Shae, God and The Spider

This is short story I wrote with idea of someday submitting it as a child's book. I simply changed my mind. I share it now with you and I dedicate it to parents with special needs children. I have had my share!



Shae, God and the Spider


The day that Shae Carson was born was a sunny summer day in a small town in the Northwest. Shae was a beautiful baby and her mother and father were so proud. Shae did not cry very much and they thought how they had been blessed. As Shae grew older she would not speak nor show much emotion. Sometimes she would point at things and make a humming sound. Mr. and Mrs. Carson were concerned and at times sad, for it became clear that Shae was not to be a normal child.
When Shae turned seven she would go to school but just sat and stared and the other kids would laugh at her and make fun of the way she was. Shae would just sit unmoved, as if she did not hear the other kids. When Shae’s mother would pick her up from school she would take her home and bring her outside and try to get her to walk around the yard for exercise. Unless she held her hand and walked with her she would just stand in one place not even blinking her eyes. Mrs. Carson did notice that when there was a breeze. Shae would slowly start to sway back and fourth and from side to side as if she were a blade of grass. She found herself staring at her daughter, realizing that she had become as graceful as the wind that moved the leaves in the trees. It was such a simple thing but it made Shae’s mother happy.
One day while Shae was outside. She stood, eyes fixed on the fence that surrounded her backyard. Her mother, curious about what she was looking at, walked up to her. Shae was looking at a large perfect spider web and in the center was small spider. Shae did not move for hours and when her mother tried to lead her away she refused to move. As Shae stood near the spider web, a small breeze started to move the web as though it were a made up of living butterflies. Shae started to sway as if she were a part of the web. She started to hum. The humming became louder and it was no longer a hum, but she was singing without forming words. Mrs. Carson moved closer so she could hear. Tears started to run down her cheeks as she heard the most beautiful sound she had ever heard. The notes Shae sang were as perfect as the spider web. Shae’s mother was so proud.
A few days later, Shae was sitting on the sofa. Her mother sat near by reading. Shae stared at her mother’s old violin which was hung above the fireplace. She hummed and pointed at it, surprising her mother. Shae's mother carefully removed it from the wall and Shae looked as if she were smiling. She stood up and took her mothers hand, leading her out to the spider web on the fence and Shae reached for the violin. She placed it under her chin as if she had played it many times before. She took the bow and began to play. Neighbors looked over the fence as Shae stood before the spider and the web and played the violin as though angels were moving her hands. Everyone who heard this music could not help but cry.
The doctors and experts who cared for Shae could not explain why these things happened. But many who had heard Shae play and sing, said that even though she was so different from everyone else, her message to the world was beautiful, just as God and the spider had planned.

Siranee's Last Song

Siranee’s Last Song


The power of song can blissfully persuade us to sleep, dance, and sing along, lifting our hearts, as well as our spirits to inspired levels. This can be found in every nation, no matter the language or culture of that nation.
May 1st. will mark what would have been the 21st birthday of a young lady by the name of Siranee Thongniyhom, whose given Thai nickname was, Nahm. Nahm was gifted with a beautiful voice which was surrounded by a beautiful physical appearance as well. Nahm was also blessed with a strong sense of responsibility, and love for her family. Her family life has been described as strong, with two little brothers, a father, and a mother. Like so many families, hers was having a hard time making ends meet and she left middle school to take a job in an effort to help provide for them. This could not have been an easy decision as education is so very important in Thailand, more so than in the States. A few years later, Nahm’s mother was arrested for possession of illegal drugs and imprisoned with a two and half year sentence. Many would have fallen down at this point but Nahm stood taller.
Opportunity comes to us and if we are lucky and talented enough, we grasp it, and let it carry us to places which once seemed unreachable. Nahm’s opportunity came when she started to audition for a Thai television program Called, “The Star.” A show, not unlike, “American Idol.” Nahm’s voice and her abilities as a singer took her farther than most. She was one of the favorites and one of eight finalist. She had an underlying drive surrounded by sincerity. The thoughts of one day being on stage and being able to support her family and making those who heard her music feel good, must have been at the forefront of her thoughts. With everything seemingly going so well for Nahm, it is inconceivable to me that this beautiful young human being was struggling with yet another contest. Nahm had been diagnosed with Leukemia. The strength that Nahm displayed continuing to compete is of the best example of inner strength and conviction. Striving to make life easier for her siblings than it had been for her. Cancer has no concern for its victims. It can take you no matter how hard you pray, and it cares not to which God you pray. Concern grew for Nahm’s well being and she made the decision to make a stand against the cancer through aggressive treatment. Her last performance on “The Star,” took place at the end of March. She had already announced that she would not be able to continue in the competition but producers of the show allowed her to perform anyway out of respect for what she had already accomplished. The performance full of emotion, was well received and the song, “Mai Yom Mhod Whang,” Is all about never giving up your hopes and dreams. Shortly after this performance, Nahm entered a medical facility to begin chemotherapy treatment. On March 31st it was announced, that due to complications from the chemotherapy, Siranee Thongniyhom (Nahm), had unexpectedly passed away. The news stunned and saddened millions of Thai’s who had come to know her and respect her talent and her outstanding courage. She had grasped that opportunity when it was in front of her and it was for the right reasons. My new hero stood just over five feet tall, but what a beautiful and huge shadow she cast. Her name was Nahm.

The video below is all in Thai but it bridges the cultural gap with it’s emotional message. Please listen and enjoy Siranee’s last song.

Randy and Chaniya Cole