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Old 03-15-2005, 04:43 AM
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bromanchik
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jaenelle
DH and I live in a small town, rural area, and while we do worry about what our child may go through being the "only" person of that race in school and the community, the reality is that if our child is anything but 100% Caucasian, he or she is going to be the "only" one. That's just where we live -- everyone is white here.


Being open to any race does not mean that you might be the best family for a child of another race. Love is not enough. I think it might be really important for you to talk to adoptees who have grown up as the only child of color in their community. The stories I have been told are sad and full of struggles in trying to be accepted. Like it or not you cannot make other people love and accept your child. It is especially hard in high school when many parents will not allow their children to date someone of a different race. They often feel isolated and alone no matter how much their parents love them.

Adoption is about providing for the needs of children and children of color need role models in their life that look like them. They need to be a part of their community. They need to be raised knowing their culture. They cannot get that from a book. They need to get that from personal interaction.

BTW, I an 4'11" too, and very tough.
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