After diagnosis of cancer: Sandra Klein finds joy in the children's book

After diagnosis of cancer: Sandra Klein finds joy in the children's book

In a picturesque yellow house with green-painted window frames, the 55-year-old Sandra Klein lives, who, as she says herself, is still a child in her heart. This description is not without reason, because small has learned that color and optimism can illuminate even the most dreary phases of life. Her own life story is shaped by difficulties, starting with her time as a single mother of two adult daughters today.

A profound cut in her life occurred five years ago when she received the shattering diagnosis of Waldenström shortly before her 50th birthday, a cancer that attacks the lymphatic system. While she was preparing for her milestone birthday, the shocking news came and suddenly changed her gaze to life. This meant that she was difficult to enjoy the day of the celebration, which should actually be a joyful occasion.

The turning point

"When I reviewed the day, I noticed that it cannot continue, but that you have to use the time that remains meaningfully," reflects Klein. She decided to concentrate on the here and now, to live out their creativity and to regain their joie de vivre. "I also jumped through the puddles with my grandchildren and kindergarten children," she says with a laugh about the moments when she rediscovered the joy of life.

as a result of her illness, which was accompanied by symptoms such as muscle pain and tiredness, Klein had to reduce her job as an educator in kindergarten and to put up with the fact that her physical possibilities were limited. But she found consolation and fulfillment in poetry, photography and painting and finally realized her long -cherished dream of writing a children's book. "Especially when it gets gray, it is all the more important to believe in itself," she emphasizes.

Together with the artist Dietmar Herglan, the colorful book "Harry Will know it - my adventure with people" was created. The story revolves around a friendly sea monster that leaves its familiar surroundings to experience adventures in the world of people and finally find a best friend.

"With the book I would like to convey values to the children and the parents who often go under in this world - and translate it into the language of preschool children," says Klein. These values include respect, the protection of nature and the importance of time for the family. Klein sees it as important that parents and children take time for each other in a fast -moving world.

The book not only contains exciting stories, but also interactive elements that encourage parents and educators to be able to go to the children. "In my everyday life as an educator, I had countless books, but it was precisely what to miss the possibilities of interaction," she explains. In addition to these passages, there are also pages that encourage the stories in role -playing games, which means that the book is ideal for use in kindergartens and primary schools.

The reactions of their little grandchildren who enthusiastically take up the book are of great importance. "They still get to know it - if it fits thematically," she says of the children's groups in her kindergarten, who are to be familiarized with the book.

The work has been published as "Book on Demand" and can be ordered in every bookstore under ISBN number 9783758311147. Not only that she heralded a new phase of life with this book, Sandra Klein is already working on the next project - a story for adults that, despite the possibly serious content, will not have a lack of color and optimism.