Review: Emma & I by Sheila Hocken. 06/23/2017

This was a relaxing read and I enlightened by the story of a child being born with a rare disease that caused her to be blind. She had light blurred vision but as she got older she went blind. It is such an inspiring story, well written, and Shiela will take you through her childhood to the adult she became never feeling sorry for herself and greatly appreciates the gifts she is given which includes Emma, a Labrador Retriever who is a guide dog.

As the reader it was emotional journey to the end. The book relates Shiela’s inner thoughts, feelings, insight on how she viewed, people, life challenges, and yes, her frustrations with mostly herself if she couldn’t understand an issue or situation quick enough. Shiela’s shares an amazing insight to others about being blind, how she was capable of caring for a guide dog and knowing the value of having one, and the miracle that came to her one day as an adult.

Shiela’s words are clear and honest. There was hardly anything she couldn’t manage on her own. She later found out as an adult that there was a doctor who specialized with more modern technology when it came to eye care. Shiela went through surgery for her eyes and her healing progress was also emotional. The day the doctor took the bandages off her eyes Shiela described her experience of blurred vision like what she had as a small child. However, as each day passed she described colors and shapes and seeing a persons image for the first time but most of all she was overjoyed to a high pleasure of delight when she seen Emma for the first time. ( )

This takes you on an emotional journey where a young girl finds herself going blind. That doesn't stop her from being as independent as possible and trying to be like others her age. There are times of frustration and anger, sadness and a feeling of wanting to give up, yet she keeps moving forward with the help of others.
When the darkness becomes total just before she reaches 18, her feqr nearly overwhelms her as reality becomes known. It is when the guide dog Emma is given to her that a sense of freedom and independence is felt.
This was a truly amasing book and packed a punch about how someone so young dealt with what was such a huge life changing event. Instead of allowing it to make her bitter, she got stronger and lead a great life despite the issues and down times. For someone like me who has disabilities, it is inspiring. I highly recommend this book. ( )

A touching and inspiring story of a blind woman and her beloved guide dog. The relationship between the two makes a really enjoyable novel. ( )