Author Description

The author, a white man, now in his seventies, born and raised in the rural hill country of Texas, became the godfather to six black children when they were very young and he was entering his middle years. By then he had already lived with and among black Americans for some 25 years, as he had married his college sweetheart, a beautiful black girl, but lost her to cancer. From the depths of his misery and grief a spiritual life raft popped up, and he found that by giving unconditionally to these black children that were in need, and embracing them as his godchildren with the approval of the two mothers involved, he found reason to go on with his life. He has written this book to share that story, but moreover to share the lessons he learned as a white man helping shape the lives of six black children. He intends that his message may prove beneficial to any white person who is considering or has recently committed to taking on the responsibilities of being a parent, mentor or guardian to one or more African American children. Based on his observations, it appears that many such "blended" families or adult-child relationships are very much in need of help. A simple example is how many white parents do not have a clue as to how to care for their black child's hair! What could be more damaging to a child's development than not being able to see their own natural beauty because an adult in their life fails to show them. So the author hopes that this story and discussion can at least bring some light to those white people who are, unfortunately, trapped in their "whiteness."