When Angelica was born on May 6, 2018, she was undeniably beautiful. She had an adorable button nose, captivating eyes, and a heart-shaped port wine stain on her face.
Her mother, Marianna Bowering, shared that while many friends and family members were accepting of Angelica’s birthmark, there were still some people who felt compelled to comment on her daughter’s appearance.
“The worst comment online that I’ve gotten is when someone asked if her face had been pushed onto a skillet. Basically, saying her face looked grilled,” Bowering told the Mirror.
Marianna revealed that her daughter had to endure hurtful remarks, being labeled as “hideous” and a “defect.” These cruel and insensitive words added to the challenges her family faced. However, their resilience and determination to overcome these obstacles eventually led to a remarkable transformation.
Despite the hurtful comments, Bowering is committed to ensuring that Angelica grows up knowing she is beautiful just the way she is.
Recently, the 27-year-old mother decided to use makeup to create a copy of her 5-year-old daughter’s birthmark on her own face.
“I got the idea from vascular birthmark awareness day, where they encourage people to paint a heart on the cheeks,” Bowering said, according to The Epoch Times. “Initially, I just did the heart with my makeup look, but then I thought, why don’t I go all out and do Angelica’s port wine stain.”
Marianna was deeply affected when some people suggested that her daughter’s facial spots would fade over time or that Angelica could simply conceal them with makeup if she wished.
These remarks intensified the mother’s pain and frustration as she questioned why her daughter should have to hide her natural beauty rather than embrace it.
It was a heart-wrenching reminder of the harsh realities faced by those who do not conform to conventional standards of beauty. However, it also emphasized the importance of acceptance and love for all individuals, regardless of their appearance.
From the beginning, neither Bowering nor her husband believed that their daughter’s birthmark was something they, nor she, should be ashamed of. So, they actively work to ensure that it is celebrated.
Before the matching “birthmark,” Bowering adorned Angelica’s port wine stain with glitter to make it shine.
Children with port wine stains on their faces are at risk for developing other health conditions, but Bowering told TODAY that Angelica is healthy.
“Thankfully, we’ve done tests, and Angelica is totally healthy,” Bowering said. “We just need to have regular check-ups, especially for her eyes, as glaucoma can be a concern.”
Angelica, you are absolutely beautiful. Never let anyone tell you otherwise.