Stardate 01.12.2026
Today, I want to offer a heartfelt shout-out to Helen M. Swearson, one of my day-job teammates who generously donated her free time to serve as the artist for my first coloring book.
Where in the World Is Wilson? is now in its final trimester. I ordered an ultrasound from Amazon early this morning to check on the progress. While there were a few complications early on, this may turn out to be the smoothest delivery of the Irish triplets yet.
If you’ve been following the journey of the Irish twins — Live Long and Prosper (born Stardate 03.17.2024) and The Adventures of Castaway Wilson (born Stardate 03.17.2025) — consider this your official progress report. Yes, this third book is on track to launch on St. Patrick’s Day, marking three consecutive years of storytelling, faith, and purpose.
This project would not exist without Helen from my day job stepping in at a critical moment in my life.
Helen is one of those rare people who carries a quiet but powerful heart for helping others. From the beginning, this coloring book was meant to be a source of comfort for children at the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital — a gentle continuation of Wilson’s story after we were separated.
Readers kept asking the same question:
“Where’s Wilson?”
The coffee table book offered a clue.
While traveling in Ireland, a red volleyball appeared in a river beside an Irish castle — not far from where the Blarney Stone rests. I was tempted to jump in and rescue it, but the current was too strong. Instead, I watched as it floated downstream and disappeared into the sea.
That’s when it hit me.
What if Wilson didn’t disappear?
What if he kept going?
From that moment on, I began imagining all the places Wilson might have traveled since I last saw him. Helen helped bring those ideas to life, turning imagination into illustrations. Soon, you’ll get to see Wilson’s newest adventures — and I must say, his life has turned out to be rather extraordinary.
Helen has been sharing her drawings with family members, and Wilson has quickly become their favorite character. That tells me everything I need to know.
I’ll be sharing more about Helen as we move closer to the launch. While each book in this Irish trio is unique, they all share a common purpose: raising funds for our local children’s hospital. There are also anonymous supporters quietly working behind the scenes, helping make this mission possible.
I promised Helen she will be well rewarded for her contributions — and I wouldn’t be surprised if the world gets to know her name one day.
Stay tuned.
Have a great day.
Captain’s Addendum 🖖
Bones: “Michael, I’m a doctor, not a children’s book critic… but even I know when a story has heart.”
Spock: “Indeed, Doctor. Logic suggests that stories rooted in compassion tend to travel far — much like this… Wilson.”
Michael: “That’s the part that still amazes me. What started as loss turned into legacy. Sometimes letting go is exactly what allows a story to grow.”
Scripture for the Journey
“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
— Proverbs 11:25
Mission Reflection
Thank you for walking this journey with me — for believing in small ideas, shared hearts, and stories that keep going even when we can’t see where they land. May this encourage you to trust that what you release with love never truly disappears.
🖖 Live long. Prosper in purpose. Walk boldly in divine love.
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