We are all born unique and beautiful, each one of us an individual expression of diversity. One of the most incredible aspects of being human is that no two people are exactly the same. Over time, society has made great strides in embracing and celebrating these differences.
Nicole Lucas Hall, a devoted mother, is raising her two children, Asher and Winry, with a mission to challenge the idea that imperfections define us. Nicole wants to reinforce the belief that her daughter Winry, who was born with a rare birthmark, is beautiful in her own right.
Winry was born with a condition known as congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN), an uncommon birthmark that covers about a quarter of her face. According to Good Morning America, Winry’s distinct appearance has made her stand out since her birth in February 2021, though her parents embrace and celebrate her uniqueness.
Determined Mom Sets Out to Show Her Child She’s Beautiful, Despite a Unique Birthmark
byBrowse Feed–October 14, 20240
We are all born unique and beautiful, each one of us an individual expression of diversity. One of the most incredible aspects of being human is that no two people are exactly the same. Over time, society has made great strides in embracing and celebrating these differences.
Nicole Lucas Hall, a devoted mother, is raising her two children, Asher and Winry, with a mission to challenge the idea that imperfections define us. Nicole wants to reinforce the belief that her daughter Winry, who was born with a rare birthmark, is beautiful in her own right.
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Winry was born with a condition known as congenital melanocytic nevi (CMN), an uncommon birthmark that covers about a quarter of her face. According to Good Morning America, Winry’s distinct appearance has made her stand out since her birth in February 2021, though her parents embrace and celebrate her uniqueness.
Nicole, a teacher, recalls being initially shocked when the nurses handed her Winry after delivery. Her pregnancy had been normal, so she wasn’t expecting anything unusual. “I had a typical pregnancy,” Nicole wrote on her blog. “After some early morning sickness, I felt great until the last month when fatigue kicked in.”
The medical team was the first to notice Winry’s CMN, but they offered congratulations for the easy birth and reassured Nicole that her baby’s vital signs were fine.
At first, Nicole mistook the large mark on Winry’s head for a bruise. “My husband and I quickly realized it wasn’t a bruise,” she said. “I thought it looked like a mole.” Concerned but unsure what to ask, Nicole held her baby close and showered her with love.
CMN can appear as dark or light brown patches on various parts of the body, and its size can vary, according to the National Organization for Rare Disorders.
Now, Nicole and her partner are on a mission to show the world that differences should be celebrated, not hidden.
“I like sharing because, for many, this is the first time they’ve seen a birthmark like hers,” Nicole said. “Parents can have meaningful conversations with their children about how kids can look different, or they may see their own child reflected in Winry.”
Winry’s parents take extra care of her skin, as her birthmark may increase her risk of melanoma, a form of skin cancer. “Our main concern is her health,” Nicole explained. “We make sure to use sunscreen and keep her protected with hats.”
Beyond her birthmark, Winry is a joyful and spirited little girl who radiates happiness. “She’s the happiest baby I’ve ever seen,” Nicole said. “She’s always laughing and yelling, and she’s already showing signs of having quite the personality!”
Nicole hopes that by sharing Winry’s story, more people will embrace differences rather than mock or belittle them.
To her, Winry is not just a child with a unique appearance—she’s a truly special little girl with a beautiful spirit.
The Meaning Behind Placing Coins on Gravestones
Finding ways to celebrate a loved one’s memory becomes vital for many after they pass away, as losing a loved one is always a tough event. While flower arrangements and other tributes are typical, there is a specific meaning associated with laying pennies on gravestones, especially for veterans and service members and their families.
A Tradition Worth Keeping
Though its exact roots are unknown, some have speculated that the custom of laying coins on gravestones originated during the Roman Empire. However, according to Snopes, there is insufficient evidence to back up this assertion. However, one thing is certain: people who have a strong bond with military people are aware of the sacrifices they make and are looking for a significant way to remember their lost colleagues.
It became increasingly difficult for people to express their emotions honestly during the Vietnam War. It became customary to place a coin on a soldier’s tomb to signify that someone had paid them a visit without running the danger of awkward talks regarding the political sides of the conflict. The gesture was a straightforward but effective way for people to express respect and unity.
Symbolic Honor Representations
Every penny placed on a gravestone has a special meaning associated with it. Here are few instances:
A penny is a sign that someone has paid their respects and visited the tomb.
Deeper emotional significance can be derived from a nickel, which represents a bond between the individual who left it and the dead soldier from boot camp.
A dime signifies cooperation, even if it was just briefly before splitting up.
The most important coin, the quarter, acts as a monument by informing the bereaved family that the person who left the coin was there during their time of grief.
These coins remind us of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the military and act as tangible representations of respect and tribute, bridging the gap between the past and present.
Past Gravestones
Not all military traditions involve coins, such as placing money on gravestones. Military troops are big fans of challenge coins, which have no monetary worth but are extremely significant. These coins, which stand for oneness, are frequently traded as trophies of friendship and honor.
Throughout history, coins have also had a variety of roles in cultural practices. They have been regarded as representations of good fortune, giving, and even riches. While this isn’t always the case, some people in the past were buried with their riches. For instance, it’s been reported that two dollars and fifty cents were buried with Abraham Lincoln’s eyes covered.
The deeper significance of laying pennies on gravestones is to commemorate and recognize the extraordinary efforts made by those who are serving in the military and their families, even though there may not be a clear relationship between money and this practice. It serves as a reminder to ourselves that their sacrifices are priceless.
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