My Emily- A story that will change your life

I wanted to read this book for a while.  I was afraid because I knew it would be verysad.  I got a sudden boost of courage onenight, when I was having trouble sleeping. I started reading and I could not stop.  I was up until after 2:00 AM, when I finallyfinished the book.  I think I cried fromthe first chapter on.  Again the nextday, whenever I thought about Emily and her family, more tears.
However, there was much more in this book.  It was not all sadness.  There was a wealth of goodness. 
There was strength and hope. [image error]  There was pure joy. 
There was love and sweetness. 
Emily was a delightful little girl.  She was full of love and kisses.  She displayed courage and perseverance wellbeyond her years.   An angel who came to earth for a short time, but touchedcountless lives. 
Matt shared his joy and his pain with such clarity you couldfeel it in your soul.  He was able to deepenhis personal relationship with God and that gave him strength.  However, in the end, Emily was the one thatgave him hope. 
There areseveral lessons in this story.  The firstwill dispel the myth that "a child born with Down syndrome has littlehope for a meaningful life."  The secondis the inspiration for gratitude- something we all need in our lives.  The third is the reminder that you can turnto God for refuge in your time of need. You alone construct that relationship, connecting the way that works foryou. .

Interview with Matt Patterson
K- How long was it, after losing Emily, before you startedto write this book?
Would you believealmost 20 years?  It all started with anewspaper column at a small daily in Michigan's Upper Peninsula where I coveredthe courts and crime beat. My weekly column was my escape from the straightnews that came with sitting in court or dealing with law enforcement officers,lawyers and judges. I tried to relay to readers that I was more than the guywho covered preliminary hearings and other proceedings.  I wanted them to know I was a regular guy – ahusband, a dad and a fella who possessed a small sense of humor. On the week ofEmily's birthday I decided to write a column sharing Emily's story and herinfluence on me and the many others who crossed her path. The response to thecolumn was very positive and I received a few notes thanking me.  One writer on the staff told me that I shouldwrite a book.  I told her I thought thatwould be a great idea. The timing never seemed right, but about two years ago Iwas moved to give it a shot. And as they say, "the rest is history."
K- I guess God and Emily must have decided that the timewas right.  Did you ever feel like Emilywas guiding you, while you wrote?
Absolutely!  There were particular moments, I feel, thatshe guided me as to what to write and how to share it. There were moments,especially when dealing with some specifics of her care and after she hadpassed away, that she was the one sharing and I was just the guy typing thewords.
[image error] K- I was touched by the story of the charcoal portraitsthat you purchased as gifts.  The way youspotted that artist, on that day, enforces my belief in fate.  Do you believe in fate?
That's actually avery good question.  Many people bring upthat story, as well as the one with the birthstone rings as moments when theywere particularly touched. Now, to answer your question, I have to say yes –yes, I believe in fate. I do, however, have to add I'm not a real big believerin luck.  Do I believe in coincidence?Not really. 
In regard to Emily, IDO NOT believe I got dealt a bad hand. Was it bad luck? Quite the opposite! Ifanything, I was "lucky" to have her!  Wasit a painful time?  You bet!  However, I feel we were blessed with Emily –no doubt whatsoever. Was it fate? I feel it was our destiny to be her parents.We are such better people for having gone through this.  I consider myself fortunate to be able toshare her story and perhaps touch a heart or two. It has given me such an opportunityto serve. Whether it's sharing this story in cancer or grief support groups, witha friend or individual from our church or with someone on-line, I feel I sovery blessed to be able to perhaps help in some small way.
K- It was inspiring the way you had nothing but good tosay about the medical professionals.  Ithink many people would want to point the finger at someone.  To find some comfort in having someone toblame.  Was that a conscious decision ordid you pray about it?
Great question!  I feel, at times, we live in a time that it'squick and easy to blame someone.  That'sjust not me.  I don't believe it was aconscious decision to not lay blame or point a finger, but I can say that by prayingfor those who were caring for Emily, it was a whole lot easier to be grateful,as opposed to blaming someone.  
Everyone who played apart in Emily's care remain very special to us. They did everything they couldfor her AND for us. To walk out of that ICU room minutes after Emily passedaway and see the physicians gathered in a small circle with their arms foldedand their heads down in disappointment and sadness.  Then, to see those from the pediatric unitlined up to say their last good-byes to Emily? How can I point a finger when I allI wanted to do was hug and thank them?
K- Your book will help so many people get through theirgrief.  Do you plan to write any other books?
M – Yes, I do!  I'm very excited about my next project whichwill be a companion to My Emily.  Ireally can't give all the details because I don't have it all sorted out quiteyet, but I can say it will be an effort to help others, for sure.  I'm excited about its possibilities.
K- Thank you so much for this interview.  Moreover, thank you for sharing Emily withthe world.  
[image error] M – You're so verywelcome, Kathleen.  I have to say thankYOU for being so generous with your words and actions in trying to share mylittle book with others.  This journey insharing Emily's story has gone far beyond what I would've ever expected.  I have truly been humbled and blessed by somany wonderful people in wanting to help share Emily's legacy.  It's been amazing thus far and I feel I stillhave a lot of work to do – and that's exciting!
 K- I wish you and your family the very best health, happiness,and love.

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