Since my book has been read by thousands of people, I got an overwhelming amount of questions about where my sister Sarah is and if she ever left the Amish too. The answer is – she’s happily married to an Amish man – Abe Miller. Yes, the same guy I wrote about in the book. If you read the book, you can put two and two together and realize how awkward it is for me to visit my wonderful sister. Especially now that I sent a copy of the book to Abe and Sarah… they will be utterly shocked to read some of the stories. 😉 It gives me an adrenaline rush just to wonder what will be going through their minds when they read it!
I was and still am very close to Sarah, and I can’t wait to see her next month when I go to Maine to visit my family. This year it will be extra special to visit because Abe and Sarah had their first child – a baby boy, named Atlee. He was born on April 3rd. I have a total of 10 nieces and nephews now unless someone had a baby that I don’t know about, Lol. I have not seen all of them yet, but that will change next month.
So… just to let everyone know that as much as I wish Sarah would have left the Amish so we could take selfies together and drink Starbucks coffee every day, the timing was off and I never tried to convince her to leave or any of my other siblings. Sarah changed her mind about wanting to leave a couple months after I left. I didn’t specifically ask her why she changed her mind, I knew the stress on my parents worried Sarah too much. Plus, she started dating Abe soon afterwards. I decided that if one of my siblings really wanted to join me, they had to make that decision on their own. It’s a hard decision to make and it has to come from the heart, not the mind – or it will never work. I would feel guilty to ask anyone to leave because if they absolutely hate it, then it would be my fault. I would, however, give my full support to anyone needing a place to stay and get on their feet.
I think I live next to one of your uncles just outside of Peoli, OH. A friend lent a copy of your book which has provided me with insight into the beliefs and lifestyle of my Amish neighbors. I am new to the area and have never known or lived near the Amish. I want to be respectful and not offend my neighbors; it would be nice to have good relationships. I wish you continued blessings and healing in your life’s journey. I pray that the suffering you have endured be used in reparation for sins against the Sacred Heart of Jesus for the salvation of souls. God bless you!
I have read your book and have now found this blog. I greatly appreciate your story and the fact you are not trying to talk anybody into leaving the Amish. Like you said,, it must be each person’s choice.
Emma, your story is very poignant. I look forward to receiving a copy of your book.
Emma,
You are a strong women! You can do anything you put your mind to do. Go for what you want in life! I really enjoyed your book and have sent it on to my professor’s at Augsburg college in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
All My blessing to you,
Emma,
I just read your book today. I live about 1 mile from your parents in Easton, Maine. My home is filled with 3 rocking chairs and many tables made by the dear hand of your brother Sam. Sam and Mattie have been so kind to let me visit with them and hold Paul. He is such a sweet baby and his smile lights up the world. I would love to invite you, the next time you come to Maine, to come and stay with us. I would really like to get to know you. I am 65 years old, married and have 2 grown daughters and 2 grandchildren. You are an amazing young woman and meeting you with be such a highlight to me. Love and prayers, Janna Dodge
I truly enjoyed your book and will await the second one! Your book gives a much better insight as to what you endured and survived. Thank you
Thank you, Marge! More writing is in the process
Its like you read my mind! You seem to know so much
about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is fantastic blog.
An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back.
Hello Emma, I just now learned of your story and the book you authored. I too was a runaway at eighteen. I made a clean break from amish life in 1955, then soon after had a successful career in the US Air Force and Air Force Reserve. Through my aviation life within the military and related aviation training I easily transitioned into my ultimate goal of becoming an airline pilot where I retired at age 60 after being a captain on heavy transports flying international routes throughout the world. I must get my hands on your book ASAP.
Hello Emma, I have just finished reading your book. In fact, I couldn’t put it down AT ALL until I had completed it. I have SO much respect for you, and wish you nothing but the best. I have always been fascinated by the Amish, and, coming from Australia, have not been able to observe any Amish communities at first hand. Your courage in leaving and making a worthwhile life for yourself almost completely unaided leaves me breathless. You are obviously a very intelligent young woman, with the wisdom to realise that education is the way forward. Keep learning! You have a kind and gentle soul, and have put that to full use in the way you are helping others in underprivileged communities.I hope you are able to keep in contact with your family. Can’t wait for your new book!
Deborah.