We had the good fortune of connecting with Carmen Greenard-Varnum and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Carmen, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
The most important thing that I’ve done is being a present parent. I’ve sacrificed everything including myself to make sure that I was present in their lives giving them every opportunity to thrive and to be a law abiding productive citizen. I have no regrets as far as putting my life on hold. Being a foster child I never wanted my children to suffer the way that I did and have to worry about anything.

I never wanted anyone else to raise my children other than myself and my husband. We instilled morals and values in our children. Education was a priority to us and a relationship with God. 

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
In my professional career I worked in healthcare financial services for 15 years in corporate banking 10 years. I had a serious accident at work which caused me to be disabled on disability and doing that time I have been writing a book but had not gotten it published. During the time of me being out early retirement shortly after I lost my husband to Covid. Doing my grieving process one day the holy spirit I heard a voice telling me finish the book. I got in contact with an editor and I finished the book. Once I gave it to the editor every thing  moved swiftly. It was six months the book was published on Amazon.com.

Afterwards a book signing which was a success. Now currently being invited to speak on how I’ve overcome life adversities and grief.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love to entertain and my friends love to visit me. It’s like a bed-and-breakfast when you come to my home because I love to cook and treat you with warm hospitality. On the first day visiting, I will cook breakfast, lunch and dinner. I allow you to relax from a long flight.
The next day we will go shopping and eating at Pappadeaux’s for lunch and dinner at Ruth Chris steakhouse.
Then later in the week Chateau Elan
For a nice quiet massage and pedicure and lots of girl talk.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My deceased spouse Washington Varnum Jr. he passed away February 1, 2021 to Covid. He was the love of my life and I was very devastated but he taught me love and forgiving others. I had so much built-up resentment from childhood trauma being in foster care until I didn’t know how to love myself and forgive others.

I held on to a lot of things and he helped me to remove that wall and open up my heart to let him in.

Instagram: carmengreenard_varnum

Facebook: CGV Enterprises Inc.

Youtube: Carmen Greenard

Other: carmenvarnum@yahoo.com

Image Credits
David Price Priceless photo photography

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