Radio Host Delilah Opens Up About Her Teenage Son's Heartbreaking Death: 'My World Shattered'
Sharing stories comes easily to Delilah. The popular radio personality does just that on her late-night program, where she offers advice to her more than 8 million weekly listeners. But putting a pen to paper for her new memoir, One Heart at a Time, proved to be more challenging.
"It takes time and thought to organize yourself to tell a series of stories in a book, all with the intent of sharing my own experiences in an open way, to encourage others to do the same with the people in their lives," Delilah tells CountryLiving.com.
In the book, the radio host shares stories of faith and forgiveness, as well as immense loss, including that of her teenage son, Zachariah Miguel Rene-Ortega, to suicide last year.
"I hope each reader is inspired to take the time to learn what is on the hearts of the people in their lives," Delilah continues. "One person at a time, one heart at a time, I know we can make our world a better place for so many people, if we just took the time to listen and care."
The following passage is an excerpt from One Heart at a Time, in which Delilah describes her heartbreak after her son's death.
My world shattered a year ago on October 2, 2017. That night, my beautiful son, Zachariah Miguel Rene-Ortega, the last child I carried in my womb and gave birth to, chose to leave us. He was just eighteen years old.
These have been the hardest months of my life, and that of my family. I miss him every minute and hour of every day. Despite the heartache and grief, I praise God for the life I live. I know that God is looking after us, and that, along with the love and understanding of family, friends, and so many others has kept me going. Right now, our hearts are big and raw and sore from the absence of him, and my memories block out the reality of most days bringing choking sobs every night.
It is breath by breath, step by step, that I move through the days without my Zack Attack. We speak openly of Zack, of missing him like we do, and how his heart impacted all of our lives. He, like his brother Sammy, are in the arms of our Savior-of that I am sure. But I cannot help but want them here, in my arms. These arms that ache to hold them, to stroke their hair, to make their favorite foods.
Both knew and loved their Father, and He knew their hearts. For whatever childhood struggles and teen angst they experienced, theirs were hearts that made a difference in this world even in the all too short time they were with us.
If you or someone you know needs help, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
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