Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Growing Up Without A Mom
What does it mean to grow up without a Mom? Let me share my story with you... When I was still in my mother's womb, my parents were in the process of getting divorced. My father was a...lets just say someone who loved to blow money that he didn't have OR at least that's what I was told as I got older. My father was not there when I was born and was only there once in awhile, we will get into that later. After I was born, my parents went to court for custody, initially my mother lost custody of myself and my two siblings. My father told the court that my mother was unfit and my father was awarded full custody of myself and my siblings. This intern destroyed my mother and put her into severe depression and anxiety over loosing her children. Down the line my mother got out of her depression and went back to court. She was awarded custody of my sister, since she was suffering from seizures. My father still had custody of myself and my brother. As I got older, my father reached out to his sisters, telling them he couldn't take care of me. At that point in time, my aunts (his sisters) became my guardians and raised me as their own. Once this had taken place, my mother remarried and moved to Georgia with my half brother and my sister, leaving me here with my relatives. I felt so lost and abandoned. I was surrounded by people who loved me and only wanted the best for me, but I always felt like a piece of me was missing. A part of me did blame myself, I always asked myself why, was I not good enough? was I a bad child? did she not love me? All the questions a young growing girl thinks about. As I got older, she was still a part of my life to the best of her ability. She called me once a month, sent me gifts on special holidays. She did try to be a part of my life, but that wasn't enough. I also had a little resentment towards her for leaving me. I also started building resentment towards my sister. Did she love her more? Was she more important? Did she have something that I didn't? I would have traded spaces with her in a heart beat. My sister and I were living two different lives, as her life wasn't always easy, mine was given to me on a silver platter. My family gave me everything I ever wanted (asian family), it was their way of showing love and only wanting me to have everything to make up for my mother not being around. Growing up I thought that was awesome, duh I was a child. I did have an easy life, I had everything given to me. I never had to work for anything. Down the line, my sister became jealous and resentful, I had everything she wanted, but the only thing I wanted was my mother, which she had. I would always tell her I would trade places with you in a heartbeat, just to have one day with my mother. In our early childhood years, it took it's toll and eventually, we stopped talking to each other...
By Krista Nakano5 years ago in Families
FREE DESTINNIE
Thank you and welcome to my first story. This is created to help Free Destinnie! Destinnie is my daughter she has been wrongly accused. As this is a ongoing case I am reluctant to say too much about this story except for the fact that my daughter civil rights are being violated and I feel like she is not being treated fairly. I am currently seeking help in the means of funding or even advice of someone who has any idea of how to get past this or to guide us with the proper information so that we can move forward. I am currently a film production student and as well as a mother, with back up against the wall. I stand by what is right no matter who it's about, in this case this is all wrong. So to anyone that can relate to the situation please feel free to contact me, drop a line or even donate. But for the most part it's mostly important that I speak with someone that can share the mutual disconnect of a flawed justice system.
By Tiehna Hare5 years ago in Families
1 year later
Well, it has been a very eventful year, to say the least. My partner and I have been guardians of my sister for a full year now. There have been many ups and a slight equal amount of downs. She has fully adapted to living with us and we have also grown to adapt to living with a teenager. We never thought this would happy but I am grateful that it has happened. I have had to grow up so much over this year, I am thankful to her because of this.
By Lauren Rose5 years ago in Families
A Letter To, X ♡ Selfishness + Forgiveness
TRIGGER WARNING: This letter is dedicated and intended for my baby brother who committed suicide. I miss him every single day. Please know grief is not easy and it comes in different waves, forms, and has no filter. If you are grieving.. please give yourself grace. If you know someone needs help—do what you can to help them. If you have ever been in a situation of wanting to take your own life, please know you are loved. Life is tough, unfair, and just out right hard to handle. But—Please get help. Don’t be afraid or embarrassed. Please reach out to someone. We want you here. I want you here. I send you so much love and so much light—and so many prayers.
By Deziree Bryant 5 years ago in Families
Mom
Mom, wife, maid, chef, nurse, counselor.... You name it, we are it. But what about ME? When do I get to be me? When do any of us get to be just us? Whether we are chasing after little ones, putting load of laundry in the wash and cooking dinner, or we are at work during the day to then come home and chase after kids, pick up their toys and still cook dinner. We are consumed with all of these other titles. When do we get to just be us?
By Jessica Ortiz5 years ago in Families
Dear Black Parents: Now More Than Ever, Spend Time With Your Kids.
I’m mentally and emotionally exhausted today. This topic had been swirling around in my psyche for a few weeks but I wasn’t quite sure what I was going to write about or even how. Then, as I watched the verdict being handed down in the Breonna Taylor case yesterday and it was made very obvious that justice would not prevail, it became crystal clear to me what I wanted to say and express.
By Whitney Smart5 years ago in Families
On the Road to Fatherhood
"My father didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it." -Clarence Budington Kelland Fear doesn't begin to describe the feelings I was experiencing as our midwife rubbed a small amount of jelly on Rachels lower stomach. Being a person already prone to unchoreographed racing thoughts, I felt as though my head was about to burst like a red supergiant star. Four of my five senses shut down, and all of my energy funneled to my ears.
By Dan Pittman5 years ago in Families
How To Be A Bad Mom
I’m not a very good mom. In fact, most of my friends are better at “momming” than I am. Society defines the concept in ways I don’t match up to. I don’t wear makeup or dresses. I don’t do my hair or nails. I don’t keep an immaculate house. I don’t like shopping or decorating. I’m not a fan of major holidays nor the cheer that comes with them. Play dates are the worst. Sometimes, I don’t even like my kids. But mostly, I don’t like being a “mom.”
By Teshelle Combs5 years ago in Families
