14 Comments
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Lisa Williamson Rosenberg's avatar

Thank you Dori! We were in our own worlds back in the 80's, right? I love learning more about you too.

Simone's avatar

Elegantly written, uplifting piece. I am wondering where your parents moved to that had so many mixed race children?

Lisa Williamson Rosenberg's avatar

Ah! That would be the Upper West Side of Manhattan. I remember it being that way at least in the 70's and 80's. Thank you so much for reading, Simone!

Lloyd Lemons's avatar

Thank you for sharing your story, Lisa. It shows yet another perspective that American's need to consider. I remember feeling sad for two mixed race children in my elementary school during the 50s. I'm happy your life turned out better. Onward in the fight to keep the government out of our personal business. Best wishes for your new book!

Lisa Williamson Rosenberg's avatar

Thanks for commenting, Lloyd. I should mention that, as an adult, I have met quite a few multiracial people who were raised in the 50's and had a fine experience, but I know that wouldn't have been the case for my "sibling."

Dori Fern's avatar

My, how little we knew about one another during HS, Lisa! Grateful to know you better now through your poignant stories. 💗

Queen of the Apes's avatar

A dimension I hadn't considered...thoughtfully recounted!

Sheila's avatar

A fortunate life, due to wise parents with truth be told .. Gently read, beautifully written. Thank you

Candace Cahill's avatar

Thank you, Lisa, for sharing your experience. This is a beautifully written essay. As a woman who relinquished a child rather than parent, this quote struck a chord: “She did what all women should have the right to do: prioritize her life, her relationship, and take into consideration the emotional wellbeing of my cell-cluster sibling, whose life would most likely have been miserable.” This is also a timely piece considering the current state of access to abortion and women’s health care in the US.

Lisa Williamson Rosenberg's avatar

Thank you for sharing this, Candace. I used to work for an adoption agency and learned that the choice for birth mothers is often deeply fraught on so many levels, but most of all made with love. Thank you for reading too.

Katie's avatar

I loved this

Jean Vengua's avatar

🙏 Thanks for sharing this story, which puts into clearer context the era in which I was born. I will share the link next. Sat. In my newsletter Eulipion Outpost, jeanvengua.substack.com

Lisa Williamson Rosenberg's avatar

Thank you so much, Jean!

Robin Eileen Bernstein's avatar

A compelling, loving & thought-provoking piece. Thank you for sharing it!