Oct

2009

9:54am, EDT

Parents find notes from 6-year-old after her death

Just before her sixth birthday, Elena Desserich (right) was diagnosed with brain cancer and given 135 days to live. She lived 255 days, passing away in 2007. After her death, Elena's parents, Brooke and Keith, found hundreds of notes from Elena hidden around the house -- in between CD cases, between bookshelves, in dresser drawers, in backpacks....

"It just felt like a little hug from her, like she was telling us she was looking over us," Brooke told Meredith this morning.

Brooke and Keith had not found a note in six months, but just this weekend they were cleaning out her craft closet and found three more. They have saved a few notes that Elena put in a sealed envelope and never intend to open them. That way, they say, the "hugs" from Elena will never stop coming.

Brooke and Keith have published a book about Elena. The proceeds benefit The Cure Starts Now.

To watch Meredith's interview with the Brook, Keith and their daughter Gracie, click here.

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miriam dopico

As I am readind about Elena's journey I feel that my heart breaks piece by piece, sometimes when I read about little children going through so much suffering I get really mad at God, I ask him "WHERE WERE YOU" :WHY DIDN"T YOU DO SOMETHING TO STOP THIS TUMOR" " YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO KEEP LITTLE CHILDREN SAFE" My faith had got me through the unthinkable but at times like this I don't know what to believe, my mind tell me that these things happend for a reason, but my heart tells me that this beautiful, intelligent and loving little Princess don't deserve to die.My heart goes out to the parents and sister and from the botton of my heart I wish Elena a happy new world where there are no illnesess or tumors or death, I wish her a garden with the most beautiful flowers and butterflies all around her . Miriam Dopico.

1 vote

#1 - Wed Oct 28, 2009 10:59 AM EDT

Jennee

This is such a sweet and touching story. It can really seem that God is absent when a child has to go through so much. I find that isn't the case though. I believe he shows adults how to be strong by showing the amount of strength a child can have when faced with death. As adults we complain and ask "why me?" and think that our lives are filled with stress and pain. We can look at this and think, if a child can be this strong, maybe my life isn't so bad. It really makes you feel thankful for each and every one of God's blessings in your life. Her story shows us that no matter how short your life is, you can always live it filled with love. I wish nothing but the best for this amazing family.

#1.1 - Thu Oct 29, 2009 1:44 PM EDT

Cincy_Eric

Why doesn't God stop children from suffering? Hmm, either he's apathetic or doesn't exist. Easy answer in my mind...

#1.2 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 6:34 PM EST

Mark -1452226

This story has nothing to do with God Jennee! This is about pure, innocent love that a beautiful little girl felt for her family. I find this story to be touching and absolutely heartbreaking at the same time. The last thing that anyone needs is for someone to use this very sad story as a platform for preaching!

#1.3 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 6:45 PM EST

kuualoha

TO Cincy_Eric: without pain there would be no pleasure. Without the loss of life, there would be no appreciation of life. God DOES exist, he is a teacher... just because you dont understand the lesson he is teaching you, dont devalue him

#1.4 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 6:59 PM EST

Bob-1452258

I recommend a book called, "The Problem Of Pain", by C.S. Lewis. It tackles this very subject.

#1.5 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 7:03 PM EST

rach-1452333

we should not blame God for what happened to her.....

what happened to the little girl is the product of random events that is also created by man.

Yes, we may ask why can't God just take all of kids illnesses but then how are we adults going to mature and realize that we have this certain feelings..... In order that we may reach that level of maturity.... or some other really valuable lesson we ought to learn....Like, do you think if this things don't happen will you still be here and learning how valuable life is, how beautiful it is but this little angel have not experience it...

I think the Love notes from Elena signify that she's at peace with GOD....

She has rested and is happy very happy indeed to see that her parents are doing something because they have felt the compassion.....

