Joining United States Navy was the highpoint of my reality until becoming a mother transformed everything. I did not believe anything could exceed that sensation. Then my son Matthew arrived, and everything transformed once more.
My pregnancy went well, and everything indicated a healthy baby. While having the ultrasound, my sister-in-law obtained clear pictures of our adorable boy, and everything appeared completely normal. His vibrant red hair was completely unexpected!
Being an African American woman, I was shocked, and the nurses were too. I will always remember when he was born and someone cried, “Oh my God!” phrases no new mother needs to hear after 11 hours of labor. Before anxiety could arise, they explained: “His hair is RED!” I was in disbelief. I argued that it would fade, but after several washes, the nurse giggled and said, “No, mama, you have got a bit of ginger!”
Matthew fast turned into the center of attention on the floor. His vivid hair and fair skin caught the eye of everyone. Viewers were prying, frequently presuming he was adopted or that I was his caregiver. Many were shocked that he belonged to me. “Oh, it must be from his dad,” they had remark, oblivious that both parents need to have the MC1R gene for red hair.
Majority of people were seem happy and kind but some of them were distressing. A woman once asked me if I was “the nanny” in front of my kids. Her assumption stung, yet I remained composed and responded with grace. I was unexpectedly applauded by people nearby one of those moments that linger in your memory.
The worst moment was when someone at Walmart claimed I was abducting my own child. A miscommunication escalated into a police situation, and I came close to being arrested until a bystander verified the facts. It was frightening.
The moment that completely shattered my heart was when Matthew, just five years old, inquired of strangers if they were his mother after his classmates claimed that I could not be. My older son proposed the kindest idea he recommended that we color our hair red, so Matthew would feel a stronger bond. His unselfish act brought to mind the affection we have for each other.
Despite the criticism and confusion, our family opts for happiness. My sons are my everything. They have joined Cub Scouts and gymnastics, and i have also started submitting modeling applications. Observing their growth together best friends, siblings, and bright sparks in my life has been my utmost joy.
