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Notes left behind: Elena Desserich’s dying notes of comfort

Elena Desserich, 5 years old, left behind notes for her family when she knew she was dying of brain cancer.

Elena hid the hundreds of notes everywhere in the house, the first were found in a backpack. Others were hidden between books, in the corner of dresser drawers, between dishes in the china cabinet or between photos stacked away in boxes, even in Christmas decorations.

After learning of her cancer Elena Desserich died within six months of diagnosis. Her father, Keith Desserich, said it was wonderful to find the notes and he hopes to continue finding them. He’s finding comfort in reading them while he works through grief, and feels as though Elena was trying to say it was ok in her passing.

Whilst Elena lived with her cancer, she knew that every day would be a gift, not to be wasted, so she created a to-do list, including swiming with dolphins, drive a car and more.

When her cancer stole her ability to speak, she turned to drawing and painting, her kindergarten passion.

Elena had one of her drawings hung next to her favorite painter, Pablo Picasso, at the Cincinnati Art Museum. The painting titled “I Love You” was the fulfillment of her short, life-long dream.

Elena died two years ago in August 2007, and her family discovered another note this week. The Desserich family has written a book called, “Notes Left Behind 135 days with Elena” which is a collection of the notes from Elena collected so far.

Elena’s legacy is of hope and healing in the face of terrible adversity.

         

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