A Preston resident and graduate of Utah State University recently published her first creative nonfiction book that tells a personal story rich with vulnerability, resilience and her connection to her faith.

Jackie Hirschi has lived in Preston for the past 25 years. Before she retired, she had worked in a variety of positions related to psychology, including as a special education educator and as a job counselor. But despite her background in helping others, Hirschi — like everybody else — has had her own personal challenges.

That is where Hirschi’s first creative nonfiction book, “The Gift of the Snowflake,” comes in.

“This book is about pain,” Hirschi said. “It’s about suffering. It’s about feeling worthless — something every person on this earth has felt at one time.”

The words that Hirschi said she hates most are “get over it.” Because of her background in psychology, she knows these words do not aid someone going through a hard time. This, she said, is what her book is about.

“The Gift of the Snowflake,” published in November, explores universal themes of pain, suffering and the often-overlooked struggles within families, Hirschi said. The book takes place on a December night five years ago, when she went through an extremely dark experience where hope was fleeting, and she felt no self-worth.

“Nobody knows the pain that we feel inside,” Hirschi said. “Even the people that live with us. The closest to us don’t understand what it is that we’re going through.”

The title for the book came about after Hirschi was inspired by the beauty and uniqueness of snowflakes as she watched them fall with her granddaughter one evening. Each snowflake is different, she said, and while they may seem delicate and get trampled on when they fall to the ground, they are very important.

In a similar way, people face challenges when they enter the world and may feel trampled upon, Hirschi said.

“I realized that night as I held my granddaughter that I am a snowflake,” she said. “I’m still just as beautiful in my Heavenly Father’s eyes as the snowflake is.”

Hirschi started writing the book five years ago after the incident. “The Gift of the Snowflake,” published by Covenant Books, is based on religion. She said she encourages readers, irrespective of their religious affiliations, to turn to a higher power for solace and support.

“Anybody, it doesn’t matter what religion or faith you are, can turn to God,” she said. “He knows your pain more than any other human, than anything or anyone on this earth.”

The book, which originally started with Hirschi simply reflecting on her experiences, was submitted for publication in January. This Christmas, she had the opportunity to share it with her family, particularly her grandchildren.

Hirschi’s granddaughter was five at the time of the incident the book was inspired by. This year, the now 10-year-old had the opportunity to read about her grandmother’s experiences and her strength in overcoming difficulties, she said.

“It’s really been an experience writing this,” Hirschi said. “It’s very therapeutic. When my granddaughter read it, she said ‘Grandma, I didn’t know you hurt so bad.’ That was probably the first time I felt good about it. I let her know that it’s okay to feel bad, and when you do, you know where to go for help. If anything, I left that message for my grandkids.”

“The Gift of the Snowflake” is currently available at Barnes and Noble. Hirschi said it will soon be released on Amazon and iTunes. For those seeking signed copies or direct contact with the author, Hirschi welcomes inquiries via email at JackieKKCDT@aol.com or her Facebook page (Jackie Hirschi).