Sask. author is “an open book,” eager to help others

By Joan Janzen

Saskatchewan resident Chad Mierau felt compelled to share his story with the world. In 2021, he published his first book, Surviving the Crash, in which he recalled Jan. 3, 2016, as the worst day of his life. That was the day he received a phone call telling him his sister, her husband, and two young children had been killed in a car accident after being struck by a drunk driver.

Saskatchewan resident Chad Mierau had his book on display at a local market in Kindersley prior to Christmas. His book is entitled Surviving the Crash: Finding Inner Peace Through Forgiveness. Photo by Joan Janzen

“The response to my book has been nothing short of amazing!” Chad said. “I receive many emails, calls, and face-to-face shares from my readers. Most are super supportive and commend me for how I have dealt with such a travesty.”

Chad chose to deal with his personal travesty by forgiving the woman who had caused the deaths of his family members. “Some readers are shocked at how I could possibly find forgiveness. Most are flabbergasted when they learn I have met the drunk driver face to face a dozen or so times,” he explained.

His book recounts two stories. It relays the heartache his family endured and what they went through during their time of loss. But he also felt a duty to help his readers understand what it was like for the accused woman and her children while their mother was in prison for killing four people.

While displaying his book at local markets, Chad estimated about 90 per cent of people who stop to hear his story are shocked that he was able to extend forgiveness. “Some people have to keep moving along because they don’t want to allow the emotions to surface,” he observed.

Chad understands their feelings and admits the tragedy that occurred a decade ago completely transformed him. The entrepreneur shifted from being primarily business-minded to making daily connections with people and caring about others his main priority.

Consequently, he established Lane 3 Consulting, designed to help others via coaching, mentoring, philanthropy, and charity. “It has not really taken form just yet, but that is still to come,” he admitted. “If I had things the way I want them to be, I would be doing this sort of work full time for the rest of my life. This is my calling!”

He also feels called to the possibility of writing a second book and is open to helping anyone who contacts him. He said some people ask to be put on the list for his next book when it comes out. “Others simply can’t bring themselves to even read it because it brings up too much emotion or pain they admittedly are not ready to face,” he explained.

Chad understands. The loss of his sister impacted his family unit forever. She was the glue that held them all together, and her absence requires each family member to live more purposefully.

Not only does Chad welcome people to purchase his book, but he also describes himself as “an open book.”

“I would talk to anyone who reaches out and speak at anyone’s function if they saw value in my story,” he concluded.

For more information, you can contact Chad at saskychad@gmail.com