A chaplain’s search for meaning in life’s hardest moments
Stories of presence, grief, and compassion from the bedside.
About the Book
In Stay with Me, I Want to Be Alone, Keith Wakefield invites readers into ICUs, ERs, and family waiting rooms where heartbreak and hope collide. With honesty and humor, he shares stories of patients, families, and his own struggles—showing that spiritual care isn’t about answers but about presence.
This memoir blends vivid storytelling with practical wisdom, reminding us that connection matters more than certainty.
Who it’s for:
Caregivers, chaplains, and healthcare professionals
Readers navigating grief or supporting loved ones
Anyone searching for meaning in suffering
Praise for Stay with Me I Want to Be Alone
“This impassioned, culturally astute story mosaic made me laugh and cry. The book made me want to become a chaplain!”
— Neil Wenger, MD, MPH, Chair, Ronald Reagan UCLA Ethics Committee
“Readable, relatable, and rich with wisdom… both a compelling reflection and a practical tool.”
— Rev. Gina Harvey, ACPE CE, BCC, Sanford Health
“A disarmingly honest and captivating account… I laughed, I cried, I cared deeply for all involved.”
— Vanessa Able, Founder and Editor, The Dewdrop
About the Author
Keith Wakefield is an ACPE Certified Educator and Manager of CPE Programs at UCLA Health. He has trained chaplains at Johns Hopkins, Stanford, and UCLA, and speaks internationally on empathy, existential chaplaincy, and the role of humor and humanity in healthcare.
