Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
The Seashell Kingdom
My last visit to see my daddy at his little beach house near Mexico Beach, Florida was as fun as ever. My visits to see him had grown few and far between, and the last really long visit I had with him was my spring break the year before I started law school. We had so much fun fishing, cooking the fish, just talking about life, and enjoying the stories he shared from his little black book. I grew to love that black book and started giving him a new one every Christmas. I also gave him a cell phone during the last visit so he could call me more.
By Vicki Ward5 years ago in Families
Is Crazy Contagious?
At the end of the month, when Joanie came home from the hospital she was sweet and cheerful like she always was when she took her medicine. She was on something new, Depakote this time. She came home in someone else's clothes probably from the hospital lost and found or something someone donated, but it didn't matter. Joanie was a natural beauty.
By Robin Jessie-Green5 years ago in Families
126 Maple
“We have to let you go, John” his manager said, in a firm unwavering voice. "I understand" John said as he stared at the clock on the wall. It’s almost lunch time he thought to himself, He could hear the steady sound of the second hand ticking. “feel free to finish out the day” his manager said as John turned for the door. The ticking sound slowly faded as it was being drowned out by office chatter. John did understand because he has been here before. This always happens on a Friday, John thought to himself as he placed the last of his belongings neatly into the white file box. This time there would be no awkward goodbyes, he just did not have the strength. The entire office was now making their way over to the breakroom to sing happy birthday to a coworker. This was John’s chance to get away. He was not going to finish out the day. Slinging his worn leather satchel over his shoulder, he grabbed the box and hurried to the elevator.
By John Taylor5 years ago in Families
The Hidden Notebook
It wasn't that I didn't know my father. I didn't know him the way he knew himself. I was his son, but not his confidant. Even my mother didn't claim to know him well. She knew the parts he revealed. They were good and loving parts, she always asserted, but it was hard for me to imagine what his love looked like for me as his son. Neither of us would have known if it hadn't been for that small black notebook tucked between the wall and his desk.
By Presley Thomas5 years ago in Families
Story Time With WInter Madison
Hello readers! Join me on Story Time With Winter Madison as we read stories together. Story Time is a time to relax, snuggle with your favorite stuffed buddy or blanket, and listen to stories read by Winter Madison. Our Storytime today followed a little boy and his dinosaur on a hilarious series of events that all started when he gave his Dinosaur a crayon!
By Winter Madison5 years ago in Families
Spiraled
Ellie and Will stand in silence, taking in the row of canvassed paintings hung neatly on the small studio wall. Countering the alignment, an art desk is stationed solitarily on the other side of the room, full to the brim of supplies. Pieces of unfinished art are scattered all over the surrounding area. Poster tubes and paint-ridden boards are stacked in a messy pile.
By Ben Saunders5 years ago in Families
The Evermore Account
Mary wiped her brow with the back of her sleeve. Despite working at the diner for the past fifteen years, the dinner rush always had her hoping. Her favorite time was late in the evening when there were only a few customers, and she could pack up and head home to see her son, Jaden. His sixth birthday was around the corner and she’d been saving all her tips for a toy and a cake.
By Jacob LeVasseur5 years ago in Families
Life Is Changed, Not Ended.
It was a gloomy day. August 9th 2018. The day I lost the one person who understood me best. My grandfather was a man a very few words. He was born in Fulton, Kentucky. He served 28 years in the United States Army as a E8 Sargent. He enlisted at 18 years old. Shortly after, him and my grandmother were set up on a blind date. A marvelous blind date if I must say, as he flew her to Hawaii. From there was history, she moved from her home in Louisville, Kentucky to travel the United States with him. While serving, my grandmother blessed him with three children. My father was the second born child, first born son. He served two tours in Vietnam, three tours in Germany, and one tour in Korea. Once he retired, he and my grandmother made their way back to Kentucky. The settled in Louisville for a time. There, he took a profession as an insurance agent. They would then, find their selves in Knoxville, Tennessee. His next stop on his journey, would be where he stayed, Newport, Tennessee. He then married his second wife, and had his fourth child. In Newport, once he retired as an insurance agent, he became a self - employed business owner. He had several offices in multiple counties across East Tennessee. He won a battle against Cancer in his time as well. He had a total of four grandchildren, and two great granddaughters. I was the second to the youngest of his grandchildren, but the closest to him out of my cousins. As I get older, I'm beginning to realize we were similar in subtle ways. We would text from time to time. Never passed up an opportunity to have a conversation with him on the phone. He lived about an hour away, and always had. My favorite was the surprise visits! It never failed, he wouldn't mention it. He would wait until he was about 15 minutes away, call and say he was stopping by. He somehow always knew when he could catch us. I always engaged in conversations when the chance was at hand. Always accepted his lunch, or dinner invitations. In the time before his health declined, I always thought I spent as much time with him as I could. We would text from time to time. That unfortunately, wasn't the case. Perhaps it never is, for anyone. I sit over two and a half years after he has passed with so many wonders. Full of the questions I didn't ask, or didn't think were important enough to ask. I honestly do not think I ever considered that as I was growing in age, he was too. My grandfather was a man always in motion. Moving on to the next task, anything to occupy his time in a positive way. He volunteered in more than 3 organizations, at 82 years old, faithfully. He never stopped. I was granted 20 beautiful years with him, yet it wasn't enough time. I never wanted him to suffer in pain, as he deserved peace. Maybe, I could have used the time I did have with him wiser. Maybe we go through life, with little to no direction in many things. We are always on the go, everything seems rushed, mediocre. I loved my grandfather dearly, he was my rock. Looking back now, I wish I would have planned my time with him. Put the phone down, the texts, social media, all would remain. However, he would eventually not. Its the little things, good and bad. Hug your grandparents close. Talk with them, even if it is something you absolutely cringe at, I promise you that will mean more to them than anything. Ask questions. Be present, always. I hope, whoever comes across this, gets a sense of comfort. Even if it wasn't a grandparent for you. Deaths time, is not, and never will be our friend.
By Hailey Barker5 years ago in Families
