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. ( )

This is the very touching journal of the last days of Elena Desserich. Elena was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer at the age of five and given 135 days to live. She lived 256 days.

I'm not going to lie. This was a very difficult book to read since it was about child so young. In fact, I was so overcome by emotion at the end of the book that I was sobbing uncontrollably. But I'm glad that I did. Elena was one of those one in a million children that was born with an old soul and she accomplished so much in a short time. During the course of her last days here on Earth, she wrote many notes of love for her family that she secretly tucked away in different places for her family to find after she was gone......notes she left behind to let them know how much she loved them. ( )

After reading this book, I feel like the Desserichs are old friends and I share the loss of their daughter Elena. They have to be incredibly strong parents to be able to share their innermost thoughts and experiences with the world. The way they write just invites you to be a part of their family. My heart goes out to them and their daughter Gracie for their tremendous loss.
I recommend this book to everyone and am drawn to support their foundation and pediatric brain cancer. ( )

Such a touching story, a book that I could not put down. It made me cry, and it even made me laugh. Most importantly, it reminded me to cherish every moment I have with my children.

The story is about a child, Elena, who has pediatric brain cancer. The book was written by her family and documents their journey though this horrific disease. This book is sure to be a best seller. I highly recommend this book. ( )