This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Race...yep, I am going there!

What community do you belong to?

As some of you know, I am a Caucasian woman, who adopted an African American child through the foster care system. That being said, I wish race was not an issue in our lives, and for the most part, it is not. Every now and then though a situation will come up that makes me realize that we have come a long way, but we still have a long way to go.

The other day, a family member of mine was telling be about a comment that someone she knows made. This woman felt the need to say to my family member "you know, he (referring to my son) will need to decide someday if he is going to be black or white and will need to decide if he will be in our community (referring to the caucasian community) or the black community" My family member handeled it perfectly.

This is what I have to say about that. My son is African American. What is there to choose? He was born that way, God made him that way, and that is who he is. He lives with a white mom, but does that mean he is not African American?

Find out what's happening in Wauwatosawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

My son is surrounded by a mix of good, caring people who I have chosen to be role models in his life. These people come from all walks of life, are all different races and some are different religions.

My son is being taught that he was chosen by me because he is special. He knows that we are differnt colors, but as he would say "You cut me, I bleed red, you cut you, and you bleed red...we all bleed red!" (As he learned so well from his wonderful daycare lady).

Find out what's happening in Wauwatosawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

So, to that lady, I say...there will be no choosing for my son. He is who he is. He is being raised with morals and being taught respect.

He will be a member of the human race and a productive member of it. (If it is the last thing I do!)

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Wauwatosa