Brooke Desserich

Inspired by notes that a six-year old daughter left behind for her parents to discover. I can understand why her parents wanted to write it but it was really difficult to digest as a reader. It's horrible that any family would have to watch their child live with or die from any disease like cancer, but this isn't the sort of book that I would recommend for others unless they're looking for solace, having lost young family members to a degenerative disease. I know some find the book inspiring, but it hit me differently; I found it to be overwhelmingly sad.… (meer)

This heart-breaking book grew out of a journal the authors started when their five-year-old Elena was diagnosed with a rare and deadly brain-stem cancer. The journal was originally meant to be a remembrance for little sister Gracie, then age four, so she would always know her "best friend," but when the Desserichs began to journal online to keep family and friends updated on Elena's progress, it was read by strangers all over the world who took an interest in Elena.

The book's title comes from the notes her parents began to find after they lost Elena at age six, barely nine months from her diagnosis. The intelligent and creative little girl who loved reading, writing and art had hidden numerous "I love you" notes with heart drawings throughout the house. They are reproduced in the book. As I read about Elena, it was obvious that she was a special little person who probably would have made a tremendous contribution to sociey in adulthood.

She wanted to be a teacher when she grew up and had already developed a love for books. She especially loved her Caldecott Medal winners and had a special place for them on her bookshelves so they wouldn't be mixed in with her "common" books. Both Elena's and Gracie's personalities shine through the journal entries, and it's apparent that Gracie's outgoing, spontaneous anrd bubbly personality was the perfect complent to the reserved and organized Elena's. Gracie was always ready to pull Elena into an adventure, even encouraging her to swim with the dolphins on her wish trip.
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Although the book is terribly sad, it's also inspirational, encouraging its readers to live life to the fullest, never taking a moment for granted, and especailly reminding parents that childhood is fleeting at best and that there are no guarantees your children will outlive you. The authors also want Elena's story to encourage more cancer research, especially in rare pediatric cancers.… (meer)