MLS Foundation

The directors and myself have had many wonderful experiences over the past five years as we have made numerous acquaintances and great strides to bring additional and effective mental health awareness to the world. We would like to thank personally all of the people and organizations who have help make this transition more comfortable and have donated to and participated in our events and, also, who have worked so hard on our projects on behalf of those burdened with mental health issues.

I knew the Foundation in memory of Mike could be a very special vehicle and a great inspiration for improving the direction of Mental Health, Substance Abuse and Domestic Violence care! I now know what special means and am humbled by the generosity and graciousness of all. You demonstrate enduring support, dedicated commitment and outstanding leadership. The fruits of our collective integrity on the cause will improve and monitor the quality of life for those who can not speak for themselves.

In conclusion, we must continue together to put forth extraordinary effort to attain greater goals and support our growing programs. I hope you, too, agree that the Michael Lynn Shatto Foundation can be one of the country's greatest and most unique carriages for mental health awareness. We are excited to be embarking on this journey with you. I know it can be an amazing trip for you and the world we serve.

Donna Shatto
President

DESIDERATA

Go placidly among the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender, be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself. Especially do not affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass.

Take kindly, the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with the imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe, no less than trees and stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore, be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life, keep peace with your soul.

With all it's sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. be Careful. Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann

Found in Old St. Pauls Chirch, Balitimre. Dated 1692

Read at the Memorial service for Michael Lynn Shatto 8/22/2000.

A copy of this poem has hung in the home since Michael was a small child. Michael's mother often reviewed the content with him and encouraged him to use it as a guidepost for his life and career.