider how we can prepare for the end of life with thoughtfulness and even beauty. We talk about navigating the logistics of a life that’s ending, supporting those who are grieving, creating a joyful and meaningful memorial, and why it’s never too early to write down your wishes—or even have a say in your own obituary. 

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Dr. Kimberly Rich is the owner of Tomorrow Mourning in Batavia, IL and serves as a grief educator, death doula, and end of life companion. Kim’s journey with grief started following the sudden loss of her mother in 2021. It was then that she first recognized the power of relationship in grief, and the ways that we can fail to support one another as end of life approaches. 

Kimberly is a published writer and keynote speaker and finds great comfort in being in community with others. When she isn’t sleeping, (a favorite pastime!), or working she can be found reading, planning her next vacation, snacking on candy, stocking her free little library, and going on long walks throughout her hometown. Kim’s career focus is in end of life care and grief education and in addition to her doctoral degree she is a certified death doula. Kim is married with four adult children, three boys and one girl, and an elderly pup named Cowboy.

You can connect with Kimberly in these ways:

Website: (www.tomorrowmourningllc.com)

Facebook: Tomorrow-Mourning

Instagram: @tomorrowmourningllc

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With You in Marriage: A Family Systems Approach to a Healthy Relationship by David & Tara Van Dyke launches February 2! Please help us get the word out, and preorder the book on Amazon or at IVPress.com

If you’d like to bring a marriage workshop to your organization or church, reach out to us on our website, withuprojects.com

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Don’t miss next week’s tricky topic conversation about money with Jim Danielson!

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Produced by Zach Van Dyke