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443rd out of 1,921 books
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2,536 voters
My Emily
This book is about a hurting family, an amazing little girl and a mysteriously faithful God.
Emily wasn't born perfect - so one might think. She was born with Down Syndrome and many would jump to the conclusion that she would have very little hope for a life with any significance. Two years later came the diagnosis of leukemia. What little hope remaining turned to no hope...more
Emily wasn't born perfect - so one might think. She was born with Down Syndrome and many would jump to the conclusion that she would have very little hope for a life with any significance. Two years later came the diagnosis of leukemia. What little hope remaining turned to no hope...more
Paperback, 98 pages
Published
November 16th 2011
by CreateSpace
(first published January 1st 2011)
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My Review:
I was so overwhelmed by this book. Not sure that I would have been able to write such a story. But Matt Patterson has diffidently wrote a very special book. Emily was an amazingly sweet girl. And Matt allowed us through this book to come into their life and see how the Lord can take something and or someone such as cancer and Emily to become a blessing within our life that we know we have to share it.
I was so moved by the insights and the background given. So hard to read about the is...more
I was so overwhelmed by this book. Not sure that I would have been able to write such a story. But Matt Patterson has diffidently wrote a very special book. Emily was an amazingly sweet girl. And Matt allowed us through this book to come into their life and see how the Lord can take something and or someone such as cancer and Emily to become a blessing within our life that we know we have to share it.
I was so moved by the insights and the background given. So hard to read about the is...more
Short, but sweet. I think it could have used more... more details, more history, more.... something. Sad and sweet story.
One evening I started reading this true story on my Kindle, intent on reading only a couple of pages because my alarm was set for 5.30am. Instead, I read My Emily in one sitting, transfixed by the narrative story of Emily’s short life brought to us from her father’s perspective.
We walk in Matt’s shoes as he faces Emily’s Down Syndrome diagnosis when she’s a newborn and her leukemia diagnosis only a few short years later. This beautiful little girl suffered so much. We experience the gamut of her...more
We walk in Matt’s shoes as he faces Emily’s Down Syndrome diagnosis when she’s a newborn and her leukemia diagnosis only a few short years later. This beautiful little girl suffered so much. We experience the gamut of her...more
As a mother of an almost 7 month old girl, this story, My Emily, has allowed me every opportunity to continue giving God thanks for my little Kosi. As short as this story may be, it's a wonderful read and one that any parent can appreciate, causing them to have a greater sense of appreciating every bit of blessing one may have with their child/children, no matter in good health or not. Emily has caused so many people to get a glimpse of what God's love look like, thru the eyes of a child. Many w...more
This was a very touching story. I read it during the time when my daughter was preparing to give birth to her first child, a boy. Every dream I envisioned had my grandson living as a perfectly healthy little boy but, as I began to read this story, I asked myself more often, "What if my grandson isn't born healthy?" The answer: it wouldn't have mattered, in terms of how much he would be loved. Sacrifices might be needed and lifestyles may be forced to change but, even though he was born healthy,...more
The Apostle John, at the end of John 21:25 writes: “Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written.”
You can almost hear John’s sigh because he realizes his inadequacy as a writer to put down the words that could possibly tell the whole story of Christ, His miracles, and His love for humanity. I feel like John, after reading My Emily, written by Emily’s father, Matt Patterson....more
You can almost hear John’s sigh because he realizes his inadequacy as a writer to put down the words that could possibly tell the whole story of Christ, His miracles, and His love for humanity. I feel like John, after reading My Emily, written by Emily’s father, Matt Patterson....more
I had heard my friends talking about this book, and how they had each enjoyed it. I'm not one for overly emotional true stories, as looking at real life sadness can sometimes be to much. But, I decided to take the chance and read it.
I'm glad that I did.
While Matt Patterson puts his emotions on the line to share with us the birth and loss of his beautiful daughter Emily, he also shares more. He has given us all a piece of hope, a tiny piece of love.
While this event in his life as affected him...more
I'm glad that I did.
