Same-Race Adoptions

How strange to read “Congress has set back efforts to place African American youths exclusively with parents of the same race” (Aug. 27), only a few hours after a most satisfying party for my daughter’s volleyball teammates and their families. Children and parents of all ages challenged each other in Ping-Pong and volleyball. Oh yes, and of all colors too.

Two of the families are mixed by marriage, resulting in handsome, blended offspring. The most dramatic family, however, is mixed by adoption. Although Dad and Mom are European, two of their children are a rich, warm brown and a third is a delicate beige. Those are the “black” children. Two more, of Asian ancestry, are another beautiful shade somewhere in between the lighter and darker “blacks.” Although at least two of these children came into the family when they were considered far too old to ever be adopted, all of them are now happy, loving members of an inspiringly close-knit family.

While Ruth Amerson should be commended for her work in placing children with families, even if she wishes to work exclusively with black families, I am very glad that Congress is looking at the bigger picture.

CATHY VON DER AHE

San Juan Capistrano