Excellent story of example for others to hear. I actually grew up in a very racist setting back in the 70's south, but it was more like just stupid names and avoidance than active confrontation. My parents though, were not racist at all, which was almost peculiar considering my father was originally a hillbilly. They treated everybody pretty much the same way and never taught me to hate. My friends were the worst source of ignorance, but as I finally matured, none of that stuff I heard stuck.
It really never did compute for me to dislike anyone for something they have no choice over. Like in school, the worst thing you could call someone back then was gay, and I really never knew why. By my early 20's, in the 1980's, I had a room mate who turned out to be homosexual and was terrified I'd 'out him'. Back then he would've lost his job and possible career, especially being a teacher. I told him there was no reason for me to tell anyone, it was his business.
It is amazing how much things have changed.
BTW, very glad to hear your recent health scare wasn't anything too significant. :mrgreen: