Pharmacist reveals two warning signs of silent killer that you might spot in your feet

By
Monica Pop
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When it comes to our health, certain symptoms we often overlook can serve as warning signs that it’s time to visit a doctor.

How often do you pay attention to any changes that happen to your feet and toes?

I guess this part of our body is sometimes overlooked. However, these changes can say a lot about our overall health.

Noel Wicks, a pharmacist and advisor to Excilor, spoke to the Express about the warning signs our feet can hold. Who knew that beyond our socks and shoes there were secrets about our wekk-being?

“We need to keep an eye on our foot health, including our toenails, because it can impact on our overall health and be a sign of [serious] health issues,” Wicks said.

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She added that our feet can sometimes feel cold and numb because the blood vessels that supply them with blood are rather tiny and can clog up easily.

Changes in our toenails can also be red flags indicating that it’s time to make an appointment with the doctor.

“Thickening and brittleness of toenails may also occur with heart disease,” the pharmacist said.

PAD, or peripheral vascular disease, is caused by narrowing, blockage, or spasms in a blood vessel.

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As per NHS, “Many people with PAD have no symptoms. However, some develop a painful ache in their legs when they walk, which usually disappears after a few minutes’ rest. The medical term for this is ‘intermittent claudication.’

“The pain can range from mild to severe, and usually goes away after a few minutes when you rest your legs. Both legs are often affected at the same time, although the pain may be worse in one leg.”

Other symptoms we shouldn’t overlook include tingling, pain, and burning sensations. Dry or cracked skin, as well as blisters or sores that fail to heal, may say a lot too.

Fungal infections and athlete’s foot can also be warning signs of something more serious happening with our body.

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In case you notice changes in the color of your toenails – they get more yellow – you should be aware that it can point to diabetes or heart issues.

Whenever you notice a change on any part of your body, not juts the feet and toes, make sure you seek medical advice.

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Too much at 64: Valerie Bertinelli faces backlash for revealing underwear selfie

By
Bryan Seal
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Actress Valerie Bertinelli, 64, caused a stir on the social media after posting a photo of herself in underwear.

According to her, she wanted to spread a message of self-acceptance and gratitude for her journey throughout the years that was filled with plenty of emotional and physical challenges.

However, what Valerie Bertinelli believed would be an image of a candid reflection of her body turned into a heated discussion among people on Instagram about whether a photo like that was appropriate or not.

A Bold Statement in Self-Acceptance

In her now-viral Instagram post, Valerie Bertinelli posed confidently in front of a mirror, holding a box of hair dye. The unfiltered photo showcased her without makeup, emphasizing her embrace of natural beauty. She captioned the post:

“At some point I will talk about the madness my body has been through this year. But right now, every lump, bump, wrinkle and saggy part of me just feels acceptance and simple appreciation to be standing in front of a mirror in a hotel bathroom in downtown Manhattan, ready to color my roots late on a Monday night.”

The post highlighted the progress in Valerie Bertinelli body image journey and was met with mixed reactions. While many followers praised her for sharing such an honest and bold moment, others labeled the photo as inappropriate or unnecessary.

Mixed Reactions to Valerie Bertinelli’s Post

The responses to Bertinelli’s photo revealed the polarizing nature of such self-expressions. Critics commented:

  • “That’s great for you, but you don’t have to show everyone.”
  • “Why do we want to see an old lady wearing her pants online? Disgusting.”
  • “Have you lost your mind posting this photo? Get some therapy.”

Others accused her of seeking validation. A particularly harsh critic wrote, “Honestly, you’re quite lovely, but why do you need to post an underwear picture for compliments?”

However, there was also an outpouring of support. Fans left comments like, “Looking fabulous!!🔥❤️🔥,” and “You are definitely an inspiration to us all.🥰,” applauding her boldness and her journey to self-acceptance.

Valerie Bertinelli’s Body Image Journey

Valerie Bertinelli’s Instagram post represents a pivotal moment in her years-long journey toward self-love. Despite her stunning appearance, she struggled with body image issues growing up and even throughout her Hollywood career.

“This is what I have; I so love my brain and my body carries my brain. I so love my heart, and this body is what carries my heart,” she shared. “It’s aging; that’s what we all do; that’s all it’s doing.”

Her battle with body image led her to write the book “Enough Already: Learning to Love the Way I Am Today.” In it, Bertinelli shared how her life in the public eye shaped her self-perception and the gradual realization that she was much more than her appearance.

Breaking Free from Societal Pressure

As a child and teen actress on One Day at a Time, Bertinelli faced criticism about her weight. “I remember my fifth grade teacher patting me on the belly and saying, ‘You might want to keep an eye on that,’” she recalled. She also spoke about being pressured into smaller clothing sizes on set.

Through therapy and self-discovery, Bertinelli broke free from these societal pressures. She now measures progress not by the scale but by how her clothes fit and how she feels in her body.

Inspiring Confidence Through Role Models

Valerie Bertinelli credits the confidence and self-love of plus-size celebrities for helping her embrace her body. She expressed gratitude for their influence and noted how much she wished for similar role models during her childhood.

“These individuals radiate inner beauty no matter their size,” she said, adding that their presence today is a beacon of inspiration for those on their own self-acceptance journeys.

A New Chapter in Self-Love

Valerie Bertinelli has also reframed her relationship with food. Once a source of struggle, food has become a passion for her, particularly through her work on the Food Network. She now focuses on the love and joy her body allows her to give and receive.

Her goal is to inspire others to embrace their imperfections and practice self-compassion. By sharing her story, Bertinelli hopes to connect with those who need encouragement in their own journeys toward body acceptance.

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My husband made me stay home with our sick kids while he went on vacation

By
Monica Pop
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My husband went on vacation all by himself, and I taught him a lesson to remember.

After a long and tiring 12-hour-shift at the ER, I came home to the usual chaos. Toys all over the living room, and snack wrappers in every corner.

“Rough day?” my husband, Garrett, said, not bothering to lift his head from his phone.

Trying to stay calm, I replied: “Yes, the ER was a madhouse.”

My kids, Zach and Penny, were shrieking as they chased each other around the house.

The moment they saw me, they started yelling, “Mom, we are starving!”

I was barely standing on my feet, and now my kids wanted me to prepare dinner. “Garrett, did you feed the kids?” I asked. With the can of beer in his hand, he said, “Yea, they had some chips. I thought you wanted to cook when you get home.”

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I felt tired from this life. Garrett never bothered to lift a finger. All he did while at home was watching TV on the couch, and that was it.

As we had dinner, I looked at my kids and my husband and thought to myself that things might change for the better following the vacation we’ve been planning for quite some time. Maybe some away time would remind Garrett why he fell for me in the first place.

But sadly, that evening, Penny got sick. Withing an hour, Zach’s face went pale too. He didn’t feel right either.

In the morning, I realized that they couldn’t go on vacation like that, so over breakfast I suggested we postpone the trip.

“What!?” Garrett yelled. “No way, I was looking forward to this vacation for way too long.”

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I tried to explain to him that the kids were too sick to be able to travel that day, but he didn’t care. “You stay home with them. I’ll go and I promise I’ll enjoy for both of us.”

Honestly, I thought he was just joking. But no, my husband was dead serious. He was going on the vacation all by himself.

I watched in disbelief while he was packing his suitcase. My kids were disappointed, nearly crying over the failed vacation.

Garrett left, and I was there all by myself, struggling to juggle between the house and the kids.

On day two of my husband’s vacation, he posted a photo of himself enjoying a cocktail with the caption, Living the dream.

And that’s when something in me snapped.

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I went to the garage – his man cave – and took photos of all of his belongings, including the fishing gear, the boat he barely used, and almost all of his expensive junk that he had accumulated over the years. Then, I listed every item on buy-and-sell groups on the social media, and in no time, I sold everything he owned.

I got plenty of money to be able to take my kids on vacation. If Garrett could go, so could we.

I booked a resort and hoped for the best.

Luckily, the kids loved it. They had so much fun there.

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One day while by the pool, Garrett’s name appeared on my phone’s screen. No greeting, nothing, his words were: “What the hell, Nora, where are my things?”

He didn’t even ask where I or the kids were. He only cared for his belongings.

“I sold them,” I said.

“What!? You must be kidding.”

“No, Garrett, I’m not. And I took the kids on vacation with the money, so they could also be living the dream.”

He was mad beyond words, but I didn’t care. What’s most, I told him we were better off without one another.

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“This isn’t over, Nora. You’ll regret this.”

But his threats didn’t scare me. I was done being taken for granted.

I had no idea what future held for me and the kids, but one thing was certain, Garrett didn’t belong there any longer.

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A boy discovers an envelope with his name at the grave of his adoptive mother

By
Monica Pop
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The life at the shelter felt like a huge burden for Stuart. He was already 13-years-old and he had spent too much time in that place. After years of losing trust in people and building walls around him, he was finally given a permanent home, but he never truly accepted his adoptive mother.

When he first walked inside the shelter as a five-year-old boy, all Stuart had was his tattered teddy bear, which was old and worn, but served as a shield from the outer world this young boy was unfamiliar with.

