By: Amy Wise
There are so many types of families, and my family just so happens to fall into the “category” of “Interracial Family.” It’s funny to me that we label each other like we do…interracial family, gay family, single Dad family, divorced family…you get the idea. Aren’t we all just families? I’m white, my husband is black and our daughter is a mix of the two of us, so yes, that makes us interracial, but the rest of it goes a little like this: eighteen years ago two people met, fell in love, got married, had a baby, and lived happily ever after. If you heard that story, you wouldn’t know we were interracial, it would just be a story about any family anywhere. The fact of the matter is we ARE interracial. So what does that really mean? Aside from the obvious, to me it means a deeper love than one could ever know, a bond, a connection, and an understanding between two people from totally different worlds, that became one because of one thing, and one thing only….LOVE. It seems so simple doesn’t it? Simple…..not so much! Trust me, nobody goes into a relationship and says, “I think I’ll fall in love with someone from a different race, so I can deal with all the challenges that go along with that on a day to day basis.” But really, how do you stop love? You don’t. Falling in love is just that, “falling” in love! My husband and I have been married for seventeen years, and our beautiful daughter is now fifteen. It’s been a road like no other, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. It’s hard to describe how I feel about my family. The love is so deep, it’s hard to put into words. It grows more by the year, and challenge after challenge we become stronger as a family. So whatever “mix” of a family you might be, no matter what “label” you fall under, the true definition of family, be it, interracial, gay, divorced, adopted, or otherwise is…..LOVE!Yes, we are an “Interracial Family,” but really we are “A FAMILY” just like you, and you and you!
Amy Wise is a Freelance writer in San Diego, you can read more on the www.themanyshadesoflove.blogspot.com
So happy to see you on the website Amy. Loved you story. I have been in an interracial relationship on and off for 10 years. I think of us like any other couple. As you said a family is a family and a relationship is a relationship no matter the makeup of any of the people. Thanks for your article. Hopefully, yo9ur blog will fill them in on the rest of your stories.
Madge,
Great to know that you are in an interracial relationship as well. We ARE just like everyone else! Just a couple and just a family. Thank you for your comment and for this wonderful site!
Amy
I can’t wait to get to know you and your family through your blogs- I love your perspective and outlook so far- a wonderful addition to the Next Family
Brandy,
I am so thrilled to be a part of The Next Family! I can’t wait to get to know everyone as well. Thank YOU for being so welcoming and so kind!
Amy
Beautiful family! I’m looking forward to future blogs
Sara,
Thank you for the lovely compliment!
Amy
Amy,
At first I thought that was a picture of Brandy in the middle. I think you two look similar.
Amy – Look at you… branching out, reaching more people with your wonderful words, thoughts and outlooks. Thanks again for all that you do !!
Madge,
That is funny!
WOW…your daughter is HAWT!
Teri,
Thank you for always reading! I am thrilled that we are now sharing our families with each other across the states!!! Thanks for your kind words!
Steve,
Um…thank you.
Amy,
I have been following your blog as I am also very happily in an interracial marriage. I cannot tell you how wonderful it is that you are bringing attention to just how natural it is to just “love” without labels. Keep up the good work!
Great post!
Families are each unique with complicated relationships, varied histories and many, many stories. More families have stories that are alike, than different. The shades of skin are so minor in the beautiful, complex adventure.
You have a gorgeous family.
Laura Stillman, Co-Founder of The Interracial Family Organization
Andrea,
Thank you so much for following my blog and for reading here on The Next Family! I love to hear that my family’s stories are touching others!! I truly appreciate it, and it means so much to me! I’m so glad you and your hubby are happy, and that you also see, it’s just about LOVE! Hopefully little by little more and more people will understand. =)
Amy
Laura,
Thank you so much! My fam is my heart, that is for sure! I know it’s the same for you! Thank you for reading and for your beautiful compliment!
Amy
Friday, 13 August 2010 > Good Luck Day:
Amy, Madge, Teri and the rest. Well first peace & blessings to all of you and all of you are blessed by the Holy Spirit of God to have an open heart and mind. Amy, you know that I am big fan of your blog. Now where as you wrote that “nobody goes into a relationship and says, “I think I’ll fall in love with someone from a different race,”. I must be totally honest with myself because God knows my heart and mind. Although, I had dated Black women, I was hoping and praying to meet and fall in love a woman of another race and she fall in love with me. For some reason since high school, I was in love with the idea of being married to a woman of another race/nationality, especially Latin.
However, here is where I totally agree with you, Amy, being with Ester, I do not even think of us an interracial couple to the point that I almost forget about it until the subject is brought up or seeing another interracial couple or talking about Loving Day.org or your blog. But the beautiful way that you and Jaime came together is wonderful because I think that neither of you were looking or planning to meet and fall in love with a person of another race, it just happened and that is a beautiful thing.
PS. Miami Heat all the way, Miami South Beach, Gloria Estefan and Willy Chirino rule.
Nay K.
Sorry for the late response. I just saw this today. The way Jamie and I met, then FINALLY got together was certainly not planned….that is for sure! It still amazes me to this day that we actually got together and started dating after all the funny things that happened to make it NOT happen! I am so glad we did! This weekend is our 17 year wedding anniversary…how great is that!?! What a life we have created and what a life you and Ester have created. It’s beautiful no matter how you look at it. Thanks for reading and for your always thoughtful comments!
Amy