The Ishmaels

You all may be wondering who the Ishmaels are, since their vacation photos are featured on my blog. The Ishmaels are wonderful friends of ours. I have known Angel since college, and have know her husband Segun since before they were married. Likewise, they have known Gregg since he came into my life. Angel is like a sister to me. We are so close, in fact, that at my bridal shower (held at my mother's house) her 4 year old Alexis (my flower girl) asked me who the "red head lady" was. I replied she was my mom. Alexis said "but I thought Nana was your mom because you and mom are sisters." We then had to explain that Angel and I have different moms but are so close it's like we are sisters.

This Labor Day we went on vacation with the Ishmaels, their 2 gorgous girls, and Eve, their au pair. We had a lovely time in Union Pier Michigan, one of our favorite spots.

We have always felt blessed to have the Ishmaels in our lives, because they are such true and loving friends. However, on our journey to Sam, we feel doubly blessed. Angel has very light skin and freckles (a beautiful combination) and has subsequently had to field questions about her race and "what her parents are" all of her life. Although these questions always come from a place of ignorance and can be very hurtful, I believe she is a stronger woman for the difficulties she has faced. Segun is Nigerian, and has had to not only deal with the differences of being African in Amerca vs being African American, but has dealt with a lot of racism, as a very dark-skinned physician in a very white area of Indiana. They live in a mostly white neighborhood and their girls attend a mostly white school. As such, Angel & Segun are unique in their ability to help prepare us for many of the issues we will face with raising Sam in a white family.

We will never be able to understand what it's like for Sam, and will never be able to be the strong black role models he needs in his life. Angel, Segun and their girls can be the strong black role models Sam needs. We are so very greatful for having them in our lives and for the love they already have for our Sam. (Although the girls ask me frequently if we can trade Sam for a girl!)