Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Families.

Just Be There
Have you ever experienced a difficult child or teenager? Are they your child? They may seem to want the world and more, but to them you are their world and what they’re craving is your attention and they’ll take it however they can get it. For some, this is by doing things around the house to get praise or cuddling you watching a film but for some, especially those who have parent(s) who work a lot or lots of siblings, this can be through fighting or getting in trouble. They may not necessarily want to be in trouble but it catches their parents attention and that’s what they are seeking.
By Chrisie Hopps5 years ago in Families
Divine Interventions
Divine Edwards lived a life nothing short of traumatic. Though today she stands strong and divinely supported she would be the last to say her life struggles were neither easy nor enjoyable. From the time she returned for another life cycle she’d dealt with life's hardships trauma after another. Well into her adulthood Divine would suffer through almost anything imagined.
By SpeciallyPicked BySource5 years ago in Families
The Glass Butterfly
“I’m sorry for your loss,” yet another distant relative said as they placed their hand on my shoulder at the funeral. That phrase meant very little to begin with. Now, after what felt like the thousandth time, it meant absolutely nothing.
By Josh Soule5 years ago in Families
You Can Change the World
The first thing we need to understand is our children mimic our actions. Why? Caregivers are the child’s first role model. This is exhibited when we observe them wearing our shoes or other personal belongings. This is not simply dress up time. They may also say that they want to be just like their caregiver when they become a parent. Why? It’s simple, really. We show them affection, love, compassion, comfort, and reassurance. What kid would not want to be like their caregiver when they have children in the future. Cool, right? Well, that depends.
By JA Angelo5 years ago in Families
The Search
Sorting through the possessions of the living is one thing, but it feels ten times harder when you are sorting through the keepsakes of a beloved relative. I don’t want to be here, and I don’t want to do this but someone must and I drew the short straw. I don’t even know where to start, I only saw it once. No one else seems to know what I am talking about when I mention the little black book. It should have been with his important papers, right? It doesn’t help that I don’t know what else was in it. He just flashed it once, it wasn’t like I held it or anything. I am racking my brain attempting to reconstruct a conversation I had over twenty years ago, searching for clues. What if holds more than numbers? What if it holds the memories of horrors I’d rather not know, deeds done in secret best left to the dark. I’ve got to get hold of my run away imagination it just makes things confusing. Where is the radio? Let me listen to some music, commercials! Uggh! Can’t a girl zone out to some oldies, okay! Focus, focus, focus...... where would I put it? No that’s not right the question is where would he put it? Bookshelf, no, too public. Closet, no too private, not logical. Here bookie, where would you be? Look, calm down and think! No, not about love and loss, about the little black book with the leather cover! Finally! A clue, was it the size of my palm? Or bigger? Blue or black ink, black I think! Okay, what else do I remember? I wish I had paid more attention, asked more questions, I don’t even know what I said at the time. I remember being confused, startled even. What are you doing? Thinking about that is not going to help you! Get a grip! Wait what’s that over there? Small box....could it be okay come to momma! What would be the chances, it’s worse than the lotto or finding a needle in a haystack don’t get your hopes up. Umpf, it’s heavy, and dusty. Whatcha got there! Yikes you startled me, why are you creeping up on me? I wasn’t creeping, well I didn’t hear you. What do you want? I asked first, whatcha got? A box, why do you care? I am just asking, you don’t have to be so jumpy, I do have to be jumpy when you come sneaking in here! I wasn’t sneaking I said hi! Look you are making a tough job tougher go away and leave me in peace. I can help you. Thanks but no thanks it’s too little too late. Get out! See if I ever offer again! Finally! Now let’s see what’s in here!
By Rachel Brockman5 years ago in Families
The Weaved Path
The entire property was surrounded by 8-foot massive walls that would appear like Grand Canyon walls to a 5-year-old. Ira never liked them.
By Suga Peru5 years ago in Families
“I Can Make Time” — a Love Language
For most of us, 2020 wasn’t a good year. We’ve suffered in our ways. However, it gave us the biggest life lesson so far — the crucial need to devote your time to loved ones.
By Ziva Lane5 years ago in Families
An emotional roller coaster
He fanned the notes in front of his face and smiled. Was this a moment of pure joy that he would always remember? Probably. He made a mental note to get his little black book out later and phone his friends to gloat. He had never held this much money in his hands. The smile widened. He thought about those closest to him and if he could make them feel as good as he was right now. He wondered if this was empathy or generosity.
By Andrew Hines5 years ago in Families
Journal Entry 1-23-21
Okay folks, I am back with another journal entry sorry I did not have anything yesterday. My hands, I tell you what hurts so bad even cleaning the house I want to cry. Well, I am up now it is 7:47 and I have my coffee, the computer at my numb fingertips, and my cigarettes.
By Audie Edwards5 years ago in Families
Cabin Stories
You might think that a cabin on top of the Alpes would have everything a person needs to have an easy-going life. But what if I tell you that despite the luxuries--redwood, marble, and a collection of first edition hardcover books--it's a dull place for someone who grew up with technology all around him. And yes, I'm talking about me. I sigh. Even if we had internet, with no electronics, it's obsolete to even think about it.
By Jose Duron5 years ago in Families
Angel on Earth
Some people come into your life that completely change it for the better or the worse. Their actions have such an impact, the rest of your life decisions derive from meeting them. Their memory enters your thoughts at various times and you contemplate how things may have been different had you not met them. This blog post is about one of those who made my life better.
By Dazeodrew5 years ago in Families
Swedish Death Cleaning: A review of my mother's latest obsession
Two weeks into the first lockdown of last year, a time that would set the tone for the rest of the year, my mother announced she was death cleaning. Specifically, Swedish death cleaning.
By Dom Borrett5 years ago in Families