Adriana Cataño: Daughter, Friend, Sister, Actress, TV Host, Voice Over Talent, Mentor + Favorite Title of All: Gaby’s Mom.
What have you overcome? I have overcome many obstacles in my life. My parents divorced when I was only two years old and my mom raised me as a single mom. We overcame poverty and moving around frequently. I attended over eight different schools by the time I graduated from high school.
In high school I was a victim of bullying due to being overweight. I weighed 165 pounds at the age of 15 and that is a lot for a petite person like me. The bullying personally inspired me to lose weight and get in shape in less than one year. By the time 11th grade came around I weighed 116 pounds and began modeling for the junior’s department at Burdines/ Macy’s.
I had an irregular heart beat when I was overweight and had to take medication for it. When the weight came off, I was cured. I also overcame being crucified by the press for being a single mom. I was accused of having a child with a married man which is absolutely false. It has taken decades for the press to realize this is not true. I overcame this obstacle with much grace, faith, patience, and God’s help. In addition, I overcame not knowing a single soul in the entertainment industry and climbing up the ladder step by step with absolutely no connections.
My faith in God and his will is my rock. My daughter has been hospitalized eight times for a condition that is very rare, nevertheless I know God has a plan. I never worry, I remain calm because I know God will help her feel better and he always does. His plan is not necessarily what I wish for at times but in my heart I know his plan is best. Often he puts us through trials and tribulations to come out stronger than ever and to believe in him more. I am worry free, I know God has my back. I have learned to be grateful for every blessing in my life and to complain less. Often we get in the habit of complaining when we are blessed and have much more than other people.
I have learned with experience and heartbreak that when God removes someone from your life whether it is a love interest or a friend it’s because he is protecting you and also making room for better people to come into your life. People come into our lives in cycles, we learn from each person and when it is their time to leave we need to learn to let them go and bless them on their journey. This is a very difficult task.
For more of Adriana Cataño, and the many faces of perseverance order your copy of the November | December, Overcoming Issue here.
Mavian Arocha-Rowe
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