Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
The Forgotten Children
“Ms. Morgan! What a pleasure it is to finally meet you! I’m so glad you’re here. It really is an honor to have you at our facility.” I nod, but say nothing. The bright, bubbly lady at the center begins to walk down a brightly lit, clean hallway. The walls are painted vibrantly with fun, geometric designs and patterns. She notices me looking at the walls. “Do you like art, Ms. Morgan?”
By Emma Howie5 years ago in Families
Inspired by My Twin Sister's Legacy
My name is LaDoya Jenkins. My twin sister and I are the oldest of five girls. we were born and raised in Clarksdale, Missississippi. During our later teen to early adult years, we later moved out of Mississippi for a better quality of life. We were raised in extreme poverty. The small town we grew up in was very unique. The main reason why because people in the community were very close to each other and caring about one another. The neighbors looked out for each other's kids. My family was well known in this community because our family was very hard working. They worked as grocery store clerks and in customer service etc. One of my aunt's name Leatha worked at a bakery that was well known for good customer service and the doughnuts were delicous. Poverty was a huge struggle in this part of the community. It was so bad until when my family worked it seemed to put us a step backward. We never seemed to have enough basic supplies such as food. There were times my sister and my cousins would knock on neighbors' doors and ask for food. The neighbors were so nice and showed us a lot of love and support. They would go into their freezers and give my sisters, cousins and I food. The food would be already cooked and frozen. Sometimes it would be fresh cooked left overs from their evening supper. Growing up in Misssissppi people showed each other alot of love and support. There were families that lived in certain parts of my community that shared with the less fortunate families. This was great. These families were privileged. Our household was very strict with a strong religous values and faith- filled foundation. My sisters and I were taught to ask if we needed anything. We were raised with strong morals and values. My family took us to church every Sunday. I later understood why they were so strict as I grew older in life. They were teaching us to grow up and show love to each other and to others in society who were sometimes looked, or were different than us. Respect for God and ourselves and others were taught, my family taught us to believe that education could get us ahead in life and work hard. Life has moments and times that will surprise us. Sometimes it's very unfair situations that happens. Unconditional love can solve a lot of problems on this earth. I try to focus on what is going well in my life each day. Family members are one of the greatest to be thankful for. Life can never be replaced with anything. The cost of human life cannot be placed with a price on it. Because I can face another day, I live to write about my life and find therapy for my soul to heal. The kind of hurt and pain I feel losing my twin sister is unexplainable. Our family and I lost my twin sister in a very tragic way on July 8,2020. We will never get to see her live the next chapter to fight cancer and win. Hate is a very strong dynamic word. If you have been inspired by my writing Please feel free to show your support by taking a look at my website called thevipwatches.com. Feel comfortable just log in and look around.
By MS.Jenkins@the vipwatches5 years ago in Families
TOBACCO FARMING
I got introduced to tobacco as a baby. My Mother took me in basket to the tobacco barn while she looped tobacco on a stick. As my Father was a farmer, everyone in my family was expected to help. It was early in the morning and very late in the evening when the chores got done. Not only did my family grow tobacco but there was corn, cotton, soybeans, wheat, peanuts and sweet potatoes, not counting the huge vegetable garden my family planted every year.
By Barbara Wiler5 years ago in Families
Happy Birthday
Today is the day! I thought with a bright smile as I looked at my parents’ house. I am finally going to be twenty years old! Feeling someone’s eyes on me, I turned to look around the neighborhood but did not see anything. The only thing in the neighborhood around my parents’ house was a van parked at the neighbor’s house, a couple walking their dog, and a woman jogging, no one paying any attention to me. Confused and sure of what I felt I shook my head before turning back to walk up the steps of the home I grew up in.
By Kelly Brackett5 years ago in Families
Free Bird Nation
Wife. Mom. Friend. Co-worker. Sister. Empty Nester. And so it began. Empty Nester was added to the top-line summary of who I am. Now to be sure, I am proud that my “birds” are reaching adulthood and leaving the nest. There is just something about the term “empty nester” that I have simply never liked. Maybe it’s just the word “empty” itself.
By Alison Kreuch5 years ago in Families
Art History
Was the cat limping? Since Circe was a rotund Maine Coon who waddled all the time anyway, Stelle was unsure. It seemed to her that the tubby feline was listing to one side and putting less weight on her right front paw as she made her way into the kitchen.
By Valerie Kittell5 years ago in Families
Christmas
For some, big families means lots of food and long holidays. This is true for myself and I can't complain as we have certainly have amazing cooks in the family. Although we are together for most Holidays, Christmas is the big one. We schedule as far in advance as possible, this way everyone can make it and enjoy the day. The family gathers at Nana's for a full day of food, gifts, games, and memories.
By Kimberly K.5 years ago in Families
What your Christmas Amazon cart should look like with hyperactive kids.
Get ready to get your sensory on! If you are struggling with a hyper active child, or your child is just hyper from quarantine, add these gifts to your Amazon cart now. If you create your list ahead of time, Amazon will notify you of free coupons and price drops on your items so you pay the best price.
By SouloCircus5 years ago in Families
How to Raise a Genius: 10 Tips
From renowned scientists to respected college professors, every smart person on this planet had full support from their parents in early childhood. The exact form of this support varies from teaching them how to tell jokes to pay for piano lessons. If you wish your kid to grow up as a genius, here are 10 tips on how to help them excel in life.
By Neil White5 years ago in Families
What My Mum Taught Me About Mental Strength
From about the age of 3-4, I grew up without much of a father figure. What I mean by that is that I grew up, waking up, to a Mum and Brother to guide me through my upbringing. My Brother is a supersmart guy who also seemed, and still does, one step ahead of everybody else, he’s a natural born leader, though does lack patience with other people, fantastic with business and money though.
By simon witney5 years ago in Families
