Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
How Deep is Your Love
Hueytown is not as quaint as it sounds. I have nothing against it necessarily, but I don’t want you to think it’s Mayberry. There’s no Main Street or pretty sidewalks through town. But the Alabama city does have a church on every corner, and if it were ever a contest, I’m sure the residents would win first place for the amount of sweet tea consumed on a daily basis.
By Jordan Reeves5 years ago in Families
25 Years with an Addict
Growing up in an abusive home, I always dreamed of what my family would be like when I got grew up and got married. Certainly would never treat my children like "this", nor my husband. I would use time outs, and talks, not screams, scolding and the spanks. But I failed.
By Tami Brzak Robb5 years ago in Families
The Art Thief
Looking beyond the tarmac stepping from the plane, Paulina could see the jungle. There was a familiar wall of heat draping over her, her first breath filling her lungs with humid and tropical urban air. For the past few years, she had lived in the United States, and not since her graduation party, where she broke the news she was leaving for good, had she stepped foot on Belizean soil.
By Harrison Long5 years ago in Families
My Father's Guide
So here I am standing in front of the mirror, water flowing into the sink, a razor to my face. It's my first-time shaving, I look down at the page to double-check the instructions on how to do this right. A book left to me by my father, filled with tasks and knowledge only a father and son would cherish, from how to shave, the best shaving cream, aftershave, cologne brands, and scents, to making sure I always wear deodorant and other useful information. I position the blade upward and begin gliding it. Only the best razor is to be used according to my Dad, which is the chrome Edwin Jagger doubled edge. This little black notebook gifted to me as a backup in case he didn't survive one of his high-risk work trips, which, as you may have guessed has happened. I don't know much about what my father did for a living just that it could result in risky situations. His life ended in an aircraft crash.
By Rachael Soullier5 years ago in Families
When Only God Can Save You
Rain battered the roof of the little house. The wind howled at the eaves like an animal out in the storm. Daddy and Dennis were watching something on the television before the storm knocked out the antenna. Momma was in the kitchen finishing the supper dishes and Richard was probably in his room. Now there was nothing but snow on the TV. Golf ball size hail pounded the roof. Daddy watched the storm through the front windows.
By Pamela Styles5 years ago in Families
A World of His Own
December 12th, 2010 "You encourage him," Todd whispered in an accusatory tone to his wife. His wife, Emma, sighed indignantly and looked up from where she had been emptying the coffee pot into the kitchen sink. Her hazel eyes narrowed and she asked too quietly, "Encourage what exactly?"
By Laquesha Bailey5 years ago in Families
How to save a life
Tears filled my large hazel eyes, wetting my freckled cheeks and streamed down my face, pooling on to my tshirt that was covered in food from the baby’s dinner. I wept quietly while my three children slept soundly in their beds. My breathing was heavy and hard, I worked tirelessly to control the sound of my crying to ensure that I didn’t wake anyone, I couldn’t handle crying children right now and I definitely didn’t want them to see me like this. I glanced over to the pile of bills, stacked as high as an old phone book. Red and white, overdue, overdue, overdue. That’s all I could see. How did I get myself in this mess? How did I let my children down so badly? It was meant to get easier once I left my abusive controlling relationship.
By Rhani Pearson5 years ago in Families
Luck in Misfortune
Jeanette Abrams, a single mother of four children, stood nervously in a bookstore as she applied for a new job. Her lavender blouse was buttoned up to the collar to appear professional. She had paired the beautiful silk with a black pencil skirt, and casual black heels. Unemployment struck her down wreaking havoc on her family during a large corporate shut down. For her, this silly bookstore job was her rent, her utilities, and food in the mouths of her children. Her goal was to appear professional, and qualified for the position.
By Sabrina Wallace5 years ago in Families
Remember to Live
Christmas, A word that generally incites memories of magical childhood moments. The smell of pine trees wafting through the chilly winter air and of gingerbread sizzling when you walk through the door of the house. Something Mom always baked, so that you and her could build gingerbread houses while sipping hot cocoa and warming your frozen toes next to the blazing fire Dad started. The familiar jingles playing in the background, and the animated Grinch on the tv. Happy memories of smiles, hugs, pajamas, stockings above the fireplace, staying up late to catch Santa, and of jumping on Mom and Dad to wake up when the sun rose to open gifts. The day of the year when all is right in the world, when happiness prevails over all else and love abounds. But happiness never seems to last.
By James Asher5 years ago in Families
Paper Clips, Cigarettes, & Alcoholism
Dear Dad, Do you know how much I love you? I hope you do because I love you a lot. It hurts me every time I see you and I know you know why. You are dying before my eyes because you choose to seek ill comfort in a bottle and a cigarette. Your skin is always itching and sometimes appears yellow. Your eyes are yellow and bloodshot, and it’s not because you are "tired." The ends of your nails are swollen and yellow. Your breath smells like a sweet nothing.
By Emily Wohlstadter5 years ago in Families
