Bette:  Really? Oh, he is going to be so happy. He was worried that he was going to be bored with his classes if he were in the fifth grade. He actually wanted to go on into the seventh grade but with this move, he wanted to become accustomed to the California life. There seems to be more diversity here than in New York. At least in his perception.

Ms. Miller:  That is really interesting point of view. Most children his age, are not aware of diversity and cultural differences.  They assume everyone is like themselves.

Bette: He is biracial by birth. I am biracial and his other mother is Caucasian. His sister is my adopted child and the birth child of his other mother. She too is biracial. And they are the children of two lesbians. He has been exposed to otherness all of his life. And he is very much aware that he is not like other children. But it never seems to bother him. He’s a determined young man. He knows what he wants and he figures out a way to get it. But he is always reasonable in his request. He generous and kind hearted and most of all he is a problem solver, a negotiator and a peace maker. I do not know how we got so lucky to have him in our lives. If we had created him ourselves, we couldn’t have made a more perfect human being. And he can be mischievous but never in a hurtful way.  And the fact that he is smart, and a musician and an athlete are just bonuses.

Ms. Miller:  Well, I must say that you are doing an excellent job raising him.

Bette:  How do you know that?

Ms. Miller:  From the time I came out to greet you and Daniel, you never once directed him or gave instructions as to what to do or say.  Even when I asked him to play something, you didn’t even suggest what he should play. He made all of his statements of his own volition. Most Moms who come to my office are constantly telling their children what to do, what to say, and how to respond. You did none of that. You allowed him to be who he is. And that is impressive. And none of his responses were rehearsed; they were his responses. And yet I can see how much he adores you and how much you adore him.