While the rest of the children were cheerful, he never joined any of their games. Instead, he was always all by himself, refusing to make any friends.

It was as though he accepted the solitude as something that was inevitable.

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Over the years, he witnessed many of the children being taken to foster homes or getting adopted, but no one ever approached Stuart. And just as he lost hope, a woman named Jennifer visited the shelter.

She could see the pain in his lovely eyes that didn’t have the spark most children his age had.

Jennifer approached him and attempted to start a conversation, but Stuart shut her out, refusing to speak.

However, after realizing she wouldn’t quit easily, he asked her why she was there and if she was like the rest of the people who come to the shelter and then just leave and never look back.

Extending her hand towards him, she assured him she was there to stay if he wanted to.

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But after many disappointments, Stuart doubted the sincerity of her words.

“If you want to come home with me, I’ll be there,” Jennifer said.

Stuart looked her in the eyes and asked, “But why do you want me? Everyone says I’m a sad child.”

His words broke Jennifer’s heart.

“I want you more than anything in this world,” she said.

Stuart felt a glimpse of hope after eight long years spent at the shelter. He was finally getting a place to call home, but sadly, he never accepted Jennifer as his mother.

Jennifer, however, never lost hope. She knew more time needed to pass before Stuart’s wounds healed completely. She prayed that his little heart start to open up. But as years passed, the emotional walls Stuart built around him only grew stronger. He was never close to his adoptive mother and refused any help she has ever offered.

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One evening, while doing his homework, Jennifer sat next to him, but he threw the papers across the room, telling her he could handle things on his own.

Many times, he would remind her that she was just his adoptive mother, not his real one, and that he wasn’t her son.

Every time he uttered those words, a piece of her fragile heart broke.

When he learned that Jennifer was seriously ill, he still treated her as nothing but a stranger, unable to embrace her love.

Sadly, Jennifer passed away shortly after she learned of her cancer diagnosis. On her funeral, Stuart stood in a corner, silent and with not a single tear in his eyes.

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Spotting him there, Jennifer’s best friend, Carol, remembered Jennifer’s final request: to help Stuart learn how much she loved him.

A few days passed by and Carol, who was appointed as Stuart’s guardian, visited him. “Stuart, you should visit your mom’s grave. Se left something for you there.”

Intrigued, Stuart headed towards the cemetery. Indeed, there was an envelop on the grave of his adoptive mother. He grabbed it and opened it, his cold demeanor still unaffected.

But as he opened the letter and started going through the carefully written words, Stuart finally broke in tears.

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In the letter, Jennifer wrote of the pain she felt when she left him at the shelter with a promise to return for him when she would stand on her feet. She struggled financially and emotionally and couldn’t take care of him, but she loved him even before he was born.

The moment Stuart realized Jennifer wasn’t his adoptive mother, but the woman who gave birth to him, he was totally crushed.

He regretted every second in which he refused her affection and pushed her away.

But it was already late for anything to be changed.

From that moment on, he visited her grave often, finally learning the depth oh her love for him.

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My husband and in-laws expected me to pay for the NYE dinner with my mom’s inheritance

By
Monica Pop
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My mom’s sudden passing left me with her inheritance. It wasn’t a lot, but it was enough to ensure my future and bring me a sense of security.

I still wasn’t sure what to spend the money on, but it seemed like my husband, Ethan, had plenty of ideas on his mind.

“Babe, what about renovating the house with your mom’s money?” he would say. “Or maybe get a new car, what do you say?”

I found this rather strange, because it was my money that my mom left to me, so I try not to think about Ethan’s words much.

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But then, New Year Eve’s came, and things got heated between us.

His mom and dad called and invited us out. To my surprise, they chose the fanciest restaurant in town.

“Claire, you are going to love it,” my mother-in-law, Karen, gushed over the phone.

And yes, I did love the place. The moment we entered, I was stunned by the lights that sparkled like diamonds and the live music, which was soft but lovely.

I knew the prices were outrageous, but it was New Year’s Eve, and it was just one day of the year, so I thought I would deal with whatever came later.

When the waiter brought the menu, I was shocked by how expensive everything was. And then, cocktails, appetizers, entrees, and desserts kept coming.

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No matter how much I tried to push aside my worries over the prices, I simply couldn’t.

The evening was a delightful one. My father-in-law, Tom, was sharing stories about his games of golf, and Karen talked about some local gossips. Somehow, I felt like I finally fit in.

But then, the bill came, and things got the wrong turn.

