Bill Belew has raised 2 bi-cultural kids, now 34 and 30. And he and his wife are now parenting a 3rd, Mia, who is 8.

I wish I could talk about something about my Dad and share with you. But I don’t have anything about him.

When I saw this topic. I didn’t know what to talk about this topic. To most of you, you must think this topic is a piece of cake since you must have a great dad who always teach you different things and show you the world around. You must have so many wonderful memory you can share with us. But to me, it is a really embarrassing topic since I don’t even remember what my Dad looks like.

My parents got divorced when I was 6 years old. I only saw my Dad twice after that. Before he passed away, there had been 10 years that i have not seen him. I was 17. So I never enjoyed the father love as most of you did. So if you really want to ask me what my Dad taught me, the only thing is – how important to keep a complete family for my kids in future.

I am very independent because no one I can rely on since I was a little kid. I never feel being protected by my Dad since he was never around . I don’t understand why he couldn’t come to visit me since we were not far away from each other, not even a phone call. He seems like he didn’t care about my school, my everything. Most of your fathers are the one who offer financial security to the family and mothers offer the daily care to the kids. Not in my family. My mom was the one always working to earn my expense. So as a result, I also could’t get enough attention from my mom. I was always lonely when I was little at home. I didn’t know who I can talk to about my questions and problems.

I am very jealous when other girls talking about how well their father take care of them and arrange everything well for them. I think I don’t really wish I have a rich or powerful Dad, but at least a responsible Dad who will be responsible for his family, especially for his kids. From this kind sad experience, it also taught me what kind of man I should marry in future. Rich, handsome, talent guys are not the aim. A responsible and honest man is the one I should spend my life with . The man who will be my kids’ father should have the good personality to give my kids a complete and warm family.

Talk to Bill and others about their experiences raising bi-cultural Japanese-American kids.