Early Praise for The Kite That Couldn’t Fly
“An amazing journey from violence and poverty into triumph! The stories are compelling and touching but its more than a story. This book can help heal the wounds we carry from childhood. I couldn’t put it down.”
— Dave Farrow,
International Best-Selling Author
— Lauren Eckhardt,
Best-Selling Author & CEO of Burning Soul Press
THE BOOK
Could a kite that couldn’t fly win first prize at the Grand Kite Contest? Could a boy raised in poverty and childhood trauma become a healthy and happy adult and a global success?
In “The Kite That Couldn’t Fly: And Other May Avenue Stories,” Michael Menard crafts a captivating memoir, weaving a narrative of resilience and hope from the threads of his challenging childhood. Raised amidst poverty and complex trauma, Menard was one of 14 siblings, each uniquely shaped by their shared experiences. His memoir transcends mere storytelling; it’s a journey through the harrowing and the humorous, the unbelievable and the universal, resonating deeply with the human spirit of overcoming adversity. Read More
Early Praise for The Kite That Couldn’t Fly
The Author
Michael has had unparalleled success as a business leader, entrepreneur, inventor, and writer. He has 14 US Patents and has advised The Coca-Cola Company, NASA, and the United Nations. Living in Tennessee with his wife, Emilie, Michael is a proud father of five daughters and grandfather to nine grandchildren.
Kristin Trudeau Wrote the Forward
Kristin is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC-MHSP) and a Level II Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC II), as well as a Certified First Responder Counselor (CFRC) in the state of Tennessee. Kristin supports her clients in processing challenging life experiences to release the burdens of trauma and embrace a life of gratitude and authenticity.
About Childhood Trauma
“The effects of unresolved trauma can be devastating. It can affect our habits and outlook on life, leading to addictions and poor decision-making. It can take a toll on our family life and interpersonal relationships. It can trigger real physical pain, symptoms, and disease. And it can lead to a range of self-destructive behaviors.”
Peter A. Levine, PhD
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are possible traumatic events that occur from birth through adolescence (zero to eighteen years of age.) ACEs came to fruition through a study by Dr. Vincent Felitti and Dr. Robert Anda to identify negative critical conditions a child may experience and their lasting impacts. Dr. Felitti, the head of Kaiser Permanente’s Department of Preventive Medicine in San Diego, along with Dr. Anda, a researcher for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, set out to conduct a study between 1995-1997 with the hypothesis that childhood trauma is linked to poor physical and mental health in adults. Felitti and Anda collected survey data from 17,000 patients (gathered during their physical exams.) The adverse childhood experience survey included ten questions to identify traumas and neglect. The ACEs were identified as physical and emotional neglect, abuse (sexual, emotional, and physical), and household dysfunctions (including aspects such as parental divorce or separation due to incarceration, substance abuse and addiction, mental health problems, and witnessing violence.)
The Crisis
“ACEs may well be called the number-one unaddressed public health concern because of the devastation they leave in their wake.”
Glenn Schiraldi, PhD, Author: The Adverse Childhood Experiences Recovery Workbook
Toxic stress from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can change brain development and affect how the body responds to stress. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood. If a child has experienced four or more ACEs before age 18, they have experienced Complex Childhood Trauma.
IN THE USA ALONE
Will die 20 years too early due to ACEs
Of all adult depression today is attributed to ACEs
Depression, COPD, Asthma, Stroke, Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Addiction
Source: CDC/Vital Signs/August 23, 2021 2020 U.S. Census
The Promise of Healing
The suggestions for healing included here are based on the written work of mental health experts who have focused on recovery and healing from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). I have utilized The Adverse Childhood Experiences Recovery Workbook written by Glenn R. Schiraldi, PhD as a resource to advance my own healing. This book provides powerful new strategies to overcome low self-esteem, shame, depression, anxiety, emotional trauma, and other long-term effects of toxic childhood stress.
The Crisis
“ACEs may well be called the number-one unaddressed public health concern because of the devastation they leave in their wake.”
Glenn Schiraldi, PhD, Author: The Adverse Childhood Experiences Recovery Workbook
Toxic stress from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can change brain development and affect how the body responds to stress. ACEs are linked to chronic health problems, mental illness, and substance misuse in adulthood. If a child has experienced four or more ACEs before age 18, they have experienced Complex Childhood Trauma.
Childhood Trauma
“The effects of unresolved trauma can be devastating. It can affect our habits and outlook on life, leading to addictions and poor decision-making. It can take a toll on our family life and interpersonal relationships. It can trigger real physical pain, symptoms, and disease. And it can lead to a range of self-destructive behaviors.”
Peter A. Levine, PhD
In The USA Alone
Of all adults in the USA today have experienced at least 1 ACE
Of all adults in the USA today have experienced Complex Childhood Trauma
(4 or more ACEs before the age of 17)
Will die 20 years too early due to ACEs
Of the top 10 causes of death are associated with ACEs
Of all adult depression today is attributed to ACEs
Will experience at least 1 ACE before they are 17
Depression, COPD, Asthma, Stroke, Heart Disease, Cancer, Diabetes, Addiction
CDC/Vital Signs/August 23, 2021 2020 U.S. Census
Sources,
United States Alone
The Promise of Healing
The suggestions for healing included here are based on the written work of mental health experts who have focused on recovery and healing from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). I have utilized The Adverse Childhood Experiences Recovery Workbook written by Glenn R. Schiraldi, PhD as a resource to advance my own healing. This book provides powerful new strategies to overcome low self-esteem, shame, depression, anxiety, emotional trauma, and other long-term effects of toxic childhood stress.
Glenn Schiraldi writes in his workbook:
SUGGESTED READING
How we serve
The May Avenue Foundation has recently been formed. More information on the Foundation will be available soon. The three Pillars of The Foundation will be:
1.0 AWAKEN
We will raise awareness to the prevalence and destruction from Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and toxic childhood trauma, and to the potential of recovering and healing.
2.0 PROVIDE
We will provide the resources, services, and care to those in need in order to heal from ACEs.
3.0 PREVENT
We will work to end preventable ACEs.
The May Avenue Foundation has been recently created to support the efforts of raising awareness, provide therapeutic services free of charge and to eliminate avoidable ACEs. The foundation is in the midst of being finalized and organized.
