A Million Times We Cry: A Memoir of Loss, Grief, Depression, and Ultimately Hope

by Stacey Grimes-Wempe

The day after she and her husband moved into their first home, Stacey Wempe’s simple, ideal life in Saskatchewan was shattered. At daybreak, her aunt and uncle arrived at her new home to tell her that her twenty-two-year-old brother, Clinton, had been killed in a tragic accident a few hours earlier. Driving in thick fog to rescue his stranded girlfriend, he drove his truck into the side of a freight train traveling on a rarely used track.

This random, tragic event propelled Stacey into a downward spiral of depression and anxiety that lasted years. Prolonged grief extended to postpartum depression after the birth of her son and daughter. Her despair led to marital stress, intensified by her mother and father losing their battles with cancer. In the face of overwhelming sorrow, she struggled to move on but knew she had no alternative.

A Million Times We Cry is Stacey’s uplifting story of her fight to regain control of her life, find hope and joy, and move past her anguish. Seeking therapeutic intervention and subsequently displaying bravery and persistence, she embarked on a journey to become a Fearless Living life coach.

Ultimately, Stacey confronted the very things she had evaded—her fears, anguish, and insecurities—and embraced herself and her existence.

Drawing upon her life’s lessons and life-coach training, Stacey reveals her raw and poignant emotional healing journey that led to a life filled with hope and happiness. Her concluding insights into how others can start their journey to discover healing, hope, and joy are profoundly inspiring.

256 pages, Hardcover

Published September 10, 2024

Reviews

[Amber Kuchinka · Rating 5 out of 5]

For such a difficult topic, this book was really well written. It feels like the author is being open and honest throughout, not just saying what she thinks others will want to hear. She acknowledges the fact that her and her family were privileged (ie, more medical options due to money) and in no way makes it seem that anyone else’s story should be the same. I understand it wasn’t the topic of this book, but I am curious to know about her husband’s perspective or more of the effects on their marriage. Perhaps an afterward or something written by him added to the next printing.

[Stacy]

I am glad and honored to have read a book by a lady from my home community for the past 30 years. Stacey has been present at many of my experiences and I watched her children grow in high school. We don’t always know what someone is going through and this book was a great example of empathy and grace. Stop, reflect and realize. Live in the moment.

[Shantal House · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was the exact book I need to read as I am in the early stages of grieving my grandfather. Not only does the author share her story, but she also leaves you with questions to reflect and work on answering. Anyone who has lost a loved one should read this book. Such an eye opener!

[Maureen Ulrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am astonished at the courage, honesty, and resiliency Stacey has shown in writing this memoir. Highly recommend.

[Jennifer Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot. The author ✍️ emphasizes that their family lives a privileged life and she acknowledges this. She also emphasizes that everyone has a different journey in their grief. I can’t imagine losing my brother at such a young age, marital stresses, and caring for my ageing parents as they struggle through the battle of cancer.

It’s a story emphasizing forgiveness, hope, anguish and most importantly recovery. It was sad yet uplifting at the same time.

As someone who has completed one year of certification towards life coaching, I know how beneficial this is for everyone. I will be participating in a journalling workshop soon with this author and I’m looking forward to getting her to sign my book.