Elena Desserich

Every now and then in the drama that is mankind, a Great Soul emerges. The Indians use the word Muhatma, as in Muhatma Ghandi, to make note of them. We usually look to great religious or spiritual leaders for the title and, in doing so, often overlook the simple, unassuming among us. It's unfortunate...because so many Great Souls are just simple and unassuming people. Many of them are only children.

I was touched by a story I read recently about a little girl who was diagnosed with brain cancer. She was only six years old. This little girl...this Great Soul...reached out to comfort her parents in the midst of her illness. After being diagnosed with brain cancer Elena Desserich wrote hundreds of love notes and hid them around her home for her parents to find. They found them in the pages of books and in stacks of CD's and other places. Each one an unselfish act of love.

Just the thought of this beautiful little girl focusing on love and grace in her illness touches my heart so profoundly that I had to make a note of her life and her passing. The thought crossed my mind that God saw the heart of this little blessing and said to Himself: "That's all I need to see...This soul is worthy of My Kingdom"...and He allowed little Elena to pass on. She touched hearts and, in so doing, taught us something priceless.

Elena sleeps now, awaiting the resurrection of the just. I have no doubt that God has found another jewel for His crown. He certainly blessed the rest of us with her coming and going. Elena's parents, out of their own love, are publishing a book of her notes to share with the rest of us. What a gift!

Make note...a Great Soul has passed this way.

Sleep now little one...You will breathe again...Your name will not be forgotten.