Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Addiction
Sometimes I wonder if it was suicide, a way out of misery. A life left alone, old and frail, a life where if no friends were available for fun then life wasn't worth anything. He seemed so confused about what was the right thing that the bad things were hidden in the obvious. We all knew he had a problem but we couldn't talk about it. It hurt too much.
By Juliaa &&kidds8 years ago in Families
Chaos and Messy Kisses
My living room is trashed; my kitchen counter is covered with dishes (mostly bowls and spoons). Toys that were meant to stay in the play room have somehow managed to invade my bedroom. To say a hurricane flew through would not be an understatement. The hurricane has two legs and arms, a bottomless stomach and curly, wild hair.
By Chandra Harrison8 years ago in Families
Upside Down Pacifiers
We all start out the same. Biologically, we all come into being the same way. Of course, there are different methods of this happening, but when all is said and done, a baby is born. From the exact moment we let out that first cry, we all embark on different journeys: a one-of-a-kind story that no one else can repeat to exact replication.
By Brooke O'Neill8 years ago in Families
What Is a Mother
I was not allowed more than a few years with my mother. I don't remember much, and what I do remember is fuzzy. I remember pizza, ice cream, but having a lot of "time out" as well. I also remember dark nights curled up next to her after having nightmares, and hearing her talk about someday buying the house she had rented out. It was obvious that my mother worked hard. She had a hard life dealing with abusive boyfriends, an underpaying job, and two children. I never understood that at the time, so looking back I wish I had more positive experiences with her.
By Buck Mobbs8 years ago in Families
Don't Miss Him Til He's Gone
It is real easy to take someone for granted while they are still around. Even though we may take our loved ones for granted, most of the time it isn't intentional. There are plenty of everyday things that seem minor on a regular day, but looking back they could mean the world to someone reflecting back. It's not that you didn't care, it was just the norm. The sad reality is sometimes it takes someone being gone for you to notice and appreciate some of the things they have done for you.
By Kiara Bowens8 years ago in Families
I'm Still Hungry
My daughter is an unstoppable force; unfortunately, this means her stomach is nothing short of a black hole. It doesn't matter if she had a full three-course dinner that Gordon Ramsay himself would cry over; she will always come back within the hour and ask for a snack. This holds true for most kids I know, honestly, whether those kids are picky about what goes in their mouths or not. Most parents know the exasperation of finally getting everyone fed, and cleaning up the mess, just to hear the patter of feet that stop just behind you.
By Chandra Harrison8 years ago in Families
The Life of a Teenage Mom
It was in August 2016 when I found out I was pregnant. I was only 16 years old at the time and that was honestly the scariest news of my life. I cried for days wondering how I was going to raise a baby and how my father would react. I didn't end up telling him, my mom did. I was shocked to hear that he wasn't angry. Just a little upset. Dylan had no idea until I called him at work and told him. He was nervous but seemed to be fine with the news. I didn't want to tell anybody because I was scared of what they would say about me having a baby at such a young age. I had my first prenatal and I was so nervous... I went in and we listened to my baby's heartbeat and I almost cried. It was a sign of relief and it made me excited.
By Brooke Smith8 years ago in Families
Unexpected Miracle
Living your life as a teenager is hard enough... especially when your life gets turned upside down within nine months. As a kid I was the social butterfly, until my brother turned on me. Growing up with an addict brother was different. But I never let it get me down, I still went to friend's houses, birthday parties, and skating rinks with my friends. Then one day after school, my mom had to work late and my dad was always at the shop till at least 9 o’clock. But I thought my brother was home so I was good. Then an hour later, he comes barreling through the front door like a bat out of hell, screaming at me for making a mess. I could tell he wasn't right. In his eyes there was nothing. Like being in a crowded room, where you don’t know anyone. The more anger he had in his eyes the closer he stepped towards me. Finally I ran in to the wall, no where else to run to. Then it happened. He struck me with all his strength. Over and over again I felt his whole body weight hit me over and over again. The one I was supposed to be able to look up to, the one I thought I could trust, turned on me. Made me his personal punching bag for the night.
By Hanah Evans8 years ago in Families