While Matt Patterson puts his emotions on the line to share with us the birth and loss of his beautiful daughter Emily, he also shares more. He has given us all a piece of hope, a tiny piece of love.
While this event in his life as affected him...more
Imagine your first child is born with Down Syndrome. Now imagine that a few years later, she's diagnosed with leukemia as well. That's the situation facing Bonnie and Matt Patterson in "My Emily." Emily is a sweet, loving child, who loses her battle with leukemia just 6 months later.
Matt writes the book 20 years later, and shares his story in a heart-felt way. Reading the book, I could just feel what a loving, great dad he was and is to his girls (he has two other daughters). I loved how, althou...more
Matt writes the book 20 years later, and shares his story in a heart-felt way. Reading the book, I could just feel what a loving, great dad he was and is to his girls (he has two other daughters). I loved how, althou...more
The bravery Matt Patterson must have had in order to write My Emily is commendable. Reading about his struggles and fears as a father with a child diagnosed Down’s Syndrome was so uplifting. His ability to look back and realize his faith hinged on the fate of this beautiful little girl – I don’t know if I could be so forgiving. I smiled when he wrote of her infectious laugh, her smiles – I cried with him when I read about her birth and when they found out she had Down’s. I cried with the image h...more
Courageous & Inspiring
Like most young couples Matt and Bonnie Patterson were eager to start a family. Their hopes and dreams of delivering a healthy newborn were typical of expectant parents. Shock and confusion shattered those dreams when their newborn daughter, Emily, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Acceptance stemmed from overwhelming love and joy that far outweighed their initial disappointment. A precious and loving child, Emily brought life and light to the family. Two years passed a...more
Like most young couples Matt and Bonnie Patterson were eager to start a family. Their hopes and dreams of delivering a healthy newborn were typical of expectant parents. Shock and confusion shattered those dreams when their newborn daughter, Emily, was diagnosed with Down Syndrome. Acceptance stemmed from overwhelming love and joy that far outweighed their initial disappointment. A precious and loving child, Emily brought life and light to the family. Two years passed a...more
Oh what a powerful, emotional, inspirational story...
I admit crying multiple times, and even having to put the book down a few times because of my emotions, but just when the story brings you the lowest... the light shines through, or the author injects just enough humor to bring you back to a bearable level. You feel as if you're on the rollercoaster along with the author, as he experiences each new high and low with his daughter and family.
Don't get me wrong - it's emotional, but the kind of e...more
I admit crying multiple times, and even having to put the book down a few times because of my emotions, but just when the story brings you the lowest... the light shines through, or the author injects just enough humor to bring you back to a bearable level. You feel as if you're on the rollercoaster along with the author, as he experiences each new high and low with his daughter and family.
Don't get me wrong - it's emotional, but the kind of e...more
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A very special book about a very special family. It’s not a long book. There are no long detailed descriptions of the pain and loss this family endured. There is simply a simple and honest account that is as brief as the wee life it details.
Matt Patterson’s eldest daughter Emily was born with Down Syndrome and when she was two, was diagnosed with leukemia. My Emily takes you not through the minute by minute, day by day sufferings but instead gives you a peek at the joy and the pain of being bles...more
Matt Patterson’s eldest daughter Emily was born with Down Syndrome and when she was two, was diagnosed with leukemia. My Emily takes you not through the minute by minute, day by day sufferings but instead gives you a peek at the joy and the pain of being bles...more
Dear Matt,
Your story touched me in so many levels. As a parent whose little one died, I understand the endless cycles of hospital visits, the conferences with the doctors, the hope and denial, and the final crushing blow. I went through all of this without knowing God, but at the moment when my son left this world, God put a thought in my mind that he had gone with Jesus Christ. And at that moment, at the lowest point of my life, I knew God's grace had touched me and he had sent my little boy to...more
Your story touched me in so many levels. As a parent whose little one died, I understand the endless cycles of hospital visits, the conferences with the doctors, the hope and denial, and the final crushing blow. I went through all of this without knowing God, but at the moment when my son left this world, God put a thought in my mind that he had gone with Jesus Christ. And at that moment, at the lowest point of my life, I knew God's grace had touched me and he had sent my little boy to...more
It was hard to write this review of My Emily. In fact, it was hard to read the book in some ways, because our dear, dear friends lost their precious Down’s child at a very young age, too. But Matt Patterson’s recounting of his daughter’s death offered hope and even joy.
