My daughter Carinna is a huge inspiration to me and to everyone she meets. She just turned 22 and has really blossomed into a stellar adult. Well, those who knew Carinna from a young age, already knew she was stellar.
She lights up a room with her smile and amazing attitude. Carinna
made the sweetest Happy Mother’s Day gifts for me that took a few days to make.
Several years ago, Carinna often spoke of “Believing is seeing,” rather than
“Seeing is believing.” Carinna also believes in the power of intention and of
manifesting what we want into our lives. Carinna is a person of strong faith
and hope. She’s also had remarkable dreams of a heavenly nature.
Carinna has the strongest attitude of gratitude I’ve
witnessed. She gets super excited about any gifts. I recall Christmas time when
she opens presents. She’ll whoop and holler at the top of her lungs as she
opens a gift. Then, she’ll ask, “What is it?” It’s so cute to watch how she
gets excited over gifts she doesn’t even know what they are. It’s a delight to give gifts to someone so
appreciative.
She started writing compliments on restaurant receipts a few
years ago. We were at an Indian restaurant, and she wrote a compliment to the
chef saying, “Thanks for being a good cook. Keep believing your dreams will
come true.” The cook was so touched that he sent out a free dessert for Carinna.
Since then, when we go to that Indian restaurant, they give her a free Mango
Lassi drink. Carinna has written compliments to the server and the server even
bought her a Christmas present.
Restaurants aren’t the only place giving her free items.
Recently, she went into a local convenience store to get a diet drink. When
Carinna got to the counter, the clerk said the drink was free because Carinna
had such a nice smile, whereas most people don’t smile.
Carinna has had some challenges this past year which she has
passed with flying colors. Earlier this past year, she was diagnosed with Type
II Diabetes. This required a major change in her eating habits. Prior to this
diagnosis, she loved McDonald’s. When she was fifteen years old, she even had a
“Chip Party,” with different types of chips.
Carinna has completely changed her eating habits and has
become very knowledgeable about carbohydrates and foods acceptable for
diabetes. Carinna has done so well with her new way of eating, that her
diabetes is in remission. She continues to eat healthy with allowing herself
one cheat meal per week. She’s lost over 120 pounds since last May. She weighs
herself each week and continues to lose weight. Carinna is so proud of herself
for her achievements, as she should be.
Carinna made another huge accomplishment. She used to have
issues with self-harm on a regular basis. But it has been over a year since
Carinna has done any self-harm. Congratulations, Carinna for continuing to grow
into an amazing young adult. Carinna, you’re an inspiration to anyone who encounters
you and your amazing spirit.
