Precious Treasure: The Story of Patrick

by Elizabeth Matthews

Elizabeth Matthews never expected her son Patrick to be diagnosed with autism. But she didn't expect him to becomer her "escalator to heaven", either. In Precious Treasure, Matthews describes the joys, challenges, and heartaches of raining a child with special needs.

138 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2002

Reviews

[Miss K · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 stars*

A beautiful story about an autistic boy, Patrick, and his trials, leading his mother to see God's Wills in everything she does. The piles of laundry, the fingerprints on the walls, the screaming during the night, and everything else happening during the day led her to see why God has placed her in each situation. "Children are a beautiful stairway to heaven. Slowly, day after day, hour after hour, minute after minute, they work with God to help us grow in virtue and to scrape away all the filth that covers us because of our sins."

I especially loved the format of each chapter- starting with a letter to Patrick from his mother!

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book. I saw Elizabeth Matthews on EWTN Living His Life Abundantly, she talked about her journey with Patrick, her autistic son, and the book. Because of family matters, Patrick moved from his home into a residence where he could get the support and care he needed. This book is a series of letters that Elizabeth wrote Patrick, pouring her heart out to him. During her EWTN interview, she talked about how she prepared Patrick to receive the sacraments of Confirmation and Holy Communion. I had hoped for years that our Michael would be able to receive Holy Communion, she is the one that helped me to see that my hope could be very real. It is absolutely beautiful, you will need Kleenex!

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I didn't actually read all of this book. I read the beginning, then skimmed other parts. It made me really appreciate what I have and realize that the trials I experience as a mother really aren't that bad. It gave me a glimpse into what life as a parent with a child having severe autism is like. I was reminded that sometimes parents do all they can and still can't control everything. This is a family that was probably the source of much gossip, but reading their personal story should make anyone feel empathetic and teach us that we can't judge anyone until we've walked in their shoes. I was especially intrigued that this family is from and lives in Indiana and is much like my own and others that I know. Their faith and honesty impressed me.

[Candace Bex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fabulous book about the personal experience of raising a child with autism. Elizabeth Matthews is Catholic and the book reflects a Catholic perspective. This book does not discuss causes of autism nor does it purport to establish a cure for autism. It is strictly about the author's personal experience of being a Catholic parent of an autistic son and how God used Patrick to bring her closer to him. It is very easy to read, full of humor and is an extremely accurate portrayal of day to day life with autism.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful book. Not done yet. She's so filled with faith, hope, and love. What's beautiful is her whole accepting, positive, even grateful attitude towards Patrick, who she definitely sees as God's greatest gift! A great book to remind us that life's struggles, hardships, failures, crosses can be seen as our greatest gifts. The cliche that you'll either grow bitter or better is illustrated perfectly in this story! I finished. Leaves you with a very sad feeling.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am very impressed with the entire family. Not only does this book describe some of the challenges they have with having an autistic child as one of the 10 children in this family. It also shows how God has blessed the whole family with teachable moments through the challenges. Yes there are challenges but so many more blessings. I can't begin to describe all of the good things I have learned by reading this book. I will be reading it again.

[Cathy Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the book for free through Goodreads First Reads. I found the book to be very well written and enjoyable. The patience and love the mother has for her child is amazing. I believe not many could look at the situation that this family does. The book was short, and now it would be interesting to know the rest of the story. I would recommend this to anyone who had a child with difficulties. The way to deal with the issues was quite eye-opening. Thank you for letting me receive it!

[Krystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is full of amazing stories of an autistic boy and his family and what they have gone through to help their child.

[John Doyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patrick discounts danger. His hunger is quite insatiable. He paints in mud and crayon. Is Patrick just like other young boys? Not exactly. Elizabeth Matthews throws open a window into the heart of a heroic and loving mother, her own heart, from which the reader may gaze with awe and wonder into the mystery surrounding the inestimable dignity of every human person within the Christian vision. Loving her non-verbal, emotionally complex, danger-prone autistic son to the point of heroism, this extraordinary woman shares her blessings, joys, and trials in loving and providing for Patrick. Each chapter begins with a heartfelt letter from Mom to Patrick and then proceeds to share her real-life experiences and the oft unexpected lessons God had in store for her. Even though the book is by no means preachy in style, its pages offer profound insights into the lessons this parent learned from God as she attempted to do the impossible for Patrick while continuing to care and provide for her husband and numerous other children. Just as this book has blessed me, so too I hope and pray that God will use it to bless many other people so that we all may learn to view each and every human being as a precious treasure—a beloved son or daughter of God.