Marley, Darlin' -- what an honest, wonderful piece! I guess because we're homegirls, having grown up in the same place in SC and around the same age (well I'm a little older than you!😆), I feel this piece, deeply. I can't fully comment here right now (it'd take up too much space!!), but I will in a post down the road. Know that I support you FULLY in what you're doing for your grandson. Sounds like he's gonna need you most, at least until his Dad steps up.

Sis, you're not wrong in ANY of this! I know because my now 41 year-old and 38 year-old biracial, Black sons went through much of the same growing up and they needed and got me -- just like you! Along the way though, their Italian Dad learned a thing or two himself (the result of my schooling his ass on the regular, in addition to some seriously racist lived experiences we endured over the years -- even from his family).

I'll tag you when I finish it. Keep on doing the damned thing, Sis -- it will pay off and your grandson will not only survive, he will thrive!