ON TWO EVENTS THIS PAST WEEKEND

[My sister, L.Marie & my "favorite -- and only -- brother-in-law," Delwin celebrating their 25th Wedding Anniversary aboard the Spirit of Chicago]

ON A PERSONAL NOTE
On Saturday, November 19, 2005, my sister, L.Marie (a.k.a. my "unofficial" publicist, mentor and "twin") and her husband celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. The event was planned by their daughter and was attended by 25 members of our extended family (which is not even half of our family members). It was a joyous event for so many reasons.

My sister first met her husband when she was 15 and he was 19; they dated for 3 years before they decided to marry. They have two beautiful children and a gorgeous grandson, who I am crazy about (though I'm not ready for my own yet :). Like all marriages, they have had their ups & downs and it has been, by no means, a fairy-tale marriage. But their relationship has shown me what marriage is really about: committment, tolerance, and comfort. And after 25 years, they still look good and young (especially my sister).

My sister and I married the same year but while my marriage ended after four years, hers endured. I do not feel jealousy but rather pride that she has been able to hang on when I gave up so soon. Her accomplishment is my accomplishment. So I'd like to say once again, Congratulations to my sister and her husband & continued blessings for the next 25 years!

BOOK EVENT

Also last Saturday, I had a reading and book signing at the Humboldt Park Library branch, which is in the neighborhood where I grew up. It was attended by one of my dearest and oldest friends, Lizzette and her daughter, Alisandra (also my goddaughter), and Lizzette's nephew, and my daughter. Also there, as always, was my sister. Despite the publicity in the library, my e-mail promotion, and my sister's attempts to drum up more attendees from the library patrons, the only other people who came was a couple. The woman was a young Latina (Puerto Rican) who was joined (reluctantly) by her boyfriend, an African-American. After my introduction and reading, I opened up the floor for questions and the "reluctant boyfriend" was the first to ask questions about the writing process. Then the topic invariably turned to issues about interracial dating. As is always the case with a small audience, the discussion got intense and personal with everyone providing input on their experiences. My sister and cousin, as well as my daughter, were able to give the couple firsthand advice about dealing with the ignorance that comes from being in an interracial relationship and being a biracial child. Although I would have liked a slightly larger audience, it was a pleasure to meet a couple like Adam and Eva in Choose Me.