Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Families.

Life and death and Tuesdays
It was a cold Thursday afternoon when I got a text from my best friend letting me know her grandpa had passed away. He had been ill but ultimately fell victim to COVID-19. Alone in a hospital for 7 days, he took his final breaths as his family sat, scattered across the country, hopeless and praying they would get to see him one more time. He was old but the tragedy of having to die alone when you have a loving family who would give nothing more than to be by your side is heartbreaking.
By Trish Felecos5 years ago in Families
1st Annual TIPIN Project GRITSMAS GIVEAWAY
With so much going on in the world and so many falling victim to the circumstances due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the people of The TIPIN (There Is Power In Numbers) project felt that it was necessary to put themselves aside and serve their fellow man for the holidays. I, Kirston Jarre’ Pittman am a graduate of LSU and former NFL player with the LA Rams. We were able to partner with the NFL through the Social Justice initiative and work with Sherrif Mike Tregre of the St. John The Baptist Parish Sherrif’s Office to deliver Christmas to over 23 families and over 80 children from the ages of 6mos-18 years of age. I was fortunate to be accompanied by one of the sweetest people every allowed to walk this planet, Mrs. Ingrid Perriloux. Before we embarked on the journey of shopping for 8hrs on Friday and another 8hrs on Saturday for the GRITSMAS Giveaway, I told her that I didn’t know if I’d make it through all of that shopping for so many people. She looked at me with eyes of experience and said, “Young man, just enjoy it.” And that I did. The ego and prideful side of my being reared it’s ugly heed as I thought of all the things that could happene while we were shopping for the youth. What if we don’t find what they want? What if we don’t get the right gifts? What if they don’t like the gifts? How long will we be shopping for all of these things? My mind went a million places in a minute and was suddenly calmed with the words, “Young man, just enjoy it.” At first, I was still like man, this will be a long day of waking up and down the isles of Club Walmart is what we call it in the country. After an hour or two, I found myself becoming overtaken with the holiday spirit. Jumping into the plush animal rack, dunking basketballs in the goals, skate boarding down the isles, and even setting a timer to see how fast we could find a certain amount of gifts. Mrs. Ingrid’s advice was replaying in my head. “Young man, just enjoy it. And that I did...too much. I realized that the experience of shopping for others put me in touch with a side of myself that I haven’t felt in quite some time. The inner child within me. I felt like a kid again running up and down the isles just grabbing toys off the rack and slamming them in the basket! I felt free to be myself and I became lost in the cause. It felt good to be in the position to serve my fellow man and it also felt good to be enjoying serving others. I didn’t look for a reward at all from the opportunity to serve those that were in need but I do know that the feeling I felt while shopping was a reward that was more valuable that I could have asked for. On the day of the event I was as nervous as I was before playing my first collegiate football game. Sherrif Mike Tregre and the great people of St. John The Bapstist Sherrif’s Office really supported the cause by providing the people, space, music, elves, Santa, and decorations. I can honestly say that it was one of the highlights of my life being able to be apart of an event tailored to bringing smiles to the faces of our youth. One particular moment stood out to me. A mother walked in with a full face of tears due to the joy and appreciation she felt for what was being done for her and her family. I hugged her, told her this is why we’re here and we are glad to help her during this difficult time. I had to walk away because I began to tear up as well. I look around and a few others were walking away with water in there eyes. That moment of humility. To share such a moment with another human being was enough for me. I was grateful to be apart of the event and humble that God gave the vision for The TIPIN Project to put that type of event together. Often times we get so caught up in our lives and the daily hustle and bustle to make a dollar that we often lose sight of those that aren’t as fortunate as we are. There was a moment in time when I began to reflect on how I’ve never been hungry, thirsty, homeless, or have never been without clothing and shoes. That glimpse inside of my heart created a passion within me to serve my fellow man. With so much turmoil going on in our country and the uncertainty of a global pandemic, now is the time for us as human beings to put aside race, color, and politics and unite to ensure the common good of humanity prevails. We are The TIPIN Project and we are here to serve our fellow man and do our part to put smiles on the faces of people all over the world. Thank You.
