“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” – John F. Kennedy
These famous words of President John F. Kennedy’s 1963 Thanksgiving Proclamation still resonate today. Sometimes life does not go the way we plan, but the older I get the more profoundly I believe there is always something to be grateful for; always something in which one can find a spark of joy. Through time spent in a career in humanitarian aid and relief and various volunteer roles, I have had the profound honor of witnessing many of the hardest moments of people’s lives; of witnessing their resiliency and strength. These sacred moments have irrevocably changed my perception of what is truly important, and what is simply inconsequential.
Children, in my experience, often have the greatest capacity for resilience when things don’t go to plan. While working for a prominent disaster relief organization, I once observed a small group of children playing ring-around-the-rosie, duck-duck-goose, and a rather disorganized form of tag; all beneath the glow of lights running on a backup generator as we waited in a church-gymnasium-turned-shelter as a tornado passed overhead. The room was full of fear and tension, but the sound of children’s laughter pealing out was absolute medicine for the heart.
Later, while on assignment on another operation, I spent many weeks doing everything I could to direct resources to families that had lost everything they owned to extreme flash flooding. This was of course complicated by massive supply chain shortages and significant economic upheaval. Returning home to stores fully stocked with food and bus stops full of children appropriately clothed and safely on their way to school, made my heart ache for the communities I’d left behind. It also filled me with a sense of purpose to build resiliency, especially for children, in whatever capacity I could. This led me down a career path that added a great deal of purpose and meaning to my life.
St. Michael Publishing was a creative spark in the back of my mind for the longest time; a little sprig of vibrant greenery raising up from a pile of ashes I now affectionately refer to as the “Well now what?” chapter of my life. (I believe we all have this chapter, though it may look a little different from person to person.)
Story telling is one of the oldest artforms known to man, and it is something I grew up dearly loving. It is also an effective medium to teach resiliency concepts, and inspire curiosity and learning in growing minds. (And older ones alike!) Inspired by the beauty of every day moments, and the natural wonders of the world, books and creative works published through St. Michael Publishing are a tribute of sorts to the people and places I love.
Each book is dedicated to someone that has touched my life for the better. Every notebook and journal is inspired by something that brings me joy.
Thank you for being part of the journey; and incase nobody has told you yet today, you matter and I’m glad you’re here!
With gratitude,
Lois St. Michael