04/24/2026
Act #88 of Our 100 Acts of Kindness – A Story of Strength, Healing & Hope 📖💛
Recently, we had the privilege of reconnecting with a family we served in 2022, during one of the most difficult moments any parent can face, the loss of a child.
Mai Nguyen entrusted us with the service for her daughter, Gemma, and while we will always remember that time with care and compassion, we were deeply moved to hear how she has continued her journey of healing.
Mai has recently published her second novel, Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead, a darkly humorous yet deeply moving story inspired by her lived experience. The book follows a grieving mother who begins working at a funeral home as she tries to navigate life after loss, and in doing so, discovers unexpected moments of connection, meaning, and even humour along the way.
When Mai visited us this week to share copies of her book with our team, we had the chance to speak with her about her story and, with her permission, we are honoured to help share it more widely.
For far too long, pregnancy and infant loss have carried a stigma, leaving many families to grieve quietly and alone. By sharing stories like Mai’s, we hope to play a small role in bringing these experiences into the open and creating space for understanding, compassion, and support.
As part of this Act of Kindness, we are giving away a signed copy of Cleo Dang Would Rather Be Dead.
To enter:
❤️ Like this post
💬 Comment below with a book that has inspired or stayed with you
We will select one winner at random to receive a copy.
📸 Pictured here is Mai with Jimmy Cardinal and Kim Silva-Kellam, holding copies of her powerful new book.
Thank you, Mai, for your courage in sharing your story and for helping others feel less alone.
