Alumnus Releases Memoir on Mental Health, Loss, and Finding Purpose

Master of Arts in Chaplaincy Alumnus Rich Miller-Murphy ‘24 has published a memoir chronicling how loss and hidden struggles ultimately gave way to a life of meaning and service.

The memoir recounts a difficult period during the early and middle years of his life, during which he lost his partner of ten years to AIDS, his mother to pancreatic cancer, and his grandfather to complications from heart surgery. Compounding that grief, he soon learned of serious illnesses of his own.

At the time, Miller-Murphy was living a double life, concealing his sexuality out of fear that the truth would bring discrimination and jeopardize his career. The weight of grief, illness, and secrecy led to two inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations more than forty years ago. He credits the steady support of family, friends, and colleagues with helping him survive that period.

The book also traces the turn his life took in his late forties and early fifties: his same-sex marriage in 2004 and the birth of twins in 2007 through a gestational carrier. Road Trip Detour shows that life’s challenges can lead to a meaningful and purposeful life by having a positive outlook and accepting help when you need it most. The book is authentic, sensitive, and sometimes shocking from beginning to end.

"As we traverse our own life journey paths, there will be many detours placed in front of us," Rich said. "It took me decades to realize the detours were often pointing me in the direction of God's plan. Once I let go of the steering wheel, I learned to enjoy and embrace the detours. I hope you will too!"

About the Author

Richard (Rich) Miller-Murphy, the oldest of six children from an Irish Catholic family, experienced many emotional, mental, and physical challenges, or detours, on his life journey. First earning a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and Chemistry from Fairfield University, then a Master's in Business Administration, focusing on Policy and Strategy from the Pompea School of Business at the University of New Haven, and finally a Master's in Chaplaincy focused on Interfaith viewpoints from Hartford International University for Religion and Peace (formerly Hartford Seminary). Rich worked in the “for-profit” medical device industry and the “nonprofit” transfusion medicine field, both in New York City. He now directs his efforts on hospital chaplaincy and helping others navigate end-of-life challenges. Together with his husband of more than thirty years, and twin children, he now lives in Litchfield, Connecticut.

Richard will celebrate the book's release at two upcoming launch events:

• Wednesday, October 14, 6:30 p.m. — Litchfield Community Center, 421 Bantam Road (Route 202), Litchfield, CT
• Thursday, October 29, 7 p.m. — Wallace Hall, 980 Park Avenue, New York, NY

Chaplain Richard Miller-Murphy's new book, Road Trip Detour: Exploring Life's Journey, is now available through Balboa Press.