Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Moleskine
Moleskine Maria was born an only child to an English Mother and an Italian Father in 1967. Raised in Italy until her Father suddenly passed away when she was 18, her large Italian family were typically considered “the working class”, as Maria was constantly reminded of this by the other children at school in her younger years and how poor she was. Maria was also constantly reminded of how terrible the many moles that covered her skin looked too, as she was bullied about them for years, having gained the nickname “Moley Skin”. Maria’s Mother always called them “beauty spots” however and would constantly remind Maria when she was upset, that it is always whats on the inside that counts.
By Leighanne Garvey5 years ago in Families
Then It's Gone
Every day is predictable: I wake up at 6:00 am, brush my hair, brush my teeth, and put on my clothes. Make breakfast for Nick and Max. Start coffee. This is my morning, every morning since Max was born. I once had a life where I had to wake up early and rush out the door before eating. I’d grab a coffee and a pastry from the local drive through coffee lounge. I was a nursing assistant. I loved my job; I loved the people I worked for. Then I became pregnant and became a stay at home mom with Max. Max is my world. Nick always wanted a wife that stayed home with their children, and could teach them the alphabet and their colors. He wanted that wife who gave up everything for their child and had a hot dinner ready for their husband when they came home from a long day at the office. I never intended to be that person, and now I am that wife.
By Jen Thompson5 years ago in Families
How Ella finally stopped singing the blues.
As is my way on a Sunday morning I turn on a "lil Tisket and a lil Tasket" and get to work. I start by spraying everything down with some lemon water followed by filling a sink full of hot soapy dishwater. It's something about that heat that is just so soothing in the wee hours on the morning. A woman like me though, needs to have a swirl and twirl while I'm doing housework. This is just where my 8 year old fiery, Aries born, inquisitive, double dimpled, half of my heart makes her grand debut. She starts snapping her fingers and spinning around the kitchen singing oh so loudly "A tisket a tasket a brown and yellow basket"... off key of course but you can't tell her nothing. We curtsied and grab hands singing and spinning, laughing the whole time. Her face is flushed red and she is having the time of her life and I remember that feeling inside when I first heard Mrs. Ella Fitzgerald.
By Dorothy May Staley5 years ago in Families
Above, Across and Beyond
The air turbulence rocked Diana awake. She had been emotionally devastated by the events that had unfolded over the past year but more so recently. Granny had passed away in her sleep. At 92, it hadn’t been entirely unexpected but coming as it at the end of the most terrible year in Diana’s life, it had deeply impacted her. Only a month ago granny had spoken to Diana trying to give her hope and courage to move on despite her loss. Diana felt less depressed but even granny could not make everything right. The death of her baby had broken Diana’s marriage apart. Her grief had driven a wedge between Steven and her, one that kept getting bigger. Perhaps their relationship had never been strong enough in the first place. The turbulence soon settled but Diana found it difficult to go back to sleep. She still had five hours to kill on this transatlantic flight. She asked the purser for a drink of water then settled back with her blanket to read the little black book granny had left to her. There had also been an accompanying letter explaining her modest bequeathment. She had also made a request.
By Priyadarshini Manay5 years ago in Families
"Money Does Grow On Trees"
It was six months and I know that everyone grieves differently and the length of time for their grieving is different. Was I grieving , yes, of course I was. It had been six months since my mother and father both passed after succumbing to COVID-19. My mother had contracted it first. Two day later my dad was diagnosed. They were both 70 years young and had underlying health conditions. They spent their last days hand in hand with no family allowed because of the pandemic. My mother went first and my father knowing he could not be of this earth without his soulmate left us twenty five minutes later.
By toni englehart5 years ago in Families
A Creative Ledger
A Creative Ledger Chapter 1: Keeping Track I looked to my hands, black, covered in tar, and took a heavy seat in the front of the truck. Another job done. Another tick off the list. The barrel of tar was still half full and would need to be lifted into the back of the trailer. Aside from that, we were ready to move on. I wiped my hands across my trousers, and opened the little black book, careful not to smudge the address we were headed to next.
By Janelle Bange5 years ago in Families
His Timing is Perfect
As it was - The widow was gathering sticks to make a final meal for herself and her son before they died from the famine. Elijah requested a drink of water and a small bread cake. The widow told him of her plans to make a final meal for herself and her son - that she only had enough meal and oil for one last final meal. Elijah insisted on his small cake and then she could make the meal for herself and her son. She did as Elijah instructed. His timing is perfect.
By Michael W. Hurst5 years ago in Families
secrets of a moonlight angel
It was only after my grandmother’s passing that her artwork began to attract attention. She had sold a single piece while she was alive; the very first piece she’d ever completed, in fact. After that sale she decided she didn’t care for the attention and kept the rest of her work private as long as she was alive.
By auraborrows5 years ago in Families
Little Black Book
After a long night of working, I was exhausted. When the bus I arrived, I headed to the back so I could stretch out. Normally at 6am, there were few, or no people on the bus. I set my alarm to wake me up in forty five minutes since the ride home was an hour. When my alarm went off it startled me, my phone dropped. When I bent over to retrieve my phone I noticed a little black book. I looked around to see if anyone dropped it, but I was still the only one on the bus. I stuffed the book in my bag. After I got to my hotel room, I got myself together and sat down to relax. I opened my bag and looked inside the book to see if there was any information to let me know who this book belonged to. After reading it, I became a little curious. The contents of the book went like so, “Every 24 hours from the initial time after you have found this book, $20,000 will appear. However, there are four rules you must follow each day or there will be consequences. You will still get the money as long as the book is in your possession. However, if you break the rules, you must accept the outcome as well. The first rule is that you must always have the book on you. The second rule is you must be in before sunset. The third rule is you cannot speak to anyone while in possession of this book. The last rule is that you cannot spend any of the money until you put the book back. You cannot destroy the book. When you feel you have had enough, you simply place the book back in a place where someone else can find it. If you are willing to participate, follow the rules and you will be fine. Remember the RULES!” At first, I thought to myself this can’t be real. Then, on the other hand if it turns out to be true, I knew I needed the money to help Stacey (my daughter) to get the surgery she needed. I already had $150,000 coming from the sale of the house. Her surgery is $250, 000, So, if I keep this book just 5 days, I will be able to get my daughter back. After some thinking, I just put the book on the table and went to bed.
By Christina McIntire5 years ago in Families
Who Says Luck Can't Strike Twice in One Day
Who Says Luck Can’t Strike Twice in One Day? By Joyce K. Faul “How could you? Danielle Marie shouted! You knew that money was intended for the down payment on our next home.” Tears flowed abundantly down her soft pink cheeks. She grabbed a tissue and stormed out the back door, leaving a thick cloud of disappointment hanging in the air behind her.
By Joyce Faul5 years ago in Families