The waiter placed it in the middle of the table, and no one reached for it. I was looking at Ethan, but he was ignoring me because of some reason. And then, Karen took it and leaned towards me, saying, “Claire, darling, since you’ve inherited money recently, I believe this should be on you. It would be nice if you treat your family dinner.”

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I froze. Ethan didn’t say anything. It was as though he agreed with his mother.

“It’s not a big deal,” Karen said, “you should share your blessing with your family.”

Tom turned to me and added, “Karen’s right, Claire. It’s not about the money, it’s about bringing us closer.”

But I didn’t agree with them. My mom’s inheritance wasn’t theirs to spend.

Finally, Ethan turned to me and said, “It’s just one dinner, don’t make a big deal out of it.”

Flabbergasted, I reached for my wallet, but then I changed my mind. “Actually, no. I’m not paying for everyone’s dinner.”

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They all looked at me as though I committed a crime. But somehow, I didn’t care.

Ever since I got my mom’s inheritance, Ethan pretended it was his. He made plans on how to spend it, and now he involved his parents as well. It was something I wasn’t willing to accept.

They called me selfish, but I didn’t say anything, I just left.

Shortly after, Ethan called me on the phone. Instead of an apology, he accused me of embarrassing him in front of his parents.

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But it wasn’t about the bill that I could easily covered, it was about the lack of respect my husband and my in-laws had for me.

“I think we need some space,” Ethan said over the phone. Surprisingly, I felt a strange sense of relief. “I think you are right,” I said. Honestly, I wasn’t sure if I belonged to that kind of marriage.

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How a couch, a map, and brotherly love guided us toward healing

By
Monica Pop
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That old couch that stood in the living room for years was something I was eager to get rid of. It was worn out, and its once soft pale blue hue had turned somewhere between gray and green. The cushions had lost their firmness, and the wooden frame let out a creaky sound that felt unsettling.

I told my husband, Bruce, to get rid of that couch a thousand times, and his answer was never a ‘no.’ He would assure me he was going to take care of it, but somehow, he never did. This was a bit strange knowing how practical he has always been.

When it eventually started smelling like mold, I was determined to get rid of it myself. “Today is the day,” I told myself as I called the local hauling company.

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Luckily, they had an available slot that afternoon, and it seemed like the perfect timing. I hope that when Bruce arrived, he would be glad I did the job without bothering him, but sadly, it wasn’t like that.

The moment he entered the house and noticed the couch wasn’t there, he went into a state of pure panic.

“Where’s the couch?” he started yelling, and I was shocked by his reaction, which I believed was overwhelming.

“Bruce, what’s wrong?” I asked. “The couch was old and smelly, and I never knew it meant so much to you.”

He just looked at me and said, “You’ll never understand how much.”

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Bruce was a kind of person who never shared his emotions. He never spoke about his past and his family, so I thought the couch could be a heirloom or something, so I kept asking him about it.

“You need to see it to believe it,” he said as he drove to the landfill, praying our old couch was still there. Luckily, I had the receipt, so the supervisor of the dumping ground let us in.

There, among the piles of garbage waiting to be disposed was the old couch.

Bruce tugged at a corner of the fabric, digging beneath the seat cushions as if he were searching for something important. “Please be here,” he kept repeating. And then, he pulled out an old piece of paper.

“What’s that, Bruce?” I asked.

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Feeling relieved, he said it was a treasure map he and his brother drew when they were kids.

“Your brother? I didn’t know you have a brother!”

“I used to have,” Bruce said, “he’s name was Leo, and he’s no longer around.”

It was then that I learned my husband’s brother died when they were still children. He fell from the oak tree in their yard, and Bruce felt responsible for letting the tragedy take place.

It was because of that event that he became withdrawn and unable to express his emotions.

The piece of paper, or the map, was the only memory he had of Leo.

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In the days that followed, Bruce shared the story with our kids, telling them about their uncle Leo. He even reached out to the owners of his family’s old home, and asked them if we could visit the house. They were more than happy to welcome us all.

Bruce, the kids, and I visited the house where Leo lost his life.

Memories of Bruce’s childhood came flooding in, and he was finally able to make peace with himself and accept that his brother’s passing wasn’t his fault.

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The old couch and the secret it held helped my husband heal.

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William and Kate: Sad news before Christmas

By
Monica Pop
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Ever since the world learned of Kate Middleton’s cancer diagnosis, all eyes have been on her and her husband, Prince William.

Back in January, 2024, the beloved princess underwent a planned abdominal surgery.

Following it, she disappeared from the spotlight.

This caused a stir, with speculations about her health condition and her whereabouts making headlines.

