Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Empty Notebook, Heavy Box
The box had been in the corner of her sparsely furnished living room for weeks. Until today it had rested unopened, a constant reminder of her loss. Today she had carved out time to look at its contents and accept the reality it symbolized. Her uncle was gone. The one she had relied on for laughter, encouragement, inspiration had departed. He was no longer answering her calls or sending her notes. He was no longer filling her life with laughter and gentle teasing. Where his voice had spoken into her life now there was only bone chilling deep silence. Perhaps opening the box would somehow conjure his lively spirit. That might be a mistake. It would be an ornery spirit, one that would likely turn lights on or carry out pranks to keep her on her toes.
By Amy Spiker5 years ago in Families
MARTY’S LITTLE BLACK BOOK
MARTY’S LITTLE BLACK BOOK His voice carried half-way across the store: “Mom, mom! Come check this out!” I rarely hear that level of excitement from my 11-year old son. He’s the youngest boy in my trio of what I call “typical” boys—preteen and growing up too fast. Anyway, Marty got my attention by waving wildly along with the exuberant voice and huge smile I could see from aisles away.
By Janna Bruns5 years ago in Families
My Father and the Old Maple Tree
Today was my turn to take big B, Robert, Bob, Bobbie, all names attributed to my father, out for the day. Ever since our mother's passing 12 years ago, his children, us siblings, take turns daily to make sure our father, who lives alone, is never lonely.
By Teresa Abraham5 years ago in Families
Day at the Construction Site
When I was in elementary school I used to ride my bike constantly. Every day I would ride up to the grocery store and spend fifteen or twenty minutes browsing the candy aisle, deciding whether or not I wanted Starburst or Twix. I also loved feeding spare change into the vending machines outside of Giant Food to get a bag of chips or a pack of gum. One of my favorite places to ride however, had to be the bike path that went around the Sports Pavilion pond in the community, which was about a 10 minute bike ride to go all the way around. Sometimes I would even ride up to Blockbuster and play the Nintendo 64 in the showcase for hours on end.
By Robert Reinert 5 years ago in Families
Value
It is a normal summer morning; Miranda is dropping the girls off to grandma’s at 5:00 a.m. while she goes to work. Mom, Marissa said, “why can’t I babysit I am old enough to watch them I am 16 and I can take care of them.” “Marissa” said mom, “I know you are, but this gives you girls time to spend with your grandmother, she loves spending time with you girls, so try and understand.” “We know mom,” said Sara “you say this all the time, but grandma always buy so much stuff and we are always going to all these so-called antique stores.” “Yes,” said Miranda, “your grandmother has an eye for these things, “Marissa and Sara snicker and laugh, both girls say, “antiques yes right.” Marsha the youngest of the girl's yells “yes! Grandma say they are worth a lot.” Be good love you girls,” Miranda blows a goodbye kiss at the girls and waves at grandma who is standing in the door waiting for the girls. Marsha grabs her backpack full of snacks and say, “oh mom I almost forgot it is grandma’s,” but before she could finish speaking, Miranda puts her finger over her lips and says "shhhh," then she drives off.
By Sylvia Galmore Stagg5 years ago in Families
My Mom
It wasn’t easy, when she passed away. At the time I was 21 years old, and working at Walmart. I wasn’t in school because I was focusing on working to help provide for my mom and brothers. The day I woke up, I was woken up by my brother telling me to call an ambulance. It’s kinda hazy but I ran to the room, and saw mom on the floor, so I quickly called the police and packed her clothes as well as me. I was hesitant on going to work that day. I was going to go because if not I Walmart would have pointed me even if I was at the hospital with my mom. With my friends telling me to stay at the hospital with my mom, I did so. I am glad I did stay with my mom thinking back on it now.
By Erica Pugh5 years ago in Families
The Escape Fantasy
All of us have an escape fantasy. You know the one where you get in the car and drive away. You leave everything behind and start new, somewhere where no one knows your name. Mine involves driving down the highway until I find a quaint little town. I will become a waitress at a small diner and everyone in town will wonder who I am or where I came from. I will keep to myself though, renting a studio apartment and reading books in my solitude. All of my troubles would just disappear with my old identity.
By Shawna McCord Bennett5 years ago in Families
Road Show
So here’s the story. I’m cleaning out my mom’s house, she died a few weeks back, and don’t be sad, she was old, like 97, natural causes no Hollywood sad ending here, she had a good life. But she, how do we say, collected things, hoarded, was a pack rat? You know the type, nice person and all, but jeez, find a trash can once in a while.
By bill ribas5 years ago in Families
The Bird's Book
Julia found the notebook stuck between two neighbouring branches of the tree at the end of her garden. One of the pages tore a little at the corner as she ripped it out of its snug groove, as if it had been growing out from underneath the bark.
By Francesca Devon Heward5 years ago in Families
