At our first home study meeting we were informed that by adopting transracially, it would be as if we were walking down the street with a big old neon sign attached to our family. We were told how we would be an open target for questions and comments and we had better start thinking about how we were going to handle our new neon-ness.

Now that Ella’s home, I don’t always notice that we look different from everyone else. For the first weeks and months home I was aware that we looked different as a pair than most other moms and kids in the mall; but I think that was mostly because I was afraid of someone making a rude or ignorant comment. Now that we have become more comfortable with each other and as a family, it really doesn’t seem to matter at all. When I think to be aware and look at strangers’ reactions to us, I’m usually shocked to see that most people are just going about their business and might stop to share a quick smile with us, but that’s about it.

I realize that it hasn’t been very long that I have lived as part of a transracial family, but everyday I do feel more confident and comfortable. Sometimes I shock myself when I realize that we were out running errands all day and not once did I think about the fact that we’re ‘different’. I’m sure that as Ella grows and is able to speak for herself, our interactions with the public will change. I have learned a great deal from other families like ours about how to handle public and social issues, and I intend to keep reading and learning more. We will continue to take it one day at a time and learn as we go.

photo credit

Related Links:
Lessons in Transracial Parenting