My daughter recently dealt with a similar situation, She was over at her friends house.where they all hang out after work and on the weekend. Her friend lives with and helps support his parents, who are both disabled.

The parents are both very kind people, feed the whole group when they've no extra really to go round, any kid can come to them in need, no matter. One night the dad said something about how races should (sorry, left out the NOT)intermarry.

The mother knew that my daughter has twin nephews whose father is from Antigua and a very dark mahagony. She shussed him right up, reminding him. So my daughter took the opportunity to show around the babies' pictures, talk about her brother-in-law, and try to educate them a bit. It surprised me because she is generally hot-tempered about such things, so I think she must relaly value their friendship and also felt she could reach them. I hope they continue to be open to learning and perhaps changing their minds.

SD, it's odd they don't seem to make the distinction with Amerindian blood, at least not that family. They know my daughter is part Cherokee and Mohawk, she's even got the colouring and gorgeous dark long hair to prove it, but they just don't see her as anything but white.

My mom and dad were of the older generations which found racism so common. Dad used to use the "n" word once in awhile until he heard of what a good man my son-in-law is and saw the pics of his great-grandsons; and I've never considered him racist at all. The only prejudice I ever learned from him was against sheepherders!

My mom was concerned when she heard about my oldest daughter planning to marry a black man. She worried for their safety and for that of any children they might have. She learned to not worry and accept.

Good luck, Patrish. Good for you for having the courage to speak up; that's what more people need to do.

kat