#1.6 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 7:52 PM EST

LauraC-1452570

This story is heartbreaking and it can be easy to question God when hearing such stories. But he doesn't leave us to wonder,thru the Bible he promises a future with no more pain,suffering or death and a resurrection to perfect life on earth. That was his orignal purpose with Adam and Eve, why would it change?John 5:28,29 and Revelation 21:3,4.Jesus himself resurrected a little girl who died and I look forward to the day when he will do the same for Elena.

1 vote

#1.7 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 10:29 PM EST

GodisJust

God took this beautiful angel away at an early stage and I can understand why.. This little angel does not deserve to live in this sad world we are becoming. Global warming, pollution, wars, famine, poverty, economic crisis, and the list goes on. This world is just not right for her to live in. We have to realise that that child is a God's gift and He has the right to decide on which world the child deserves to live in. In this case, God choose the afterworld. As she died early she would bear no sin. She would go straight to heaven without judgement. Cancer is just an excuse to take her away. Just imagine if the child, who still does the same thing, writing all of those sweet notes, but growing up in our wrecked society.. imagine what she would go through during her high school, her college years, her future, the state of world in the future.. If you can imagine this you would be sure to agree with God - the angel deserves a better world. Peace.

#1.8 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 11:09 PM EST

mommyof6

What a sweet story of a girl who loved her family so very much. What a beautiful way for this young child to continue her message of love long after she was gone from this earth! My heart goes out to this family for their loss! We can't question God in a situation like this. We are all living to die; the question is when. And since we don't know, that's why it's so important that we share the message of hope in Jesus. Because of Jesus life, death and resurrection, we too have the hope of heaven...a place where there is no more pain, sorrow or tears...a place where Jesus wraps us in his arms forever. And I can't think of one parent that wouldn't want that for their child. I pray this family had that hope!

1 vote

#2 - Wed Oct 28, 2009 11:22 AM EDT

Shannon - Minnesota

What a beautiful and sweet little girl with such a big heart. How hard for her family, and for all families, that have to say goodbye to the souls they love in this world as they travel to their next destination.

1 vote

#3 - Wed Oct 28, 2009 11:29 AM EDT

Shannon Hamilton

This story makes me realize that all the worries and problems I have in my life are totally insignificant and I'm so thankful that my children are healthy. That's all.

1 vote

#4 - Wed Oct 28, 2009 11:30 AM EDT

tiana-1437327

What a beautiful and insightful young girl. Yes indeed a very old soul who has touched me deeply. Truly LOVE is the answer as this very magical young girl keeps on reminding us.

1 vote

#5 - Wed Oct 28, 2009 11:35 AM EDT

Heidi Ratliff

What a beautiful family. As with all parents who are blessed with a child, they are truely a gift and blessing from above. Elena continues to give back to her family and show them the love and what family means. The family will always have there little angel with him. God Bless the family. How touched I am by this....Thank you Elena for sharing your lifes wishes and LOVE. Thank you Elena to your mom, dad and Grace for allow us to see a glimpse of your trying time.

1 vote

#6 - Wed Oct 28, 2009 11:42 AM EDT

GOD777

You cant really blame GOD. He is perfect and Satan is not. We have continued on with our imperfection for sometime now, and it catches us off guard now and then.

This little girl really has been blessed by all of this, more then we all can realize now.

Rest for now, little one...

1 vote

#7 - Wed Oct 28, 2009 11:43 AM EDT

Angela Salazar

Elena and her family's story has touched my heart deeply! I was one of the lucky children that survived cancer as a child. Today at 47 yrs. old, a mother and grandmother I can't even imagine the pain Elena's parents must feel. My mom has told me of the fear and uncertainty she felt when I was diagnosed at the age of 5. Elena was an angel while she was here on earth and she is an angel now in heaven. A child who was & is pure love. What a blessing she left her parents by leaving them notes of her unending love for them. I will now contribute to their cause. Thank you for sharing Elena with us!