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Then, in March, 2024, Kate Middleton disclosed her cancer diagnosis with the public. She asked for privacy while dealing with the treatments. In a video she shared, she said it had taken her time to recover from the surgery and “to explain everything” to her children George, Charlotte and Louis.

“As I said to them, I am well, and getting stronger every day by focusing on the things that will help me heal. In my mind, body and spirits. Having William by my side is a great source of comfort,” Kate said in the video.

Thankfully, she recovered from the cancer and is now attending public events. She has also returned to some of her royal duties.

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Although that chapter of her life is behind her, the public has been eager to learn what type of cancer the princess suffered from.

Allegedly, William and Kate broke their silence right before Christmas and shared that the Princess’ diagnosis was a stage two stomach cancer.

The mum-of-three shared her “relief” after finishing her treatment, adding that the last nine months have been “incredibly tough.”

“As the summer comes to an end, I cannot tell you what a relief it is to have finally completed my chemotherapy treatment,” Kate said in the video message shared by Kensington Palace in September of last year. “The last nine months have been incredibly tough for us as a family. Life as you know it can change in an instant and we have had to find a way to navigate the stormy waters and road unknown.”

Kate described her cancer journey as “complex, scary and unpredictable for everyone.”

“This time has above all reminded William and me to reflect and be grateful for the simple yet important things in life, which so many of us often take for granted. Of simply loving and being loved.”

Kate Middleton now focuses on staying cancer free.

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Snoop Dogg pays tribute to his grandchild who passed away

By
Monica Pop
-

Snoop Dogg has built a career far beyond music, showing the world that he’s an awesome father to his four children, and even more awesome grandfather.

In a 2015 interview with Today, the famous rapper rated himself as “about a 7-plus” as a father, highlighting his close bond with all of his kids.

“My relationship with my kids is more important than anything. It’s a friendship relationship… it’s based on me being a father, a mentor, and a friend,” he explained.

In the past, Snoop Dogg opened up about his family and explained that his involvement with the reality show Snoop Dogg’s Father Hood aimed to highlight the personal side of hip-hop artists, showcasing their lives as fathers and partners away from the spotlight.

“I got kids, and I always play my music for them. I like to hear what they like. They think I’m old, but I think I’m young,” he shared with People Magazine.

“Ninety percent of rappers grew up without fathers, but you see ninety percent of those rappers becoming fathers to their kids. We don’t ever get commended for that. We become real men when we get to this level we’re at right now.” 

Cordell, Snoop Dogg, Cori, and Corde Broadus on July 16, 2013, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Snoop Dogg is dedicated to being a positive role model for his kids and grandkids.

Appearing on the Jennifer Hudson Show, the rapper revealed that his grandchildren call him Papa Snoop.

“My grandkids are different ages, ranges, and sizes, and I love them all the same way. Actually, my oldest grandson’s birthday is today, so I’m on my way to his birthday party when I leave here,” he said.

Corde, Snoop Dogg, Shante, and Cordell Broadus on April 18, 2023, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images

Sadly, one of Snoop’s grandkids, Kai Love, passed away at just 10 days old. He was the son of the musician’s oldest son, Corde Broadus.

The little one passed away in September, 2019, due to a congenital heart defect. The loss deeply affected the family, who established a foundation in Kai Love’s honor.

Snoop Dogg shared a touching message on the social media about trusting God during difficult times.

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by snoopdogg (@snoopdogg)

Fans and followers shared their condolences. 

“Soooo sorry for the loss of your grandbaby… Children are such a precious gift from God, but sometimes he takes them back… sweet precious little Kai RIP… God bless and comfort all who love him…❤️🙏🏻”  one person wrote.

Another added, “Sorry for your [loss.] God Bless🙏🏽🙏🏽.” A third user expressed, “Prayers for you and family.”

Kai Love’s mom, Soraya Love, posted a message about her baby on what was supposed to be his fourth birthday.

Soraya Love with her baby son Kai Love, as seen in a post dated September 15, 2023 | Source: Instagram/sorayaspanish

“Happy heavenly birthday to my 1st son Kai Love who passed away 9-15-2019… I know God used this painful time in our families life, knowing I will use that to help those in need of that knowledge of GOD and SELF [sic].”

She explained, “The pain of losing a child you created in YOUR body is very traumatic feeling that never goes away…since that moment God has guided my steps and shown me a deeper soul purpose for my kids and those around me.

“To get close to God, improve your heart health through lifestyle choices, relationship standards, family dynamic, generational curse breaking; food choices, self-love, serving those in need of help mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally [sic].”

No matter how much time passes by, the loss of a child is a pain that never goes away.

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