Synopsis According to Barnes & Noble:
This is the true story of a six-year-old girl named Elena and her battle against brain cancer. In her last days she showed a community how to love and how to live. Written through the eyes of her parents, Brooke and Keith Desserich, as a remembrance to Elena's younger sister, Elena's story is one of humility and inspiration as she lives each day, one day at a time. In her short time she painted a masterpiece that would hang in an art museum, she accomplished a truly spectacular series of wishes that she alone created, and she inspired a cause that today helps children everywhere in their fight against brain cancer.
In Notes Left Behind Elena's parents struggle to negotiate their contradictory impulses to both fight Elena's cancer at all costs and to realize the inevitable outcome that awaits their daughter. The journal is candid and sincere in its treatment of deeply personal and tragic events and is a reminder to parents everywhere to appreciate and savor every precious moment they have with their own children.
My Review:
I picked this book up when I was at Border's one day... the cover caught my eyes, and then the synopsis pulled me in. I'm becoming a Child Life Specialist, a professional who will work with children in the hospital and help them, as well as their families, cope with their injury or illness using play. Therefore, I thought this book would give me a perspective of the parents, and how they feel as their child is diagnosed with something as big as cancer. And yet, Elena's story has taught me so much more. She has opened my eyes to how short life really is, and to spend each moment surrounding yourself with those you love.
I marked down a couple of quotes that really took hold of me while I was reading. I'd like to share a few -
"Do we ask our children, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" or should we ask them, What do you want to accomplish when you grow up?" And what is the total value of all the time we spend on diversions and distractions rather than the true purpose of living? Can one person change the world? Can one person cure cancer?" [Page 90]
"Still, what is faith? Is it faith that we will make the right decisions or faith that it is in God's hands?" [Page 136]
"Instead of talking about their lasts, we have to start talking about their firsts... It's a much better way to think about life, if you can do it. It only requires hope." [Page 144]
"Never look at a day and think it is a bad day, because this may be better than tomorrow, so just thank God that you have the day at all."[Page 177]
Story of Earl the Squirrel - [Page 181]
I absolutely fell in love with the part of the book when Elena asks her daddy to dance with her at her cousins wedding. I actually cried - it was so beautiful, and made me sad to think that her dad wouldn't be able to dance with her at her own wedding.. but then I thought, well they're dancing in that moment and that's all that should matter. Enjoy the moments you have with your children, whether they are small or big. Take pictures, and really listen to your kids. They won't be young forever, and you never know what tomorrow holds. So put away that business contract of yours, turn off your cell phone, and just be with your children.
There were many other pages that impacted me, but I'd like to leave you asking yourself with what pages affected you the most, when you are finished reading the book.
My Rating: 5 Stars
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