Change for the Better
Torey Hayden is a main character in the novel, and works with children that have special needs. As a result, she helps people drastically. One of these children is named Sheila, and at the beginning of the novel, she was lost in life and had no parents that would provide proper care for her. With the help of Torey, she blossoms into a normal youngster with overflowing happiness, Torey proud that she could help someone this much in changing for the best.
Patience
Patience is another key theme in the novel, as it is needed for change for the better. Torey, while working with Sheila, has to make sure to do things slowly in order not to overwhelm her patient or herself. Patience is an important and necessary virtue to possess, and that is shown in the book. Without patience, things would still be done, but without the quality and time that makes them worthwhile.
Empathy
In order for Torey to accurately perform her duties, she first needed empathy. She does this well, and it is shown in her actions and results in the novel. To help cure someone from harm or pain, you need to develop a solid connection or bond with them so that both of you can open up to each other. While writing the novel, Torey wanted to spread the word to the world that empathy is an important trait to have, and it makes all of the things that you do for other people more compassionate and valuable.
