My Family Has A Problem With My Fiancee

I'm in love with a woman who has an 9 year old biracial son. She's 33, I'm a few years younger at 27. We're both White, her son's father was Black, and they were married until a few years ago when he died of cancer. I get along great with her son. I collect old radios and other electronics, and he's crazy about all of it. We have a lot of fun taking them apart and rebuilding them.


The problem is my parents and the rest of my family. I suspected they had a problem with my fiancee's son, but at first, they pretended it was about her age and intentions. According to them she was a worldy wise golddigger. Well, I'm doing fine, but she's got a Master's degree and has as good a career as I do. She doesn't need money.


Then the truth came out in private conversations at Christmas. My mom is the worst in the family about it. She said things like, "What about family portraits? You'll be there with her, and people will see her son and think she cheated on you. And people will see you in stores together, and what will they think? Also, think of your future children. The children of mixed families fight with each other."


I heard the "fight with each other" thing from other family members too. I don't know what they're talking about.


My trouble is, I haven't stood up to any of them. I just get tongue tied and walk away. I'm starting to dwell on what they said. But I'm determined not to let any of them break up what my fiancee and I have. We've set the date to marry next spring. I just wish I could defend myself better when I'm in my family's presence.