[Manisha]

I am an adoptee, I am also half East Indian..born in CA in 72' and adopted by the most amazing family in 75.' My mom and dad are from India...how they lucked out!!!!!!!!!! Well, I am blessed, yeah I was the typical kid and the typical adoptee...typical teenage issues and then add on a few adoption issues. But I was offered all the East Indian traditions..granted I have a hard time keeping track of all the traditions mom and dad keep me posted on holidays and I choose if I want to celebrate. They think im stubborn, little do they know I am proud of my heritage and carry the traditions in my heart on the day the holiday is celebrated! Little do they realize that due to my learning disability of remembering the dates, and meaning I want to celebrate with them but for the 29 years that they have been my Mom and dad I can't remember a **** thing. The Indian Dance classes were dreadful, not because I was embarrassed but because I could not remember the steps, the moves or the timing. I think my culture is beautiful. The indian skits for Dewali were hard because I felt like an idiot..while the expected moves and gestures would flow so graceful from the other girls I needed to be reminded of each scene and what I was to do and I felt that the parents teaching were annoyed and looked at me as an idiot. I know Mom thought it was because I wasn't proud of the culture but thats false. Granted my self esteem was not up to par and I didn't want the attention because I didn't know what to do with it...so everytime she requested I dress in the beautiful Indian gowns I refused. My older brother picked up the language, granted he flaws at times im beyond jealous that he can put the words that I understand in the correct order and speak to our relatives in india. I just couldn't remember the basic concept of speaking the language..another thing im not sure if my Mom understood. Im proud of my ethnicity and hopefully the things that I cannot offer my own children because I can't remember my Mom will offer them. I want them to carry the pride that I had but hid, but I want them to show the pride. Ask my 9 year old son what he is and he will let you know...and believe me he is proud to be part East Indian. Im at times ashamed that I cannot educate them more. But I am blessed to have beautiful parents that will offer them what they offered me and will accept how they relate to their ethnicity. Judgement is never passed from my parents. How lucky am I? How lucky are my children? How lucky are all the people that are touched by MY MOM and DAD?

Manisha

[bromanchik]

Manisha,
I think you should send them this post. It's beautiful. It would make a difference in both your lives.

[Manisha]

Thank you! I sent it to them right after I wrote it! Still waiting to hear their reply!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Manisha

[KaseyHamnerM.S.]

What a sweet story. Thanks for sharing it with us.

kasey

[Manisha]

To all:

I sent to my mom and dad and they appreciated my sharing how I felt and as usual didn't pass any judgement.....of coursr they made sure I knew that they thought the grand kids were:::::"PERFECT" and im sure when my children are adults I will love them just as much as I am loved by my parents....we learn from the example that our parents set for us. To all the young kids who read this....you may say to yourself today I will never be like my parents well take it from me I am proud that I have turned into my parents..granted I have my own added extra's that I will pass onto my children.

Manisha

[GSB1976]

That's an awesome story. You and your parents are blessed to have each other! :O)

P.S
Sending many blessings!

[Rosyeve]

It's a beautiful story. Thanks for sharing it.