1 vote

#8 - Wed Oct 28, 2009 10:38 PM EDT

Gigi111

As i'm reading this story, i feel my heart breaks into pieces. this story touched my heart deeply.My heart goes out to the parents and sister from the botton of my heart. sweet little girl with such a big heart, thank u so much Elena for sharing with us your love. Thank u Mom and Dad for being there for Elena. all your hard work now it shows with beautiful notes from Elena, what a beautiful gift!!!!

1 vote

#9 - Wed Oct 28, 2009 11:50 PM EDT

Albert1976

Elena was truely a gift from God, a perfect little angel radiating her undying love. As a father of a 6 year old girl myself, I can not imagine what Brooke and Keith went through, but I would like to thank them and Elena for teaching us to take one day at a time and to savor each and every little moment with our loved ones.

#10 - Fri Oct 30, 2009 12:43 AM EDT

JLK.England

My tears will just not stop reading this, that beautiful little girl stolen away so cruelly, those sweet ,touching little notes, what a comfort for her parents but also so hard too. I wish this family eternal luck and happiness from now on, no more bad things. Elena was a beautiful little angel. x

#11 - Fri Oct 30, 2009 5:01 AM EDT

Christina-819922

Amazing story and what an amazing little girl. Even though she was suffering terribly herself, she showed more altruism than most adults have by leaving all those wonderful notes to her family telling them how much she loved them. Truly an angel, then and now.

#12 - Mon Nov 2, 2009 10:40 PM EST

Richard Solley

An extremely brave little girl and family. This book and story is heart rending but at the same time proves that the family spirit is strong. Whilst we have evil in the world it will always be diminished with the power that this family has shown and the family have increased that power by publishing the book. I can only say Thank You.

#13 - Tue Nov 3, 2009 4:37 AM EST

Hope Floats-1449526

I'm not yet a parent, but hope to be someday in the future and reading this story tore my heart into a billion bits and the tears would not stop forming at my eyes. It's truly a gift and a blessing to have such unlimited love from such a little angel!!! I pray for comfort for the family and friends of this family...I've lost someone near and dear to my heart due to a brain tumor so I understand the process and the pain of going through something like this. I can't stress enough how important it is to NEVER lose faith in God...even when it feels like He is not near or listening it is when He is the most. Remember, God does not deal us with a set of tests He thinks we can't handle, otherwise, He wouldn't put such in our lives.

My heart, thoughts and prayers to the family and everyone else out there with a similar story...

#14 - Tue Nov 3, 2009 2:29 PM EST

Very moved

Very sad and beautiful - This shows how much depth there can be in the mind of a child and how much understanding and love. I hope the parents keep finding notes as long as they need to.

It shocks me however, that so many people feel the urge to trample on such a personal story by using it to preach their views of god. Leave that to the professionals and try to stay on the subject instead of comforting only yourself by reciting half understood shallow theology.

#15 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 3:25 AM EST

glen lebarr

unbelievable story....trying to keep my composure as I return to work; a truly beautiful, yet tragic story....I won't be forgetting this anytime soon.

#16 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 9:37 AM EST

mary ortiz

My daugther send me this note to share with me and i readed is a very sad story but also up lifthing. because it gives lot to learn from it Elenas story and the short time she spend in this world to make us think on all us people having so many years in this world and have really leave yet a good inpact on life? she was so little and have left so much behind. about us that still here what difference are we making on this world? in our family, with our friends or comunity....she didnot have finish school, or had a degree or had a full understanding of things. but she had a enourmous heart and love her parents and wanted them to knew this and live her years with a beautiful smile. there is alot to learn not just to cry and go on.

#17 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 2:12 PM EST

virginiac

God isn't absent!!! He was there helping her write the notes and helping and holding her family EVERY time they find one!!! See how you are touched and crying for her and them....God is here!!

