Clark L. Roberts lost his ability to see at age 24. But he didn’t lose his ability to enjoy and participate in life. For more than 22 years, he has been a motivational speaker and an advocate for Guide Dogs for the Blind.

“When changes come, life doesn’t stop,” said Roberts, who lives in Bellevue.

Now he has authored a book, “Wags to You: Short & Long Dog Tails” that he calls stories of hope, courage, inspiration, and humor.

“Writing this book provided another venue to share my story of sight loss and the struggle that followed,” Roberts said. “It allowed people to walk with me through those struggles, to be a part of my journey with my guide dogs and with the people that I met along the way.”

Even for people with sight, the world can seem very dark at times, Roberts said.

“People need to hear a message of hope. They need to know that in the middle of struggle, God has an incredible plan for them, that they have potential, talent and abilities.”

People, Roberts added, need to know they have a choice — let the challenge define them and hold them captive or choose to embrace it and move forward.

“Life is a gift,” Roberts said, “ unwrap it and cherish every moment.”

Though his book is just coming off the press, Roberts has had multiple emails and conversations with people who are eager to purchase their copy and to purchase a copy for their friends and family.

“They have told me that they laugh, cry and then laugh again as they are drawn in to the stories,” Roberts said. “They can relate to the struggle, the relationship between my guide dogs and me.”

Roberts recently gave a presentation to students at Bellevue’s Tillicum Middle School.

“These students could not stop talking about what they had learned, and wanted to bring their parents down to see Arby, meet me and buy a book.” Roberts said.

Roberts nots that self-publishing a book involves a massing learning curve.

“The self-publishing industry is a puzzle that is not easily pieced together,” Roberts said. “I could easily teach a class titled:  ‘Self Publishing — Wreck to Reality!’”

Publishing also produced a personal connection between Roberts and readers.

“I was surprised that many of the people who reviewed the book wanted to know more about me,” Roberts said. “They wanted to know when I was writing the next book, the behind the story story, the beginning of my journey, more about my family then, my life before the sight loss and more about my life now.”

There were surprises, too, particularly how much emotion Roberts felt as he wrote the book.

“As I relived on paper the moments of loss, grief, anger and hope, I felt like I was there again,” Roberts said. “I have shared my life pretty openly with others, but there was something about really digging deep into my memories and reliving each moment that was healing.  I have laughed and cried as I put my thoughts together and shared them in this book.  It truly is from my heart.”

The Reporter first caught up with Roberts three years ago when he talked about how his love for outdoor activities — tandem biking, wakeboarding and snow sports — didn’t diminish because of his blindness. He’s only expanded on such activities since.

“I went skydiving in 2012,” Roberts said. “What a rush that was, something I cannot wait to do again.”

He also undertook a 100-mile bike ride — the Chelan Century— with his son, Jacob.

He also continues to speak in schools and makes presentations to youth groups, business people and business organizations.

“One of the highlights was last October when I had the privilege and honor to give back to Guide Dogs For The Blind by being a keynote speaker for the 2013 Alumni Reunion,” Roberts said. “I truly cannot say enough about this amazing organization.  My life has been blessed because of them and because of that, we are donating a percentage of all sales to Guide Dogs for the Blind.”

Catch up with Roberts

Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Book Signing — Christmas At The Lake, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho

Nov. 30, 3 p.m. Give Back Presentation — Puppies Of Promise, Spokane

Dec. 6, 8-10 a.m. Book Signing — The Den Coffee Shop, Bothell

Dec. 7, Noon to 2:30 p.m. A Give Back Event “Helping Others, Help Others” at the Eastside Christian Fellowship office in Kirkland, 127 10th St. S., Suite 600

Dec.12, 7-9 p.m. Book Release Party — Eastside Christian Fellowship office, Kirkland

Dec. 20, 4-7 p.m. A “Very Merry” Book Signing — DaVine Wine Bar, 3836 222 Place, #106, Maple Valley

More information is available by contacting Roberts at 425-891-9008, ultimatevision@live.com or www.ultimate-vision.org