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.
Widely used tool that makes some tasks appear relatively simple
History
The vintage aluminium tubing pipe cutter tool, a hallmark of mid-20th century craftsmanship, has a rich history rooted in the evolution of plumbing and metalworking. These tools became essential during the post-World War II industrial boom when the demand for efficient and reliable plumbing and heating systems soared. Made predominantly from durable and lightweight aluminium, these cutters offered a practical solution for professionals and hobbyists alike.
Usage
Designed for precision and ease of use, the vintage aluminium tubing pipe cutter was indispensable in cutting various types of metal tubing, particularly copper, aluminium, and steel. Its straightforward operation involved securing the pipe within the tool’s adjustable clamp, then rotating the cutter around the pipe while gradually tightening the cutting wheel until the pipe was cleanly severed. This method ensured a smooth, burr-free cut, essential for maintaining the integrity of the piping system and ensuring leak-free connections.
Key Features:
- Adjustable Clamp: Secures the pipe in place for precise cutting.
- Rotating Cutting Wheel: Gradually tightens around the pipe, ensuring a clean cut.
- Lightweight Aluminium Construction: Easy to handle and resistant to corrosion.
Legacy
The legacy of the vintage aluminium tubing pipe cutter is seen in its enduring influence on modern plumbing and metalworking tools. Despite the advent of more advanced and automated cutting technologies, the basic design principles of these vintage tools remain unchanged. They epitomize a blend of functionality, durability, and simplicity, qualities that continue to inspire contemporary tool design.
Collectors and enthusiasts value these vintage tools not only for their practical utility but also for their historical significance. Many of these cutters are still in use today, testament to their robust construction and the timeless nature of their design. They serve as a nostalgic reminder of a time when manual skill and craftsmanship were paramount.
Conclusion
The vintage aluminium tubing pipe cutter tool stands as a symbol of mid-20th century ingenuity and craftsmanship. Its history reflects a period of significant industrial growth and innovation, its usage demonstrates the practical efficiency of its design, and its legacy endures in the continued appreciation and use of these reliable tools. Whether in the hands of a collector or a craftsman, the vintage aluminium tubing pipe cutter remains a cherished piece of industrial history.
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