I’m very excited about the We Are the World Blogfest #WATWB, and I want to thank Damyanti Biswas for inviting me to participate.
For the blogfest, in light of all the tragic, political, warring news we typically hear from around the world, Damyanti asked us to highlight a news story that “shows love, humanity, and brotherhood.”
The blogfest will take place the last day of each month now through the end of the year.
This month I want to share this story about Cambodian musician, Sophanna. When he was six years old, he watched his parents and grandmother die brutal deaths. Then he was paralyzed at the age of ten. Doctors said he only had one year to live.
Now, at age 26, he uses his music for his own happiness and to motivate and inspire others. “When I play the guitar and sing,” he says, “the pain and sadness in my life disappears.” He also offers free guitar, singing and English lessons.
I believe music can be a powerful way to share your emotions and reach out to others. Sophanna is one of those beautiful souls who does just that. In spite of all his suffering, he wants to “give back” to society. “When I share what I have with others,” he says, “I feel love and warmth in my heart.”
Please visit these other blogs for more good news, and let me know of any that you may have!
Belinda Witzenhausen Lynn Hallbrooks Simon Falk Sylvia McGrath Damyanti Biswas
Linda Covella, Author 
Beautiful post. The strength of the human spirit always inspires me.
We just had the World Fest in our area.I was unable to go this year, but my son in law played – and my husband and daughter were able to attend. Knowing the background makes amazing music so much more meaningful. Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks, D.L.! I love this story, too, and how music can be so inspiring. And what an amazing person he is. People like this give me hope and they rise above all the bad things and people we constantly read about!
What a nice break from other news. There are good people doing good things in the world, after all. Thanks, Elsie!
Isn’t it nice to read about good people doing good in the world? Thanks for reading and commenting, Jen!
Thank you, Linda. I needed a story like this with all the craziness out there. The human spirit can be so beautiful. Sophanna, and many others constantly show us. Let’s celebrate that inner beauty.
Thanks, Silvia. I have to admit, I get depressed with all the awful things going on, and stories like these really help lift me above it all. Thanks for your comment, and yes, let’s celebrate the good in the human spirit!
Thanks for this touching post, Linda. I like it all and especially this: “I prefer to write Cambodian songs, because I want to inspire my fellow countrymen, especially those with disability.” Simon’s Still Stanza #WATWB
Yes, Cambodia has had a tough recent few decades. I’m really happy to have found this story–not only the incredible Sophanna, but to learn about people like him in other countries. Readers in the U.S. too often only hear news about this country. And as Damyanti says, this is the “we are the world” blogfest! 🙂
Hi Linda – what an extraordinary man … and how he can sing and play guitar and teach while lying prone on his ‘cart’ – yet he’s chosen this route, as it’s his way of following on in his father’s footsteps. Desperately sad, yet amazingly so uplifting … and he teaches English as well .. quite exceptional – and so endearing … thanks for sharing Sophanna’s excellent take on life … glorious – cheers Hilary
Hilary, thank you for reading and commenting. It is an uplifting story, such an amazing person, and so wonderful to learn about people like him!