New Jersey Author Navigates Grief and Finds Strength in New Book “Wednesday Morning”
Monmouth County resident Christine Fiorelli Epstein’s poignant memoir, “Wednesday Morning,” is a heartfelt exploration of grief and self-discovery following the loss of her father on September 11, 2001. Significantly, the book debuted on June 9, 2024, which would have been her father’s birthday, adding an extra layer of emotional resonance to its release.
The narrative spans from her childhood at age 10 to her mid-twenties, painting a vivid picture of her journey through the lens of personal loss and the shadow of 9/11. Epstein’s memoir reads like a coming-of-age story, offering readers a raw and honest depiction of her struggles and triumphs as she navigates the complexities of growing up amidst profound trauma. The tragedy of losing her father on that fateful day becomes a central theme, shaping her experiences and her path to adulthood.
The title “Wednesday Morning” symbolizes Epstein’s journey from feeling stuck in the past, particularly the traumatic events of Tuesday morning, to finally reaching a place of acceptance and forward movement. The contrast between “moving on” and “moving forward” is a recurring theme in the book. Epstein explains that she doesn’t see her journey as simply moving on from her past but rather moving forward with it, integrating her experiences into a new chapter of her life.
Thr book is not just a memoir but a collection of letters and poems Epstein wrote for her father over the years. These personal writings offer a window into her heart and mind, illustrating her ongoing dialogue with her grief and her father’s memory. They serve as both a tribute and a therapeutic outlet, helping her to process her emotions and come to terms with her loss.
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Through her eyes, readers witness the profound impact of childhood grief, a topic that Epstein delves into with sensitivity and insight. She shares that children must reprocess their grief at every developmental stage, meaning they are in an active grieving process until they reach adulthood—a revelation Epstein came to understand through therapy and time.
A theme of the book is the author describing how she feels her father’s presence wherever she goes, a comforting sense of connection that transcends his physical absence. A particularly chilling and memorable chapter recounts her visit to a medium, who tells Christine to look for ladybugs as signs from her dad.
This revelation becomes a powerful symbol of her father’s ongoing presence in her life, providing her with moments of solace and reassurance whenever she encounters these small, yet significant, creatures. This chapter underscores the theme of finding signs and maintaining connections with lost loved ones, adding a mystical and emotional layer to her journey of healing and self-discovery.
In writing “Wednesday Morning,” Epstein embarked on a path of healing, initially for herself. However, over time, she realized that her story could serve a greater purpose.
In chapter 12 she shares “Yes, but they will move on,” said the horse, “the blue sky above never leaves.” this a quote from Charlie Mackesy’s book “The Boy, the Mole, the Fox, and the Horse”. The quote beautifully captures the sentiment of finding peace and hope after tragedy.
By publishing her memoir, she aims to reach out to others, offering a sense of solidarity and support to those navigating the turbulent waters of childhood grief. Her book stands as a testament to the enduring power of the human spirit and the possibility of finding peace and purpose even after profound loss.
For information on how to purchase the book, click here. You can also follow the book on Instagram @its_wednesday_morning.
