Author: Matt Patterson
Genre: True Story, Faith, Death, Grieving
My rating: 4 stars
In all honesty, I've had this book sitting on my Kindle for months now. It is very short (I read it in a little over an hour) but I put off reading it. I knew it was likely going to be sad, and I was a little afraid to read it.
In a way, it is a very sad book, but it also shares a good message and is touching. It's definitely a book that made me appreciate my good fortune more. It's so easy to take things for granted. All I could do while reading this is thank my lucky stars I have two healthy, happy children. I am so very blessed.
Emily was born with Down syndrome and went on to develop leukemia. This is the story of a father's struggle to come to terms with his beautiful daughter's illness and his subsequent grief. However, it is also the story of the happiness Emily brought into the lives of every person she touched during her brief life.
This book will make you cry (at least, it made me cry), but it is good. Emily's story touched me because it is partially about her difference with having Down syndrome, and they way people reacted to her. I can relate to that, as my son had problems early in life, and it changed the way people treated him. Sometimes people are afraid of what is different. People like Emily can help change that perception with their sweetness and love of others.
This book brought all of my son's prior issues and the trouble he had to mind, so I was in a reflective mood throughout the time I read it. It has stayed with me afterward as well. I will likely think about Emily for a long time yet.
What Matt Patterson's family dealt with was so hard; my heart goes out to them. At the same time, Matt's Emily made a huge difference in the lives of all those she touched; she was a very special spirit. I can only hope that having her light in their lives for the brief time she was here will help the Pattersons when things are tough.
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Happy reading everyone!
eeeChantelfff
It sounds like a wonderful story, Chantel. I know people who have been through this and the love and strength they have never fails to impress me. Thanks for sharing this review!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kimberly. It really is a story of strength and love. Even though I'm always hesitant to read sad stuff, this one was worth it.
DeleteThank you so very, very much for your kind review Chantel. It means a great deal to me that you would read it - given your hesitancy, which I completely understand.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest thanks,
Matt
My thanks to you for sharing your story, Matt. It really is touching, and I hope sharing Emily's life has helped you to heal some. There are never words anyone can say to help, but I do wish you and your family all the best. Emily was very special, and I'm glad to get a little glimpse of her light by reading My Emily.
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