This weekend I went to Costco with my middle daughter (Mai-lee). I always wonder about what people think about us in public. While my complexion is fairly dark, she is pretty fair. To add to that difference, Mai-lee looks more like Shreemati to the point where Shreemati’s grandmother thinks Mai-lee looks like her own middle child (Shreematis’ dad) – sorry to confuse you with all these relations. So in other words Mai-lee looks more like a Greek girl than she does a Nepali girl. When it’s just the two of us in public there is bound to be something unique about us. I didn’t really notice anyone turning heads or exchanging whispers, but it must really be strange for people. I know I’m always trying to figure out things like this in my own head.
Jethi, my oldest on the other hand looks more like me and not much like her mother. She is not as dark as me but for sure is darker compared to Shreemati. While Shreemati was out alone with Jethi one person asked Shreemati once if she was adopted (not directly asked, but in a round about way was trying to figure things out). Being almost five, the oldest is becoming very aware of her mixed race existence. A few months ago she asked me why momma didn’t marry a white man. It took me off guard since it kind of came out of nowhere. Then today she said she wished she had blond hair and blue eyes.
There is nothing harmful in these questions or concerns. Its just a little child asking questions and trying to figure things out. I’ve learned that you just have to speak the truth and remind them of their special place and how much care God took in making them just the perfect little people that they are. It always ends up in a hug. While Jethi is coming to terms with some of these things, I can’t wait to see the questions Mai-lee and Kanchi ask when their turn comes.
