Every Day Counts: Lessons in Love, Faith, and Resilience From Children Facing Illness

by Maria Sirois

When Maria Sirois worked on a pediatric oncology ward she was astounded by the children she counseled. They seemed to know intuitively what adults struggle to re-learn—that playing relieves stress; it’s okay to cry; love is not a cure but is a powerful antidote to pain; meaning in life comes not from what happens to us but how we respond; that you should look for ways to make each day special, even if it’s a bad day.

Every Day Counts chronicles the remarkable stories of the children Maria worked with. It speaks directly to anyone who is sick, but also to therapists, doctors, and nurses, presenting an inside look at how they cope with the emotional strain of caring for the seriously ill, of being touched by grief yet not consumed by it. Sirois revels in the big triumphs—some kids cured or in remission—and in the momentary victories, such as that of a seven-year-old, scheduled to have her leg amputated, who challenges Maria to a hopping race and gleefully says, “I’m winning, I’m winning.” By sharing her own experience, Maria Sirois has greatly enriched our own.

208 pages, Hardcover

First published June 13, 2006

Reviews

[Laurent · Rating 5 out of 5]

6 years ago I discovered Maria Sirois through her Ted talk on living an authentic life, which to this day still holds in my top 3 favorite Ted talks.
I finally took the time to read her book which I've been been wanting to read ever since. Her book is as beautiful and delicate as watercolor.
Definitely recommended.

[Leslie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good book based on true events (names and details fictionalized to protect privacy) of children dealing with terminal cancer diagnoses. Both compelling and heartbreaking given the topic. Its message, “Every Day Counts”, were words of wisdom from one such child. Counting my blessings, and hoping I can stay grounded in that message.

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a recommendation by a friend. I am almost finished with it. I hope that any child that I encounter now and in the future will not have to die of cancer. I have known only one so far and she was/is very brave This book would not be good for depressed people however. It is terribly sad. I am assured the ending is worthwhile.
The ending was not nearly as powerful and the stories of children who fought and died of cancer. However, there is a message there and we should all remember to live life in a vigorous fashion because it can end quickly.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was fortunate to get to spend a tiny bit of time with Maria Sirois in a workshop she facilitated at Kripalu. I enjoyed every second of this book. Maria, and the stories of the children portrayed in the book, gave me a glimpse of grace I'd not experienced before.

[Grace Dadoyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moving and beautiful stories about resilience and vitality in the face of illness and death. Maria is a wonderful speaker. I would recommend this book to everyone.