Thanks to the rise of social media, we’re all bombarded with images of seemingly perfect-looking people; it seems as though the world has become even more shallow in how people are judged.
For those of us that don’t fit the stereotypical “perfect” mold, the world can seem very cruel, with complete strangers feeling it necessary to criticize someone based on their appearance on social media.
Karine de Souza knows this more than anyone. The Brazilian has spent her life covering her skin in SPF100 sunscreens – even when she’s inside her home – due to her rare skin condition.
The 33-year-old was diagnosed with Xeroderma Pigmentosum when she was three years old which means she is at high risk of skin cancer.
Her ”one-in-a-million” condition, which is incurable, means she is highly sensitive to UV rays as she lacks the ability to repair any damage the sun causes to her skin.
Just a few minutes in the sun can mean incredibly painful sunburn for her. Growing up, she was often isolated from the outside world because it was too dangerous for her to spend too much time outside her house.
“When I expose myself to the sun it doesn’t happen in the moment, I don’t feel anything. However, in the future, the lesions appear and need to be removed because of cancer,” she said.
Karine has had to endure 130 surgical procedures to remove lesions caused by the sun, including the removal of her lower lip and part of her nose.
Sadly, it is not only a physical battle she has to endure. Karine often gets stared at in the street and has been the victim of verbal abuse both within her community and online.
But despite her suffering, she remains upbeat and happy and has even found love.
She met her husband Edmilson through social media, who fell in love with her “story and her strength.” Edmilson has always stood by Karine’s side, and he knew he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.
He also decided to embrace Karine’s three children from her previous relationship, which of course, meant a lot to Karine.
”He came and he showed me that I could live a true love story”, she says.
But after posting photos of them together online, Karine was once again exposed to a whole host of offensive comments.
”We have already read many offensive comments calling me a monster, deformed, a zombie,” Karine said.
Other comments suggested that their relationship wasn’t genuine and that Karine was a ”sugar mommy,” and that she must be very rich.
”Because of the fact he’s a young man and pretty, that caught people’s attention and they didn’t believe that he was with me because he really liked me,” Karine said.
A photographer who captured the couple after they got engaged posted a selection of the images online and wrote:
”In a world where appearance matters more than the feeling, they met not by chance, but by a gathering of souls, an encounter of acceptance and character and love emerged when their souls met and today you are the inspiration to so many people who do not believe in themselves, in life and especially in love.
“THANK YOU every day for being who you are. STOP complaining for being like you are. HUG LIFE, and accept yourself. Much gratitude for teaching me so much. You guys are AMAZING. You are the missing hope in so many people. Thank you for the big hug, and for the wonderful day we experienced together. I carry your smile with me forever.”
His heartfelt words and beautiful images he captured of Karine and Edmilson went viral, and thousands of people commented, congratulating the couple.
Karine wants others to realize the importance of being positive.
”Be happy, smile, because life happens only once,” she said.
In 2023, Karine and Edmílson welcomed a baby girl into the world, and they couldn’t be happier! Their daughter, Zaia, was long awaited – Karine and her husband had been trying for a baby since 2020.
Karine has been through so much but thanks to her positive attitude she has found the happiness she deserves.
Her story is inspirational so help us inspire others in similar situations by sharing this story with your friends and family.
Exploring the Diverse Meanings of Tattoos in Different Cultures
Tattoos and body art hold different meanings for different people. What one culture celebrates might be seen as inappropriate in another. A symbol or design that carries deep significance in one place might be dismissed as mere decoration in another.
Throughout history, humans have used their appearance to express themselves and convey messages. If you live in a busy area, you’ve probably seen people with tattoos frequently. Some tattoos are reminders of youthful choices, while others have profound meanings, telling stories or preserving traditions.
Personally, I find it fascinating when I notice the same tattoo on different people. It makes me wonder about the story behind the tattoo and why that person chose to permanently mark their body with it.
The Three Dots: Symbolizing “Mi Vida Loca”
The three dots tattoo, often seen among prisoners, represents a life of chaos and unpredictability. Though not linked to a specific gang, it symbolizes a broader connection to the gang lifestyle and its inherent risks. Understanding this tattoo’s meaning can reveal someone’s deep involvement in the criminal subculture.
Another common design I’ve encountered is the ‘red string of fate.’ Despite seeing it multiple times, I never looked into its meaning until recently.
The ‘Red String of Fate’ Tattoo
Rooted in Asian cultures, the ‘red string of fate’ is often depicted as a simple bow with tails, typically inked on the thumb of a man and the pinky finger of a woman. This small tattoo symbolizes romance and hope, inspired by a Chinese legend about a matchmaker who knows our destined partner.
The idea of being fated to meet someone isn’t limited to romantic relationships and crosses cultural boundaries. The concept of being connected to another person by an invisible thread is common across various societies.
The ‘red string of fate’ suggests a predestined bond between two people, regardless of the circumstances. While some find comfort in this idea, others prefer to believe they have control over their own destiny.
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