Day By Day, Children tell their journeys of faith and determination living with a sick sister or brother [Paperback]

Christine Frisbee (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 30, 2008

Children who have a seriously ill brother or sister are very unique. They share a large part of themselves, each day, with someone who needs more care than they do. Often considered the forgotten ones, the book, DAY BY DAY, depicts how siblings of seriously ill or challenged children, through their experience, can learn to embrace the challenges of their exceptional situation, ultimately allowing them to transform into strong, spiritual, and caring people. Often they arrive at insights that can help the whole family grow. By reading their stories, it is clear that most children are not resentful of their experience, but rather grateful for the lessons learned. They are happy to offer advice in order to help others faced with that same situation. They have a very poignant message...if we listen. Christine Frisbee, whose young son Rich died of leukemia in 1989, was inspired by the strength of her four other children during such a difficult time. She asked them each to write stories about what it was like for them to have a terminally ill brother. Their resilience is the inspiration for the book DAY BY DAY. Mrs. Frisbee began to collect stories from children around the country who had a seriously ill sibling, asking them to share their stories of hope and faith. The stories were then compiled so that children, parents and caregivers could learn from their experiences. They are the angels sent to us for knowledge. They are innocent and honest. Through the eyes of children we can see without distortion. It is through listening to children that we learn what we need to hear. Once we hear we must respond so that each child has an opportunity to grow in a healthy way. Through the children s strength we often find our own strength. We must not shy away from discussion or stay removed from the reality of what is happening. -Christine Frisbee It is estimated that between 14 million and 16 million families live with a child who has a chronic illness, yet there is little available to help with the many emotional issues that surround them. The brothers and sisters of seriously ill children watch silently from the sidelines with little assistance from the world. Yet they live lives emotionally way beyond the expectations of normal family existence. Never put into a book before, in DAY BY DAY, Christine Frisbee gives siblings a voice, allowing them to tell their own stories. We hear their wisdom, courage, anger, isolation, sadness, joy, spiritual growth and acceptance. Each chapter also features Christine s insights and experience to help families create a deeper understanding. The mission: to bring understanding and hope to families with a seriously ill child as well as to educate others about how to take a difficult situation and use it to make you stronger and wiser.

Editorial Reviews

Review

When serious illness strikes a child, the blow hits all family members with horrifying ferocity. Often, while the adults are feeling from that devastating impact, the purity of the feelings and spirit of a young sibling can provide strength which sustains all. --Richard Edelson,MD, director, Yale Cancer Center

About the Author

Christine Frisbee, the third of twelve children, has always been interested in sibling relationships. She and her husband, Rick, have five children. After their second child died of leukemia in 1989, she worked at the Yale School of Medicine with families who were looking for an unrelated donor for a bone marrow transplant. Her experience and work inspired her to write this book. She has interviewed children and professionals in many organizations about the impact that childhood illness has within the family. Christine attended Columbia School of Social Work and has an MBA from the University of Connecticut. She has been chairman of the Richard D. Frisbee, III Foundation since it was founded in 1990. Christine and her husband Rick live in New York City.

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Frisbee Foundation Publishing; 1st edition (April 30, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0981618405
• ISBN-13: 978-0981618401
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,377,205 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Children recognized as wise and helpful teachers, July 27, 2008

By 

LD - See all my reviews

This review is from: Day By Day, Children tell their journeys of faith and determination living with a sick sister or brother (Paperback)

This book is incredible. Finally, the siblings of chronically ill children are recognized as wise and helpful teachers. Author Christine Frisbee has listened very closely, and presents a variety of inspirational personal stories. She reveals the depth of understanding and healing that can blossom from family hardship, including her own. There is so much we can learn from the clarity, tenderness and honesty of children. Christine captures those insights like a butterfly, and then releases it to the reader.

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathtaking, January 28, 2010

By 

Fabrizio C. Babino (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Day By Day, Children tell their journeys of faith and determination living with a sick sister or brother (Paperback)

Every page you turn, you are faced with sadness, love, anger, peace, forgiveness and acceptance. I have cried with each story and become in awe of the bravery that exists. Christine Frisbee offers a collection of stories that speak the true emotion of one who is faced with an alternate route. The words spoken touch your heart and leave an imprint that will forever stay with you.

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read, June 29, 2009

By 

Mary G. Sprague (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Day By Day, Children tell their journeys of faith and determination living with a sick sister or brother (Paperback)

Christine's wonderful book has been very helpful to our Epidermolysis Bullosa families. EB is a rare genetic skin disease that requires intensive daily care. The unaffected siblings are impacted as parents fight for the ill child's survival. Christine focuses on their feelings with sensitivity and grace. Strongly recommend.