Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
A Hated People
From a young age, I was taught the morals and foundation of Judaism. I attended a Jewish preschool, where I recited the prayers over the challah, wine (or grape juice for us 4-year-olds), snack and Shabbat. I earned the most mitzvah leaves in my class- each mitzvah leaf would be pinned up on our tree labeled with our name to keep track of all the good deeds we did. Being Jewish is giving back to the community and our families, providing support and prayers for those who need it, cooking delicious meals and using every opportunity to turn a Jewish holiday into a feast. Also adding a few comical Yiddish words into everyday conversation. The Jewish culture is rich in traditions, values, flavors and compassion. Coming from a reformed family mostly focusing on the familial element of Judaism and growing up in New Jersey, I imagined the whole world was favorable towards this seemingly peaceful religion. So when I found out my grandma is a Holocaust survivor and suffered through such a hatred, I had many questions.
By Emily Bright6 years ago in Families
Answer The Phone!
This article isn't for the people over 50 like myself that remember what it was like before there were cellphones. This is for the moms, dads, kids, friends, and everyone in-between that grew up in the cellphone generation. You know, those of you that go on Facebook and post pictures of your kids and your meals and have at least 100 friends. The people who live an active lifestyle and know how to post a selfie.
By Tracy Branstetter6 years ago in Families
My natural home birth wasn't lucky, I planned it that way.
When I mention that I had a natural uncomplicated home birth with my daughter people tell me I am "really lucky" to have had that experience. The more I've heard this the more irritating I've found it! I wasn't "lucky" I planned my birth and I researched everything I possibly could to ensure I was prepared. I knew what my body was doing and why it was doing it. I had a birth plan that was over three pages long, most of it was about the fact I wanted to be left alone as much as possible to do my thing and concentrate on the job at hand because I had complete faith in my body and my baby to do what needed to be done without intervention.
By Lisa Sherratt6 years ago in Families
Growing up Biracial
When I was little, I had no idea I was different. I didn't see race or question what I was as a child. I was just me. I was surrounded by my brothers or sisters everyday. Some of us were light, medium tone or what I would call Caramel or Mocha, and others were dark. All of us came out looking different but we knew that we were siblings. I didn't question it. I didn't question my Dad nor my Mom.
By Anatonia Garcia6 years ago in Families
We Didn't Know It Mattered
Here we go again. I'm sitting under the dining room table that my dad put in the basement for just this type of thing. I'm hiding from the war going on in my neighborhood. It's a literal war. I'm trying to just write and block out the noise. It's constant, the screaming and gunshots and more screaming. I don't understand why. I don't understand why it has to be like this. It wasn't like this last month. Last month, we had a big street party in our neighborhood. Last month, we all ate together. Last month our parents talked to each other. Last month I had friends. Last month I didn't know I was different. Last month, I was just a kid like any other kid. This month, I'm a kid with a black mom and a white dad.
By Phoenixx Fyre Dean6 years ago in Families
Just for fun
Lem Turner was born at the old family homestead just east of Capper Road, Jacksonville, FL. He was the son of Florida pioneers, Jesse Turner (1795-1867)and Sarah Ann Blount (1796-died after the 1860 census). He was the grandson of Edward Turner and Sarah Elmore, and Redding Blount and one of his wives, probably Chloe Blansom. We have not been able to locate the burials of his parents or grandparents, but we do know where some of his brothers and sisters are buried - see additional info below the biography. Lem and his wife, Sarah, were eventually moved to Edgewood Cemetery, Jacksonville, but these old monuments still stand a Pickett Cemetery.
By Brandy Koch6 years ago in Families
'Royals at War: The Untold Story of Harry and Meghan's Shocking Split' Book Review
A new book about the royal family will be released on June 30, 2020. The book is not just a book about the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and their split from the royal family. It is a tell-all book written by Dylan Howard and Andy Tillett.
By Margaret Minnicks6 years ago in Families
Wicked Step Mum vs Wicked Mum
Did I intend to become a step-mum? Not one bit, in fact, if anything I had a rule that I wouldn't date a man with children because when you enter a new relationship you can imagine that the other person will have baggage, but a child is another thing altogether. Somehow, I fell for my partner before I really had the chance to think about the fact that his very cute 16-month-old daughter came with an incredibly difficult past relationship and an unreasonable birth mother who uses the child as a pawn and would continue to do so for several years. Hence my question, who is the "wicked" mother here? Me the step parent or her the actual birth mother?
By Lisa Sherratt6 years ago in Families
Moms are y'all okay? I mean really!
Hello Moms! How is everyone? I mean for real. How are y’all? Please, don't say fine because I can see that you are not. Guess what? Me either! And it’s okay! It’s nothing wrong with you feeling this way. People try to paint the picture like motherhood is perfect and in reality it’s not. If you were to go look at my social media, you would probably think she is the perfect mom and she is doing great. So, why aren’t I? Let me tell you, pictures can be deceiving!
By Anatonia Garcia6 years ago in Families
