After six decades, Menard has written his memoir, The Kite That Couldn’t Fly: And Other May Avenue Stories. His childhood stories are powerful and, somehow, both unique and relatable at the same time. Written by the second oldest of 14 children, Michael Menard tells his childhood stories of beautiful redemption and how light comes from darkness.

You’ve been through some tough stuff; we all have, but Menard’s experiences are off the charts. The May Avenue Stories range from funny to unthinkable to unfathomable and offer a raw and courageous glimpse into a journey none of us would choose, yet in a sense, we are all on. The May Avenue Stories tell the reader, “You are not alone,” and provide the opportunity to reflect on subjects we desperately need to talk about.

Menard’s initial motivation for writing his book was to leave a legacy and a record of history for his five daughters and nine grandchildren. But when he sought advice from mental health experts, the book took an interesting and serious turn. The experts all agreed that what Menard and his siblings had experienced was Complex Childhood Trauma, possibly explaining why Menard had lost two brothers to drug addiction. His research created a burning question that he was compelled to answer: Did he achieve his successes in spite of, or because of his childhood experiences? Part memoir, part educational, Menard marries his story telling with thoughtful insights and awareness of the wide-reaching implications of childhood trauma.

The May Avenue Stories feature three main characters. Menard’s mother, Arletta, who was a gifted and dedicated mother. She taught her children about love, relationships, hope, grace, and mercy… and to never ever give up. Arletta taught her children about the power of gratitude; to be thankful, even for their one dim lightbulb. She taught her children about Jesus and that God’s love comes from everywhere. Through her words of wisdom, her children learned how to forgive, especially their father, Paul.

Menard’s father is the antagonist of the book. A victim of Complex Childhood Trauma himself, Paul virtually works himself to death while trying to provide the basics of survival for his family of 16. He taught his children mostly the wrong lessons of life: how to cheat, steal, and destroy their enemies. On the positive side, Paul taught his children how to stand up for themselves, how to stop bullies in their tracks, and about the pride of being a Menard.

Jamie, the oldest of the 14, is the center of most of the May Avenue Stories. Like his father, Jamie was a fierce street fighter and troublemaker who just couldn’t stay in school. Yet he had a heart of gold and a singing voice that won hearts and the lead in all the school plays.

Read how Jamie transformed from a violent teenager to a gold-standard husband and father and the school principal. Discover how Polly and Michael made mouse-skin gloves in a mice-infested house. Learn about the kite that couldn’t fly. See what it was like to have faith that the Lord would provide, even while the cupboards were bare. Understand how the alchemy of tough and tender created extraordinary women and real men.

Complex childhood trauma can annihilate us or bring out the best in us. The May Avenue Stories are testaments to the enduring power of possibility. If you’ve been feeling something must change, this just might be the book for you.