Maria Sirois is a great story teller, and her book is filled with inspirational tales that read almost like thrillers. I couldn't put this book down for a minute, even as I laughed or cried. Every Day Counts describes Maria Sirois' year as a psychology intern working with children who have cancer. Some people might be turned off by the idea of reading about kids with cancer, but the child-patients teach the author, and teach the reader, all the basic lessons about the power of connection, empathy, caring, listening, love, and faith. And the stories have the absolute ring of authenticity: I know this in my bones from my own career as a psychiatrist (and poet) who has specialized in treating patients who suffer from severe medical illnesses. The wisdom in these stories has helped me appreciate my patients' resilience and to recognize just how much every day counts.
The author tells compelling and insightful real stories of children facing critical health situations, which impart valuable life-lessons and a wonderful message to the reader. For anyone who has lost someone to chronic illness or is presently going through the experience... this book will give you hope, understanding and inner peace. Having recently lost a parent to cancer, I found the children's stories paralleled my dying parent and family's experiences living through a health crisis.
The book is an easy-read, which flows beautifully... I couldn't put it down and continue to think of the children's stories after having finished it. I'm putting it on my giving gift list for many friends & family -- it will have great meaning for all.
