SP checks out two books that take a look at miracles, the mother-child bond and staying strong…
Miracles from Heaven, by Christy Wilson Beam
This is an inspiring real-life story by Texan mum Christy Wilson Beam who writes about her little girl’s amazing journey of healing. After being diagnosed with a rare digestive disorder at just 6, Annabel endured years of pain, testing and treatment. Worse, her inability to digest food was deemed incurable ― at best, the doctors could only promise her some semblance of a normal life with drugs.
Then at 9, Annabel ― nicknamed Anna ― fell head-first from a 10m-high tree onto the gravel drive at her home, experienced a “visit to heaven”, followed by a miraculous healing. Now 13, Annabel hasn’t been hospitalised since her near-fatal accident and subsequent recovery from her mysterious illness.
Beam says, “The great thing is she wasn’t just healed physically, but emotionally as well. She’s totally fine ― peaceful and joyful. She’s an A-student and full of life.”
We should always appreciate the little moments in life that make us happy, count every blessing and enjoy what we have now.
The Beams’ tale emphasises that life is full of ups and downs, so we should always appreciate the little moments that make us happy, count every blessing and enjoy what we have now. Even if you aren’t religious, its uplifting and powerful message ― as well as their unwavering love for each other ― is very meaningful. ― Review by Luah Zhiying
Movie stills: Sony Pictures Entertainment
Page 1 of 2
The Many Worlds of Albie Bright, by Christopher Edge
The book kicks off with the complete devastation that is Albie’s life ― his brilliant scientist mum Charlotte has just been buried, while his father, the TV “science explainer” Ben Bright cannot handle his own pain and pulls away from him. Grandpa Joe isn’t coping too well, either.
Unusually bright, Albie’s method of dealing with pain and confusion is to dive headlong into his limited understanding of high-energy physics. He wants to figure out a way to jump through parallel universes in search of one that holds his mum ― a place where she is still alive.
Along the way, his mission starts to change as he learns how loss can change his own character. We really like how the story turns out because although it’s not exactly a neat, Hollywood “happily ever after”-type ending, it holds the seeds for true growth in Albie’s relationships.
As one character says, “When your mum died, I felt lost… You made me see that life was still worth living — even without your mum.”
“When your mum died, I felt lost… You made me see that life was still worth living — even without your mum.”
“Science” aside — and you and your child will pick up some very simple science from this — the book stresses over and over again that the strength of a family lies in communication and loving relationships among its members. With that as your foundation — miracles can happen… ― Review by Heidi Yeo
Where is grandma? Why won’t she play with me now?
When to let your child try TCM