As Diana surveyed her newborn baby’s face, languid body, and absent cry, she knew something was wrong. Then the doctors delivered devastating news: her first child, Emma, had been born with a rare genetic disorder that would leave her profoundly physically and intellectually disabled.Diana imagined life with a child with disabilities as a dark and insular one—a life in which she would be forced … forced to exist in the periphery alongside her daughter. Convinced of her inability to love her “imperfect” child and give her the best care and life she deserved, Diana gave Emma up for adoption. But as with all things that are meant to be, Emma found her way back home. As Emma grew, Diana watched her live life determinedly and unapologetically, radiating love always. Emma evolved from a survivor to a warrior, and the little girl that Diana didn’t think she could love enough rearranged her heart. In her short eighteen years of life, Emma gifted her family the indelible lesson of the healing and redemptive power of love.This is a mother’s requiem to her perfectly imperfect child—a child who left too soon, but whose lessons continue to inspire a life lived and loved.
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Emma’s Laugh by Diana Kupershmit is a beautifully written, emotional, raw memoir that really touched my heart and soul.
The author’s use of vivid imagery drew me into her story. Diana’s daughter Emma was born with disabilities, and this is the story of her journey, not just Diana’s but also Emma’s.
I am not a parent, but it always seems that parents are teaching their children. In this heartfelt story, we learn of the lessons that Emma teaches not only Diana but also everyone she comes into contact with.
The writing was excellent and very raw. The author opened herself up and poured out her feelings onto the page.
Very well done, a very good memoir of family.
A mother’s eternal love captured on every page.
I was bracing myself for an incredibly sad book. And yet, while there are heartbreaking moments in the face of Emma’s devastating circumstances, the book is wrought with lessons on love and imbued with hope! The author paints a candid and colorful portrait of her daughter, Emma–a child who the reader will come to know and love for the sweet and sassy spirit of light she was.
As the storm of Emma’s physical and mental struggles rages on, the author tethers herself to her daughter, creating their own port of real love and healing amidst the angry winds and surging tides. Despite the many challenges, the author protected and loved her daughter every single step of the way. I want to thank the author for her bravery in sharing this tapestry of love and for giving me the magic of Emma’s laugh.
Ahhh the simple purity of a laugh that says what words cannot!
Emma’s Laugh is the beautiful retelling of the profound impact a perfectly imperfect little baby born with severe disabilities had on Diana, her mother. Diana takes us through the heart-breaking twists and turns as she describes how she traveled this journey with her daughter and family. Not knowing if she could handle the challenge, she learns that the joy of being with her child brought treasures she had no idea existed before. Only to discover an inner strength bolstered by joy, she sees what matters the most in this world—happiness discovered through the simplest things—like the beauty of Emma’s infectious laugh!
Diana’s writing was one of the first things to catch my attention. I’m not sure what I was expecting, but in all honesty, I didn’t expect it to envelop me the way it did. Her writing style conveyed a heartfelt, emotional story that was extremely easy to feel and visualize.
After giving birth to her first child, Diana immediately knew something wasn’t right when the baby was placed on her chest. She later learned that Emma was born with a chromosomal anomaly that caused significant physical and developmental disabilities.
While it no doubt helped to label what had happened, Diana and her husband, Tolya, were left with many questions and decisions. Would they ever be able to have healthy children? Would they be capable of caring for a child as needy as Emma? Even if they could care for her, what would be best for Emma?
It is obvious that Emma’s Laugh is written in an attempt to share the author’s deepest feelings, even when it doesn’t always show her in the best light. I could easily see a woman who was depicting herself as human, with feelings that nearly all of us would have wrestled with.
This inspirational book kept me turning pages. Though I can’t begin to know the major ups and downs of caring for a child who requires so much. Diana shares her true emotions with us. The tears and the laughter.
This story was truly an eye-opener. It provided a degree of understanding to what it’s like to love and care for a child who needs so much more than most of us are prepared to offer.
My Concerns
None
Final Thoughts
I highly recommend this beautiful tribute which allows Emma to touch so many hearts with her happy spirit and laugh. This story chronicles the rollercoaster ride of unanswered questions and emotions that new parents face when a sweet, special needs child comes into their life.
And last but not least, this special memoir shares the love and lessons that Emma shared with her family.
My thanks to the author for a copy of this book and the ability to post a review with no stipulations.