Sometimes God takes the greatest tragedy and shows us an opportunity to grow, to come closer to Him, to be enriched by a life no matter how short it is. This is the message of My Emily. It touched my heart. It made me cry. But, a...more
Sometimes God takes the greatest tragedy and shows us an opportunity to grow, to come closer to Him, to be enriched by a life no matter how short it is. This is the message of My Emily. It touched my heart. It made me cry. But, a...more
To have to go through the heartache and tragedy of watching your beloved child suffer is unimaginable for most of us. Yet in his very real, even humorous, believable way, Matt Patterson takes the courageous step of walking us through the struggles he and his wife faced with their precious daughter, Emily.
Sweet Emily was born with Down syndrome. After the initial shock and barrage of mixed emotions for all the family, it is evident that a very special little girl finds her way into the heart of e...more
Sweet Emily was born with Down syndrome. After the initial shock and barrage of mixed emotions for all the family, it is evident that a very special little girl finds her way into the heart of e...more
I couldn’t tear myself away from the book. I read it in only a few hours. I smiled at the thought of the way Matt acted in the delivery room; Emily’s smiles and kisses. I cried and cried and cried some more.
Matt is a brilliant writer. His pain was etched into the words, but not only was his pain clear, it was his hope that came out as well. Even after Emily’s death and through his anger at God, he was able to have hope that Emily’s legacy would bring about change in someone’s life.
My Emily is a...more
Matt is a brilliant writer. His pain was etched into the words, but not only was his pain clear, it was his hope that came out as well. Even after Emily’s death and through his anger at God, he was able to have hope that Emily’s legacy would bring about change in someone’s life.
My Emily is a...more
Matt Patterson delivers a gripping story about what he and his wife went through when their little girl was diagnosed with Downs. His humorous style lightens the heaviness of sorrow over the trials that little Emily endured. Her spirit remained true and she spread joy wherever she went.
I highly recommend this touching story to anyone who has watched a loved one suffer from Downs or Leukemia. You will be inspired and find hope through the reading of this story.
Even if you haven't experienced some...more
I highly recommend this touching story to anyone who has watched a loved one suffer from Downs or Leukemia. You will be inspired and find hope through the reading of this story.
Even if you haven't experienced some...more
My Emily by Matt Patterson is a poignant tale of a precious child's life and the people she touched during her brief time here on earth. Her Creator made her for a special purpose many years later. I knew Emily's story would be extremely hard to read because of the many trials her family had to face during her short life. I also knew that I would be extremely blessed in reading it, but was reluctant to pick it up at the same time. I was more than rewarded!
I first got to know Matt, the author, th...more
I first got to know Matt, the author, th...more
2 likes · like · see review
It must have taken a lot of effort and a lot of healing to write this story. I'm not a parent and I don't know what it's like to have a sick child, but with the recent illness of my mother, I understand how easy it is to question God in the face of such situations. To come out of it with one faith intact is commendable. I'm happy that the author found the courage to write this little book of inspiration. I encourage every one to read it, not just those who are experiencing the illness of a loved...more
Your love for Emily comes through in your writing. You've actually made me feel as though I knew her personally. The poor little thing went through quite a trying ordeal during the chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant. I'm happy for you, that you have been able to accept her loss as an awakening. I'm also touched that your girls wear rings to remember her by. The only disappointing thing is how short the book is. I would have liked the opportunity to know Emily even better by learning a bit m...more
After reading the book description for My Emily, I expected a deeply moving story. I was not disappointed. This book tells the poignant tale of a very special little girl from her father's point of view. It goes without saying that sadness is an element that one will encounter in the story, but more importantly there is the overwhelming presence of triumph and healing. I applaud this father for having the courage to share his story and to give the gift of Emily to the world. Her joyous and lovin...more
Emily lived only a few years, and many might think her life had no point: she was born with Down’s Syndrome and died of leukemia. Her story, as told by her father, highlights the meaning her brief life gave to her family and many others. Told with honest, raw emotion, this book puts into words the grief that many parents who have lost children feel. My Emily is a beautiful book that demonstrates the value of every human’s life, and the healing that God can bring even in such painful tragedies.
