Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
My Mom, My Hero
When I was little and someone asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, I gave two answers. Firstly, I said that I wanted to be a veterinarian, and then I would say that I wanted to be like my mom. We all know that our answer to that question when we are kids is rarely how we feel when we actually grow up, and let me tell you, I could not have been more far off about wanting to be a vet. I may love animals but I hate the sight of blood and don’t like science enough. However, when I said that I wanted to be like my mom, I had no idea that I would still feel that way all these years later.
By Madison Davidson-McCrabb6 years ago in Families
The Pretty Sister
Being the oldest of four children, I was ALWAYS made an example of, ALWAYS the first to be disciplined and of course, the first to seem like a disappointment to my parents. Don't get me wrong; I was a straight A student but I had a powerful urge for trouble. 'Sibling Rivalry' was more like a raging war in our house with the four of us in constant competition with one another. But there's ALWAYS the one that 'could do no wrong' and in my family it was my sister Marie.
By Kathleen Landman6 years ago in Families
Gommie
Gommie sits in her pink smock dress with her elbows resting upon the plastic Gerbera tablecloth. The early morning rays dance their way into the sunroom and she is laughing. There is half eaten toast, with far too much butter on it, real orange juice and music, always music. Now that I think about it, this memory seems distant, but it’s always one I go back to, or rather comes back to me.
By Hannah Clark6 years ago in Families
My daughter, Ola. The cancer, and double organ transplant survivor and disability rights advocate.
I remember it like it was yesterday, though it was over two decades ago. My c-section was scheduled for New Year's Eve. I had a bouncing baby girl that weighed in 8 pounds and 13 ounces. Ola Ojewumi was born a healthy and happy baby. She's brought me so much happiness as a mother. Her father knew she was special and gave her a name in his native tongue of Yoruba, Odunola. Ola for short. In Nigeria, her name means gift from God. My daughter is now all grown up and has lived up to her name.
By Nse Ojewumi6 years ago in Families
The Incredible Eliza Kim
During the Korean War, young Korean girls were having babies with a lot of young soldiers. Mixed children were seldom accepted (especially those of African American and Korean descent) and the new mothers had to choose. Some kept their babies, trying to raise them on their own, often being disowned by their families. Some abandoned them on the street after realizing they could no longer care for them when they became ill. Others, like my mother's mother, chose the route of infanticide.
By Kimisha Turner6 years ago in Families
The Little Girl in the Photograph Who Inspires Me
German, like the language. First name Yolanda. Descendant of my divine feminine ancestors. My grandmother, whom I like to call “grams.” This is the woman who inspires me. When I was 5 years old, I saw an old photograph of five kids on a farm. I took a closer look and in it, I saw a little girl who was about the same age as me at the time. Confused and a little dumbfounded, I opened my mouth and started to say “How am I in this picture? I don’t know any of those kids and I don’t remember this either.” The little girl in the photograph looked exactly like me – she was my doppelgänger, if you will.
By Emily Viera6 years ago in Families
The Virtuous - The Standard of A Good Pupil
The Virtuous is inspired by my mum and other inspiring women also play their part in the film’s development. At different moments in life certain people impact on one’s life and become important, and equally one is never fully aware how important others are until much later, including perhaps members of one’s own family. To some people promises are made, confidences and dreams are shared and both good and bad times had. With others’ perhaps battles have been fought. There are a few relationships in which something unique has transpired and a bond has been cemented, where two become one. We all experience many encounters and the world continues on its course, but the one thing that for me that has remained constant, though I didn’t always know or appreciate it, is the unconditional love I have from my mother.
By Ice cheung 6 years ago in Families
a place to call home
When I was a child, I didn’t notice that we were different. I didn’t notice that other mothers didn't wear miniskirts and leather jackets to parents evening. I didn't notice that other children weren’t taken on these insane thrilling holidays at least twice a year, where there would be dancing, laughing and crying and feeling truly connected to the world and everyone in it. I didn’t notice how other people's homes didnt have 713 books, five guitars and six cats. I thought everyone’s mum was special, a philanthropist and moved mountains and their actions aligned with their values. Today you can find my mother in our cosy London flat which has art covering every inch of space and books spilling off shelves and onto the floors and tables. We have a pile of bills and receipts living on our sofa, which my mother will sometimes shred. Her books range from French philosophy to art encyclopedias, but most are psychology books that helped her out of some dark places and which now help me on my journey. My mother’s name is Cina.
By Lillie Aissa6 years ago in Families
