A little girl named Elena was diagnosed pediatric brain cancer just days before her 6th birthday. The doctors only gave her 135 days to live, and even though she surpassed their expectations and lived 255 days, there is something more that makes Elena’s story special. Its obvious to me Elena must have been wise for her age and realized the importance of her final days unlike most 6-year-olds, that I imagine, would be traumatized and not able to grasp the reality of the situation. When I was six I was playing with Barbies and planning performances for my Fisher Price microphone and not worried about anything too serious, especially something like death. Elena on the other hand, was an extraordinary person, not child, PERSON. When Elena received the news she took it upon herself to write notes and draw pictures for her mom, dad and sister, Gracie. What did she do with these? She hid them. She hid them all around the family’s home in random places. Notes were between books, in drawers, briefcases and all over. So when Elena was gone, the family started to find these notes of comfort that she knew she would be ok, and that she loved them. The notes were also left as memories for her little sister to have. Since Gracie was younger than Elena, the notes are all she has as the link between the two. I have definitely shortened the story, so to check out the article in full detail click here. The parents have combined all the notes into a book they will be selling with proceeds benefiting the charity the family started in memorial of Elena, The Cure Starts Now.
Not only did this story make me think about what an amazing person God had created in Elena, but it had me thinking deeper. If tomorrow came, and I was told I had 135 days to live, who would I write notes to? Will I have successfully assured my loved ones that I am going to be ok and I love them? It’s amazing that a 6-year-old had the ability to do so, and here I am as a 25-year-old unsure if I have prepared the same comfort for those close to me.
I would like to personally say, “thank you” to Elena. Because of her story, I am going to make more of an effort to show all people my gratitude and love. Why should I wait until I am gone? Reality is we all aren’t told our expiration date on earth, we’re not all allowed the preparation like Elena to write notes, so live each day with appreciation and start writing your notes today. Tomorrow could be too late…
Some of Elena's notes left behind:
No comments:
Post a Comment