#18 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 5:42 PM EST

vannessa michaud

I just wanted to let you know your story touched my heart. My son was born with a brain tumor and a very rare cancer. My time with him was cut short but he showed me life. He touched thousands of people and I am working on his book called 18 weeks, and just like you the book proceeds are going to a non profit organization I am working on for cancer children. Her story reminds me so much of all that we went through. I understand all that you went through and If you ever need anything you have a person that is willing to be there to listen or help out in anyway I can. If you would like to see my sons story your welcome to www.enchantedmastiffs.com/hisstory.html,

thank you and god bless

Vannessa Michaud

#19 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 6:18 PM EST

Jeff Prager

Children have something that we lose as we grow into adults, don't they?

#20 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 6:24 PM EST

Sharlene MacLaren

We live in an imperfect world because of Adam and Eve's original sin. I believe God's heart breaks into a million pieces when a child suffers and eventually even dies. This wasn't the way He designed our world to be. But sin introduced imperfections. Some earlier said she couldn't understand how God could allow children to suffer. Well, what if He decided to just pass up all the children in the suffering department and reserved it only for the old--because they're going to die anyway? Can you imagine what a lopsided world this would be if that were the case? The fact is, as someone else said, we are all going to die. Yep. 100% of us! It's not a question of if, but WHEN. When a child passes it seems so HORRIBLE, so USELESS, so INDESCRIBABLY UNJUST. But in the scope of eternity, which all of us will experience, whether in Hell or Heaven, our time on earth is like a tiny blip. Doesn't matter if you live 1 minute or 100 years. It's a blip. I don't by any means intend to lessen the pain of this precious family. I cannot imagine their grief and utter sorrow. I'm only saying, don't blame God. Sure, He could have prevented it, even healed her if He'd desired, but for some reason, Elena's life was cut short. We can ALL learn from this by reminding ourselves that there is an appointed time for us to die. The big question we must all ask ourselves is this: AM I READY? Elena was ready, that's for sure! Can you imagine how she's making God and His choir of angels smile?

So sorry this was so long. My goodness.

God bless us, one and all.

Sharlene MacLaren

smac@chartermi.net

sharlenemaclaren.com

#21 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 6:34 PM EST

Mike-1452217

Wow, this is a very touching story. Sad that a precious life is taken so young. She had a heart of gold this child did :)

#22 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 6:37 PM EST

kuualoha

Everyone seems to be saying "wheres God through all of this" .. why is it that when things get down we blame God? instead why dont you ask "whered all the billions of dollars we've spent on cancer research over the last couple decades go?" we've put so much money towards cancer research and still are no closer to finding a cure... someone needs to be held accountable. i bet the head of the cancer fund has a huge mansion!

#23 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 6:53 PM EST

Emilia Rose

What!? Do not try and pin this blame on the sciences. you must be profoundly ignorant to dare suggest the money spent is going to causes outside of the intended purpose. You come up with a cure for cancer. i invite you. but first, try educating yourself. even better, just keep your comments and opinions quiet before you make outrageous and unsupported claims. Now sh.

#23.1 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 8:25 PM EST

Choice please

Emilia - who are you to tell anyone what they may say and not say? As in most things, I'm sure you can find abuse of the funds given for cancer research. My husband is now dying of cancer and for all I've read and heard about new treatments, I see far too many suffering and passing from it still. I, like kuuualoha, would love to see an accounting of where so much has gone.

The one thing this child's story has done for me is to show me that as much as I am suffering along with my husband, there are those going through far worse. My husband has had some life. This little girl was taken far too soon. Her courage is phenomenal. What a truly amazing angel upon this earth that even in her illness she still cared enough to take the time to leave those notes to help comfort and show love to her family even after she was gone. I see so many young children every time we have to make the trip to the Cancer institute here and it always breaks my heart.

#23.2 - Wed Nov 4, 2009 10:15 PM EST

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Parents find notes from 6-year-old after her death

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