Friday, May 8, 2009

Color Blind?

When Jamie first came up with the idea for me to write this blog I wasn't sure about it because as a family we just don't concentrate on race that much. However, somehow it always comes up in the ins and outs of every day living. When my daughter was first born 14 years ago I didn't want to make race an issue at all. I wanted her to grow up "color blind," but as my husband always points out, that is not the way the world works. After many years and lots of learning, I embrace the differences and am no longer "color blind" myself. I now realize this is not a bad thing. We are raising our daughter to treasure ALL of who she is. Ironically when people first meet Tatiana, everyone, and I mean everyone, assumes she is only black. I remember picking her up from school and a friend of her's that had never met me was getting a ride from us. As he started getting in the car he looked at me, then he looked at Tatiana and said, "Wow, your Mom is white, I didn't believe you!" So there ya go, I'm the "white Mom." I looked at him and said, "20 hours of labor and 14 years of raising...ya I'm her Mom!" Then we all had a good laugh. =) There was another time I remember picking her up back when she was in daycare and one of the little boys that went there came up to me and said, "why are you and Tatiana's Daddy different colors than her?" An innocent question from an innocent boy. I told him that was just the way God made all of us. (A little too young for the scientific details don't ya think!?) He said, "oh, okay" and went on his merry way. If only adults were that accepting! I could go on with the "color blind" stories but you get the idea. I wonder if one day this won't be a story anymore...it will just be.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Amy,
What a wonderful idea. You, Jamie and Tat are a great example of how an inter-racial family can and should be. You have taught all of us in our family about "the many shades of love" and we all realize that family is most important and everything else is incidental. Keep writing! I look forward to reading more. Love, Mom

Amy Wise said...

Awww you made me tear up! Thank you for the beautiful words Mom they mean so much to me! I love you guys! Happy early Mothers Day! Amy

Anonymous said...

I am really looking forward to reading this new blog! Our own many-shaded family will enjoy reading your thoughts and experiences as you have always been a source of inspiration to us!
Peace and much love. the dels

Anonymous said...

Hi Amy, I will add you to my daily blog list...one of these days I will write one myself!
Good luck!
Cheryl

Anonymous said...

Amy,
I love your blog!!!
I have it in my favorites and will come visit often!
Thanks for including me.
Love,
Terry

Amy Wise said...

Thank you all for taking time out to check out my new blog. =) I look forward to sharing with all of you! Amy

Anonymous said...

Amy - out of bad times, come good things. Perhaps one of the silver linings to these last two years is the opportunity to explore various outlets for your loving, creative nature - your painting, your blogs, your time with family and friends. This blog is such a natural extension of how you live your life that I am going to enjoy reading each and every one - way to go! Lori

Amy Wise said...

Thank you Lori! You my dear Sister are such an inspiration to me with how you are handling everything you are going through! Life...we keep living, learning and leaning on each other. Thank you for being such an amazing Sis!