Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
The House That Built Me
As I write these words, I’m sitting in a living room, that holds the memories of every person I have ever loved. It was eight years ago that my mother became sick and my partner, Bryan, and I decided we needed to move in with her to help out. She still had her snappy wits about her but her legs and lungs weren’t doing so well and I didn’t want her to be alone out here in the country. It turned out to be a great move in many ways but one of the most meaningful to me was the way that Bryan and mom bonded. It was really something special to watch as they sat discussing everything imaginable for hours on end. Bryan told me that right from the start, he felt as though he had known my mom his entire life. He told me what an incredible person she was and how he had never met anyone like her. It was all really wonderful to hear and it made me smile because I knew he meant every word. Ever since my divorce more than a decade earlier, mom had been concerned about me being alone and I could feel the relief in her once she met Bryan.
By Lawson Patterson6 years ago in Families
Fun Game Ideas for The Whole Family
Ahh, the sweet, sweet sound of victory. Finally, it is about that time again. Its family game night. A traditional night full of laughter, snacks, family, and of course, games. Now, no matter how old you may be, this is an event for all ages. The only question left is, what kind of gamer are you?
By Paisley Hansen6 years ago in Families
What is Trust?
This was a high school interview/joint writing assignment for wellness, but still inspires me today. The setting of the interview was typical for my dad, comfortable yet a place of thought. He sat in his rolling armchair, eyes scrolling across his screen, the ceasing of mouse clicks signaling for me to begin the interview.
By Shay Hanae6 years ago in Families
Top of the World
I woke up to the earthy, woody smell of our bahay-kubo—a small house made out of bamboo and nipa leaves. My back feels sore from lying flat on the cold, hard bamboo floor, but I have never felt better in ages. I heard a quiet tap, like a stone falling on a wooden floor at a short distance, followed by a voice saying, “check, your turn.” I knitted my brow then looked up. There’s a person sitting in front of me; it was my grandfather. How did I just wake up lying down and now sitting up playing chess with my grandfather? I hear a song playing on my grandfather’s old stereo, a stereo so old it only plays cassette tapes, but the sound was so muffled I could barely hear the song. Although the sound was barely audible, my thoughts were already telling me what the song is. It was my grandfather’s favorite song, “Top of the World” by the Carpenters.
By Jerianne Delos Reyes6 years ago in Families
My Favorite Mistake
The task was simple: a walk from point A to point B. My guardian (don’t remember which relative or friend) had told me with specific instructions to return home before it got dark. As the scenery was bathed a soft pink my body laid comfortably on the soft grass, the sound of the moving trees bringing a smile to my face. The sudden chill made my sleepy eyes open as I eyed the sinking sun. Abruptly her words awoke me from my peaceful day dream;
By Shay Hanae6 years ago in Families
Wasted Years....
Retiring and relocating to North Las Vegas, Nevada in 2004 was something we looked forward to and planned accordingly. We moved into a new, but rapidly growing community. Our lives in Whittier, California were quite different; I worked full time in LaCanada, California and my husband owned his business in Santa Fe Springs, California. Our hours were quite different, we always ate dinner together, but our work hours varied. Our together time was a few hours in the evening and great weekends. When not working, we were always together...but also separate.
By Patricia Stone6 years ago in Families
Death
We had just been together last Wednesday, I was thinking of how I wanted to know more about him and his life before he was taken away by death, but I was also looking at him and admiring him as the person I knew him to be. It was not out of sorts for me to look at my family and acknowledge their Divine beauty, but the way I was looking at him, a part of me knew what was going to happen in just a few short days. My last memory with him was perfect.
By Mandy Salcedo6 years ago in Families
