07/08/2026
April of this year, a medical emergency, that I'm still in rehabilitation for; reminded me of how life is fragile and in an instant your life can change forever. So, I started writing my book, about my journey but in the process GOD changed my direction through my students, it turned into a storybook. An ode of love to my parents and grandmother and to food.
Yesterday, I took on a teaching assignment that allowed me to work with some of the most purest hearted children, I could have ever had the privilege to work with. Each one, had disabilities but their abilities to show innocence and love was something to behold. But there was one little girl, with her wooden blocks in the shape of vegetables and another wooden set made like little bees in a honeycomb that stole my heart. Another teacher, told her to bring it down. But GOD TOLD ME, WATCH & LISTEN!!!!!! I gave my focus to her, and realized while she was completely nonverbal, she was speaking loud and clear. What others considered as her making noise, was really her understanding everything around her. Her noise, was her being the bees, she placed her vegetables according to the color of each bee. I, asked her to share her carrots with me, and the biggest smile came across her face. She placed it in my hand, and went back to her garden. As a teacher, we focus on actual things, what we see as make believe; in the hands of a child is completely real. I was a part of her world and she made sure that I saw it, in her way. This is why, I wrote "Katina's Culinary Magic." It is for every child that sees their grandparents or parents kitchen as a place of magic and belonging! It's bringing back shared times around the dining room table while giving them an opportunity to learn from loved ones in the kitchen.
So, if you can find in your heart, a way to donate, even a dollar to bring this book to life. Just like salt in a recipe, it's takes many tiny grains coming together to make a impact.
https://gofund.me/af9b1a836
