As I grew older, I became more subtly aware of my racial status. My sensitivity help me avoid may potential embarrassing situations. I learned to not go anywhere I was not invited. If no one wanted me around they only had simply to not invite me.

Sometimes I would flame as I strolled off into the mountains and viewed the world at my feet or gazed across the hills. There were other days when I would cry secret tears, as I began to turn inward.

In other ways I became very much a New Englander. I gave a polite "Good morning" on the street to people I knew, and I did not greet strangers at all. I learned to control my emotions and never became too talkative.