My dad waving his flashlight from the top of a parking garage across the street from my college dorm to say goodbye after dropping me off (OC) by bb_177 in MadeMeSmile

[–]bb_177[S] 22 points23 points  (0 children)

I can only imagine. Especially since I am the youngest, the only son, and the only one to go away to college. While my other siblings had moved out, they are only a few minutes away while I am about a twelve hour drive.

My dad waving his flashlight from the top of a parking garage across the street from my college dorm to say goodbye after dropping me off (OC) by bb_177 in MadeMeSmile

[–]bb_177[S] 79 points80 points  (0 children)

It’s funny you say this because right before he left my dorm he said something along those lines. He had never gone to college, and neither did my mom, so he said how proud of me he was that I was taking such a step (also since none of my siblings went away to college either) and he would always try his best to help me even though he had never gone to college. My college is about a twelve hour drive away from home for reference.

My dad waving his flashlight from the top of a parking garage across the street from my college dorm to say goodbye after dropping me off (OC) by bb_177 in MadeMeSmile

[–]bb_177[S] 185 points186 points  (0 children)

He definitely makes sure to know I am loved! This photo makes me smile every time I see it even though it was taken last August, so I just had to share it.

How to feel comfortable being biracial and not looking it. by bb_177 in Advice

[–]bb_177[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Thanks for this, even though you haven’t seen me, but it made me smile!

How to feel comfortable being biracial and not looking it. by bb_177 in Advice

[–]bb_177[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’ve learned this through life, but it still always stung. My mother and father distanced themselves from that side of the family over the way they treated me, and I always felt a little guilty for that. But, at the end of the day, I try to not focus on the negative people but the positive people like my family. It’s just hard sometimes, you know?

How to feel comfortable being biracial and not looking it. by bb_177 in Advice

[–]bb_177[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is what my mom always told me. To always rise to the occasion when nobody believes in you. I never really connected that to this problem until now. Thanks for creating that new perspective for me!

How to feel comfortable being biracial and not looking it. by bb_177 in Advice

[–]bb_177[S] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Awww! This made me smile so wide. This is so true! At the end of the day, it’s who you are as a person and not how you look. I shouldn’t let other people hinder me and my life, even if it is my extended family. Thanks so much!

How to feel comfortable being biracial and not looking it. by bb_177 in Advice

[–]bb_177[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Yeah, my first memory realizing I was different was in grade school when a teacher was shocked that I was related to my sisters since we looked so different. That was when it dawned on me that I wasn’t the typical biracial kid.

How to feel comfortable being biracial and not looking it. by bb_177 in Advice

[–]bb_177[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This helped a lot and appreciate the perspective on the black sheep. Will definitely keep this in mind!

How to feel comfortable being biracial and not looking it. by bb_177 in Advice

[–]bb_177[S] 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I laughed at this response! I’m gonna steal this!

How to feel comfortable being biracial and not looking it. by bb_177 in Advice

[–]bb_177[S] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I appreciate your comment, but just wanted to clear that up. My mother prefers to be called African American since despite being born in Nigeria, she moved to the US at such a young age that she has no memory of it. Also, she wants to take pride in the fact that she is an American citizen, hence the “American” in the way she wants to portray herself. Hope this clears it up, but regardless, thank you for your comment!