Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Families.

Protecting Value
Protecting Value Written by: Jasmine Jones “Stop!”, I screamed frantically, as Jade chased after the hot yellow mustang. Her dad was gone and there was nothing she could do about it. I saw her face drop as she slowly paced back to the house. A coward, I thought. Only a coward would have his kid chasing after a car.
By Jasmine Jones5 years ago in Families
The Teddy Bear Lady
To live generously one does not need to do grandiose deeds. Small gestures can have impact. Big or small one must only care to add value to the lives of others and seek opportunity to make the world a better place. Sweet gestures spread smiles, and smiles are carried miles beyond the moment! My Family and the people of Peoria Illinois know this to be true, because of one special lady. While many recall her name, others know her simply as The Teddy Bear Lady. I however am blessed to have known her as Nana and Grandma. Hers was truly a legacy of love. Throughout her life she was accomplished in many regards and to know her was to love her. The reach of her kindness can’t be fully comprehended, as many on the receiving end were strangers she approached with a smile.
By Elizabeth Calhoun5 years ago in Families
Traded for a Cadillac
Traded for a Cadillac Millie kissed her husband and kids goodbye just before she walked out the door for the airport. She hated this part. The part where she had to travel for her job and leave her boys, but she loved her job. She was grateful her career allowed her to make an impact on so many young lives.
By Billie Hardison5 years ago in Families
Parents During Lockdown
During the pandemic, learning has changed and children are experiencing a hybrid mix of in-school and remote learning. How does this affect the parents who are trying so hard to keep their homes and families thriving in these uncertain times?
By Elaine M. Gallagher5 years ago in Families
The Horrors Of My Past
This is a work 30 years in the making. It is honest,crude,sad, inspiring and most of all a true story. So read with caution and with reverence to the struggle shared with you.
By Augustine Rutledge5 years ago in Families
The Black Mama Experience
While her left eyebrow was elevated, her right eye was slightly closed, there was no blinking or movement of any kind. She looked, absolutely fearless! She looked him dead in his eyes and said with clinched teeth, "I will kill you, let go of my muthafucken radio!"
By Marie Edward5 years ago in Families
The Picnic
The Picnic Effie rode her bicycle down the main street with the sun blazing a tattoo into her skin as she pushed on out of town. After clattering down the rough gravel road, she stood her bicycle against a willow and slipped off her red sandals. A gathering of friends sprawled haphazardly across the uneven stones at their favorite spot. With shade from the trees on the bank behind, it was both near enough to the green-blue water to languidly throw stones and call to the children, and close enough to the cars and bicycles which harbored extra towels and books and hats. The cicadas were deafening; all other life lazing, escaping the heat.
By Hannah Schenker5 years ago in Families
Love you, always.
The kindest thing I could do for you was to say good-bye. I walked away when really, I was too young to make that decision but it was for the best and thankfully the next ten years proved that. You were always better off without me and I knew that and similarly, I was better for myself at a distance from everyone I loved. I didn’t leave because I hated or resented you, I left because I love you. I love you more than words alone could say and words are empty if actions don’t back them up.
By Chrisie Hopps5 years ago in Families
Blind Sky
Blind Sky By Kerry S. Gordon
By Kerry Gordon5 years ago in Families
Eleven
Eleven. When most people hear the word eleven, they think of the number or Eleven from the show “Stranger Things” on Netflix. When I hear the word eleven, I think of the loss of my mother. At the age of eleven death was something that I begrudgingly became well acquainted with.
By A.E. Valdez5 years ago in Families
Miss Helen's
It was my first time back in Pittsburgh since I graduated in 1985. I was returning for the funeral of my dear friend and former landlord, Miss Helen. My flight landed just in time for me to get to the church for the viewing. The viewing room where Miss Helen laid in rest was packed up full of people, people that she’d taken care of over the years and welcomed into her home including myself.
By Timia Williams5 years ago in Families
Pride & Sustenance
To be honest, I’ve experienced quite a bit of cruelty in my life, particularly my upbringing. To provide you general context, I attended school (more like competing) in an upper class district while I regularly went days without food. Less than 2 months after I turned 18, my family was finally arrested on pimping and trafficking charges. So it goes without saying that when you grow up in a cut throat environment as a child, whether socially ostracized in a wealthy community you don’t belong in, or tossed around as a punching bag between relatives for money, you seldom experience acts of kindness. Where I come from, acts of kindness are either to belittle others, or leveraged as a favor to collect later (like tax breaks).
By A5 years ago in Families