Elizabeth Matthews never expected her son Patrick to be diagnosed with autism. And she didn’t expect him to become her “escalator to heaven,” either, as he was decorating the walls of the family home with mud and crayon. In Precious Treasure: The Story of Patrick, Matthews describes with candor and humor the joys, challenges, and heartaches of raising a child with special needs.

This collection of letters written by the author to her son is a poignant work that will inspire all who struggle to understand the presence of the Cross in their lives. In Precious Treasure, Matthews offers a hopeful reminder that God’s plans are infinitely greater than we are able to comprehend.

About the Author

Elizabeth Matthews is the mother of ten children, including her son Patrick, who is autistic. Matthews received her associate’s degree in nursing from Vincennes University in 1986.

Endorsements

“This is a story of a beautiful young man who . . . liberated [his parents] from cultural patterns, from their highly planned life. It tells how he led them to the heart of the Gospel message, a road to life, to greater happiness and holiness through seeing life and people through the heart and eyes of Jesus.”

—Jean Vanier, Founder, L’ Arche

“Beth Matthews shares both her strengths and her weaknesses in such a way that you will be drawn into a glimpse of yourself. You will laugh with her and cry with her. And in the midst of it all, you will appreciate more deeply than before your own family and the ways in which the Lord is using your loved ones to draw your heart closer to Him.”

—Kimberly Hahn, Author of Life Giving Love

“I warmly recommend this highly atypical book. . . . In its pages you will be taken on a profound journey through the heart of a mother directly into the heart of God the Father. This book will greatly challenge and encourage every parent, as it did me, and will show parents how children are treasures from a loving Father graciously sent to prepare them for an eternal home.”

—Steve Wood, President, Family Life Center International