By KingK5 years ago in Families
Grandfather Story
“ Your gramps hasn’t always been the nicest man” My aunt warned as I told her about my plan to stay with him this summer. “ I really don’t think it’s such a good idea” she tried to convince me to change my mind. I never understood why my family felt this way about my grandpa. I was born a lot later than my cousins were, my Dad being the second youngest of six children, so I've never seen that side of him. Everyone says he's softened up in his old age.
By Anna Sparrow5 years ago in Families
Better Late Than Never
“Mom, why are just sitting here?” my six year old daughter Courtney asked me as we sat outside of Grey Funeral Home in my old, beat up, 1999 black Ford Explorer.
By Tiana Grover5 years ago in Families
Grandpa's Gift
It is June 12th 2018, my Grandfather died 10 years ago today. I finally decided to go back to his house and sort through everything and let go of what I didn’t want. How could I get rid of anything? I loved him so much. He raised me from the time I was 8 years old. After my parents died in a car accident, he took me in. I had no other family on either side. My mom was raised in a children's home in Sweden, having no known family. My father was an only child as his mom died giving birth. I had only met my grandpa a few times before then, as we lived in California and he lived in Montana.
By Connie Sahlin5 years ago in Families
The Backpack
“Ok, Ma’am,” said the dispatcher. “We can provide a police escort, if you wish. Your husband will not stop you from leaving. There will be a restraining order against him.”
By Monique Sabrina5 years ago in Families
Black Joy. Top Story - February 2021.
We can collectively agree that 2020 was a challenging year. People were losing jobs, losing family members to COVID, and children not able to play outside. Racism was a topic over the summer; Breonna Taylor and George Floyd's deaths sparked protests and boycotts. Last year reminded me why I write—it's because I want to remind people that my history doesn't start with slavery and that African Americans aren't monolithic. To continually tell my story about my black experience. I am happy to see that Vocal is allowing us to tell our stories about the black experience. The media continually bombarded us with information about the pandemic and created a ton of anxiety. After turning off my phone, I quickly realized what mattered to me the most. Being with family. After reading the prompt, two remarkable people popped up in my head. They are my nieces Islah, age three, and her sister Nylah 3 mos. These two beauties have two fantastic aunts that love both of them very much. I'm labeled the funtie.
By teisha leshea5 years ago in Families
Pages
Early winter in Clovis, New Mexico, Shawna sat on a bench outside of a funeral home. Taking a drag of her cigarette she looks up to see her father.
By Emily Hyde5 years ago in Families
8 Fun Things To Do With Kids Near Me
Here's how to spend quality time with your toddler! My youngest turned two this week! To her happy birthday, and since I want to make the best of her time, I made a list of fun activities for kids ages 1, 2, and 3. Sometimes you know that you want to spend quality time with your little kids but don't know-how. Well, no fear!
By Sophia Mia5 years ago in Families
Maria and Bitcoins
Maria and Bitcoins Written by Aydin Aguilera Sometimes I think Maria is very lucky, but most of the time I feel real bad for her. And even though everything is different now, I still feel bad for her. If only Maria knew how guilty I feel, living my everyday life the way I do. I can go to the store, get groceries, go for a drive, watch the sunset, and even watch the sun rise if I ever got my lazy ass out of bed. Maria can’t do these things. She can’t put on a mask like the rest of us and go out into the world. And even when she did get to go out into the world, she gets stared at all the time. People look at my sister and they probably think I’m her paid caregiver or something. And they look at her and they get all grateful they don’t look like her, and that they’re not in a wheelchair. They get grateful that they’re not obese and they don’t have crooked eyes and very little hair. They look at what she’s wearing, and they look at what they are wearing, and they feel grateful they don’t have to wear big dresses like Maria has to because of her weight.
By Aydin Aguilera5 years ago in Families
Baby Love
Fatherhood has changed me. Whereas once I would have entered a hospital room full of hesitation and self-doubt, today I don’t want to enter at all. Beyond this door is a baby. And what do I know about babies? This: they’re odd looking and they break easily.
By Guy Sigley5 years ago in Families
The Little Blue House with the Green Front Door.
A tall woman wrapped in a cozy cardigan poked her head into the master bedroom. “Goodnight pops,” she called gently, as she did every night. But tonight, there was no response from inside the dimly lit room; only the familiar sound of the oscillating fan and the medical equipment's low drone.
By CEP5 years ago in Families