Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Families.

Always a Hoot at the Family Farm
After a fruitless search of the crumbling farmhouse’s two under-furnished main stories, rotting attic and moldy cellar, Peter followed a series of strained and impatient hoots out into the aggressively moonlit night where he found a barn owl nested in the outhouse next to his father’s lifeless body.
By John Lars5 years ago in Families
Out Of The Mouth Of Babes
My son Tyler was a funny kid. At about two, he already had a rather expansive vocabulary and could verbalize his thoughts and feelings pretty well, I thought, for his age. He would often put words he had just learned in new and strange combinations to see how it would work out, often on-the-fly.
By Matthew Leo5 years ago in Families
10 Things To Know While Choosing The Right Obstetrician For You
Congratulations! You have just discovered a positive pregnancy test and cannot wait to happily surprise your loved ones by sharing the fantastic news with them. Wait!! What should be your next course of action? It's time for you to choose the best gynecologist In Gurgaon to ensure you have a smooth pregnancy and delivery as pregnancy and childbirth is the most beautiful as well as important phase of your life.
By IchelonConsulting5 years ago in Families
At the end of a cycle in the middle of the day
All mothers are gifted with concealed claws and fangs upon entry into the profession. Accessories for an instinct hardwired into the job description so that with the force akin to a Mama Bear or Tiger, we can decisively rip any perceived threat to shreds that gets too close to the cubs.
By The Dani Writer5 years ago in Families
Following My Father: Anchorage and San Francisco
"We're moving, get packing," greeted me one day when I came home from school to our cozy cottage in Capitola, California. "Where to this time?"
By Caroni Lombard5 years ago in Families
Talking on Residual Air
I am turning into my Grammie. I know it’s cliché, to say you’re turning into one of your matriarchs. It is a well-traveled trope. However, it is a true one. She always used to say things three times in a row, and now I'm starting to do it too. It stemmed (and stems) from low-level anxiety, a need to know that you are actually being heard, above the din. She always moved fast, in everything she did, muttering in triplicate, "I'm coming, I'm coming, I'm coming," or “I heard you, I heard you, I heard you,” or “I got this, I got this, I got this.”
By Sara Kemp5 years ago in Families
Battle Cries
The barn owl, native to California, runs an average wingspan of 16 inches. In ancient Greek mythology, it is said that Athene, Goddess of Wisdom, was so taken by the owl it became her favorite creature of flight. The owl became a protector of Greece. During war the bird soared alongside Greek armies and served as a muse to the people. If an Owl flew over Greek Soldiers before a battle, they took it as a sign of victory. I was ten or so the first time I saw my owl, my protector.
By heather may5 years ago in Families
Unbreakable Siblings
Having been born into an extremely poor family, let alone in a third world country, my brother and I were then forced to face the rest of life as adoptee's. The two of us were adopted into separate families and in completely opposite locations; I grew up in the United States and my brother, in the Bahamas.
By Carrie Maria5 years ago in Families
Muna
Kabisa and Ghali Muna escorted the winner of the overall competition into Ghali’s office in her greenhouse. Two leather couches facing each other in a large space with associate gardeners busy working but attentive to Grandma’s needs, guidance, and personal advice. About 10 associates from ages of 10 to 80 worked happily as Kabisa and Ghali sat on one couch. Enye a seasoned garden worker from a village about 100 miles south of Kemet sat across from Kabisa after shaking hands. Enye is the father of Salli a 10 year old girl with bright eyes and a smile that melted her father’s heart every time. Her mother Nyongeza was from the same village as Ghali. They made the bubble around the group glow with friendship and kindness. The two old friends that are enjoying the connection they have been missing for years sometimes forget that everyone else is there and that they are supposed to be doing an orientation for Salli. Ghali brings tea to the small table between the couches, Nyongeza following laughing and chatting as they all sit and sip and glow.
By Clarence Bell III5 years ago in Families
My Rainbow Baby, My Son
I never thought I would be saying the words “my son”. I had finally gotten used to the idea that my daughter would be the only child I would ever have biologically. We were surprised when we found out that almost two years after an ectopic pregnancy, my fiancé and I were expecting. We were overcome with joy, when we found out we would be having a boy. I had always wanted a son, although any gender would have been okay with me. All I wanted was the baby!
By Crystal Nicole5 years ago in Families
I Was Trapped in This Tangle of Horror
When I was 14 or so I would ride along with my brother and brother-in-law on their truck routes during the summer. They were older than me by ten years or so, so this made for an interesting experience. There are many stories from the road that I can tell you, but this one is about the time my brother-in-law decided to throw his truck off of the side of a cliff with me and him in it.
By Christopher Harvey5 years ago in Families
Bold Silence
The silence of night’s eerie nature brings forth a desire to take a stroll down the paths commonly used by cyclists and joggers during the active day. As I walk along the path that leads to the park. I use the time effectively, and while relaxing I consider the options and opportunities for me to evaluate in my life. Walking with focused thoughts on how I should cultivate my ambition further than what I am currently doing.
By Natasha P.5 years ago in Families