Armfuls of Time

Book excerpt: 'I just wish I had armfuls of time.' These are the poignant words of a four year old facing a life-threatening illness. Armfuls of Time eloquently portrays the psychological experience of such children, who are irreversibly changed from the moment of diagnosis. Barbara M. Sourkes, Ph.D. describes how she works with these children, using drawings, soft toys and dolls, stories and real medical objects, to allow them to communicate their feelings about the treatment they undergo, their relationship with their families, their experience of the illness and living with the threat of loss. Making extensive use of the words of children, offering astute interpretations and sound practical advice, this is a book that will be welcomed by all those concerned with the care of children with life-threatening illnesses.