Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Claim What's Yours
The view from the top of Half Dome was just as spectacular as I knew it would be, and just as familiar. Kind of like coming home, really, to see the valley nearly 9,000 feet below, with its ancient glacial cut extending northeastward up Tenaya Canyon and El Capitan at the opposite end of the vista to the west; rolling mountaintops hiding fields and forests on the horizon opposite my rocky perch. At 9:00 in the morning the sun warmed my back while I gazed into the distance, remembering Jossman Burrell and letting him know I’d finally made it. Hoisting my backpack I felt the weight of the box containing his ashes. Two years Grampa Joss had been waiting for me to bring him back to this place that held his heart and soul. Given his deep affinity for the Dome, it seemed strange to me that he didn’t want his ashes to be released here, among the fissures and splitting granitic flakes on this beloved and distinctively rounded peak that dominated Yosemite’s skyline. He’d asked instead that his sooty remains be given to the grasses and soil of Tuolomne Meadows. But that was tomorrow’s task; for now he was just along for the ride and one last chance to top the Dome.
By JANINA M FULLER5 years ago in Families
Nothing Like Some Family Dysfunction
Have you ever had that intuitive feeling in your gut? You know what I’m talking about ; that feeling that you know something is coming your way, you just weren’t quite sure what it would be. Well, I was always sure of what would happen to me; I knew I would be a big deal. Now, seeing as I wasn’t very popular, was never particularly good at anything and had never really won something in my life (save for that one “participation” medal in elementary, which really is probably even worse than not winning at all), it was long shot to think I would come out on top, but I knew my luck would turn around one day, I just knew it.
By Michael Vidakis5 years ago in Families
The Garden
The thing stared at me, never breaking its focus. Its eyes bloodshot, causing them to stand out against its pale, white skin. The dark, brown mass perched on top its head was all entangled within itself, forming a giant knot. It was repulsive to look at, though at the same time, I couldn’t pull myself to look away from the beast. Somewhere, hidden behind the bloodshot eyes I could vaguely see the pain and hurt that the creature was feeling. As if it was searching for somebody to just notice it and help it. Then, snap, I recognized the beast.
By Emily Case5 years ago in Families
Carrying The Torch
As I walk down the snow-covered streets, deep in thought, I kick the fluffy white powder out of my path. My head hangs low staring at the ground with each step. My piercing green eyes fill with tears as my new reality sets in. I got denied the extension I desperately needed; my payment is coming due and the bank wants to collect. My dream home, the home I built with my beloved late-husband will belong to them in just a few short weeks and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it.
By Brianne Kathryn5 years ago in Families
The Book Yet to Be Written
It has been a week since the death of my grandmother. I can still see her smiling face sitting across from me at the dining room table, cracking jokes and laughing at the “sprites” dancing in the kitchen. She was always an odd bird, set in her ways and walking her own path. All who met her were bewitched by her words and charisma.
By Elle Peabody5 years ago in Families
She Has Nostalgia
John is sitting on the porch bench with his grandpa, they are both filled with tears because of the sudden death of Carl's wife, John's grandma. Carl looks over at John and says; You have not said much, you know you can talk to me about anything.
By Jeremiah Preston5 years ago in Families
For The Things You Want To Remember. Third Place in Little Black Book Challenge.
I was eating a ham sandwich when my neighbour called round. A hint of concern accompanied the newspaper he brought me like an unwanted side of salad. Served with salad or with sympathy? I don’t know which is worse. We didn’t need either of them in my day: sausages and a stiff upper lip that’s what this country used to run on.
By Laura Jeffrey5 years ago in Families
REMY
REMY Remy loved early mornings. The type of morning where the sun was nowhere close to being out and the day seemed late rather than early. He and his Pops had a thing: getting up before the ass crack of dawn and just talking. Talking about dreams, aspirations and their feelings. Something the both of them had been deprived of. You see, Pops never had anyone ask him how he was feeling; if he was ok, if he needed someone. So, every time something bad happened, he kept it inside. He never spoke to anyone about it. But he turned out all right. He met a girl, married her, and started a family. And for a long time, his life, his family’s life, was more than he could have ever asked for. Until, his wife got sick. The type of sick, that has no fix. He stood by his wife’s side until time was up. When it was, his life was ripped to shreds. And for a while, things stayed like this; nothing getting better… till there was no use in trying anymore.
By Daniel Rocha5 years ago in Families
