Notes Left Behind: 135 Days with Elena

"Elena has left behind a story of resilience, hope and most of all, love. We can't help but take her into our hearts, and carry the best of her into our own lives." - Jeffrey Zaslow, Co-Author, The Last Lecture Elena dreamed of becoming a teacher. Although her time on this earth was far too short to fulfill her dream, she left behind an enlightening lesson on life. Elena taught those around her to appreciate the miracle of everyday living even as the six-year-old battled brain cancer. through journal entries written as a remembrance for Elena's younger sister, Brooke and Keith Desserich share their emotional journey as they negotiate their contradictory impulses to fight Elena's cancer at all costs and realize the inevitable outcome. the journal is a reminder to parents to appreciate every precious moment they have with their children. Included in this book are the private messages that Elena secretly hid around her home, knowing her family would find them when she was gone. these notes show us how even during the darker moments of life, it is possible to find hope and encouragement through selfless love.