"A Father's Love"
This is a short, nonfiction account written by a young father as he remembers his firstborn child, Emily. Author Matt Patterson recalls his first years of being married, his wife, Bonnie, excited about starting a family. Young Matt wants a boy; Bonnie wants a girl. Soon their first child was born and they are very joyful until the doctor informs them that Emily was born with Down syndrome, one extra chromosome, specifically number 21. Regardless, Emily was a beautiful gift from...more
This is a short, nonfiction account written by a young father as he remembers his firstborn child, Emily. Author Matt Patterson recalls his first years of being married, his wife, Bonnie, excited about starting a family. Young Matt wants a boy; Bonnie wants a girl. Soon their first child was born and they are very joyful until the doctor informs them that Emily was born with Down syndrome, one extra chromosome, specifically number 21. Regardless, Emily was a beautiful gift from...more
As you all know, I typically don't write a review of the books I read, I figure the "stars" speak for themselves. Please read this book. I picked it up at a time when I was feeling oh so sorry for myself, and boy did it put me in my place! It is such a touching, but heart wrenching story and I am so thankful that I read it. It makes me remember to be thankful for all of my many blessings every day.
I have never read a more beautiful and touching love story from a father to his daughter. Matt Patterson shares every ounce of his journey with his daughter in the book, "My Emily" with nothing held back. There are many tears to be had, married with laughs, which I think is exactly what sweet Emily would want her daddy to write. Rally around this author and read this book. Thank you Matt, for giving us all a little piece of your Em & Em to love.
I was amazed at Matt Patterson's courage to share so openly about this painful experience. I don't think I could do the same. I will say that reading about the joy to grief and return to joy that this family journeyed through gave me a new found courage and a new lens with which I can view my own grief. This is a lens of thankfulness for what the Lord gives, even when He takes away.
This touching story of a family's love and loss of their Down Syndrome daughter to a leukemia is written in a stripped-down, no-frills fashion that allows the author to speak of his pain, loss, and eventual healing with an honesty and passion that reaches right to the heart. This is a beautiful reminder that God works even through the greatest tragedies - and the most seemingly unimportant and inconsequential people.
Apr 13, 2012
Solitaire Parke
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Anyone
Recommended to Solitaire by:
Matt Patterson
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Matt Patterson's "My Emily" is a must read for anyone who has kids, or for anyone who is thinking about having kids or anyone who knows someone with kids. This truly is a great book. I read "My Emily" in one sitting and I was riveted to both the book and a box of kleenexes. What Matt's family went through was heart rending and I for one will never forget this book.
Very short book. Read it in about an hour.
Basically tells the story from a dads point of view about his daughter who had downs syndrome then developed leukaemia at the age of two. Very sad, had me with leaky eyes once or twice.
Also quite religious, the family's faith has helped them to get through this terrible time in their lives.
Basically tells the story from a dads point of view about his daughter who had downs syndrome then developed leukaemia at the age of two. Very sad, had me with leaky eyes once or twice.
Also quite religious, the family's faith has helped them to get through this terrible time in their lives.
Very touching story told by a father who lost his daughter (who was born with Down syndrome) to leukemia. The book is a quick read and the narrative is in plain English, almost presented in such a way that you are sitting in a room with the author discussing the events.
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A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Matt Patterson is an award-winning writer, editor and communications professional. His two-plus decades of experience includes public and media relations, as well as print and broadcast journalism. He volunteers his time to helping organizations and charities dedicated to assisting families with children who have special needs or those battling pediatric cancers. M...more
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