Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Face of an Angel
Born in September of 1997, at 7 lbs and 5 oz, Crystal was a black-haired, blue-eyed perfection! She had sweet little cheeks, and at just a few days old, was already focusing on things around her, showing an interest in the world around her. She was also strong, both in her grip and in the ability to hold her head steady for a few seconds at a time. She learned to walk before she was 10 months old, and she was able to recite the alphabet, basic colors, shapes, and count to 20 by the time she was a year and a half old. At the age of two, she could tell you what was in a picture, no matter what you pointed at. She did have trouble with certain letter combination pronunciation, but honestly, what two year old didn't? To say that Crystal was the apple of my eye, my life, my whole world... that would be an understatement. She was my EVERYTHING! And in one selfish moment, one moment of cruelty, jealousy and for all I know, hatred, she was taken away from me. Her light was snuffed out, her life ripped away from her. She was declared legally braindead nine days before her third birthday. That was the day the old me, the happy and trusting me, died.
By Michelle Frank7 years ago in Families
Blame
I was six when my brother came into my life. My mother worked overnights and my dad worked first shift, so my older sister and I took care of him a lot. I learned how to change diapers, warm up bottles, and calm a baby in the middle of the night with next -to-no sleep. Honestly, it wasn't that hard, I couldn't wait until I was old enough to have kids. I always knew I wanted to be a mom, that drive was so deeply imbedded in me that it was one of my life goals growing up.
By Brandy Letourneau7 years ago in Families
Four Things I Learned in My First Trimester
As someone who is in their 14th week of their first pregnancy, I can readily and easily say that this has been one of the most confusing, exciting, yet terrifying and stressful times of my life. Ranging from horrible morning sickness, to only eating potatoes, to complete meltdowns over silly things, I’ve experienced quite a few things in my first trimester. Some of which, I was and was not prepared for. So, I’ve decided I’d share some of the wisdom I’ve gained in the past weeks to those who might feel just as lost as I did and still do.
By Savana Verret7 years ago in Families
Fishing with Grandpa
When I imagine a place I’d love to visit, my first thoughts are not the historic buildings of Paris or the bustling streets of New York City. Instead, my vision lies on a quiet cove in a big lake. A small Texas town, barely on the map. A boat with a flat bottom and metal seats notorious for scorching the back of one’s legs on a hot summer day. Two simple fishing poles propped between the bow of the boat and an ambitious tackle box. Loose lead weights rolling on the floor with every soft wake. In the driver seat, my grandfather, aged, but still full of youth, smiling at the simpleness of his favorite pastime.
By Courtney Brown7 years ago in Families
The Weight of Grief
“An oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. Place the mask firmly over your nose and mouth…” I had one headphone in, my face turned to look out the window while the flight attendant continued, “…secure the elastic band behind your head…” and breathe normally, I thought along with her. “If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person.”
By M.G. Sprinkle7 years ago in Families
Sissy - Part 1
I could hear my Sissy screaming from the dimly lit parlor of our shotgun house. I wanted to get up out of my bed and peek between the cracks of my bedroom door to see what was going on to elicit such piercing screams. In between her hacking coughs I could hear Grandmaw Hanny demanding my Sissy to be quiet.
By Valerie Middleton7 years ago in Families
18 and Pregnant
One thing is for sure, this was not how I expected my life to turn out. I thought my future held college, medical school, residencies, with marriage somewhere in between and babies in the distant future, once things have settled. How was I supposed to know that I would drop out of college after the first semester, be stuck paying back thousands of dollars with a barely above minimum wage job, and, to top it off, pregnant?
By I Am A Pizza7 years ago in Families
A Tribute to a Friend
Belva Frances Carter September 2, 1961 - April 14, 2011 Belva Frances Carter 49, of Saint Joseph, MO passed away Thursday April 14, 2011 at a Saint Joseph hospital. She was born September 2, 1961 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of Mildred & Joseph Schubert. She married Larry Carter on March 4, 1990. She was a devoted child care provider for over 15 years. Belva had a huge heart, and loved people and her child care kids, she loved to cook, garage sales, and taking care of children. She was a Christian. Belva was preceded in death by her father, Joseph R. Schubert, her mother, Mildred (Kerns) Iwed, and a brother, Billy Schubert. She is survived by son - Danny O. Bowman of Saint Joseph, MO; five brothers— Johnny, Mike, Steve, Timmy, and Buddy Schubert; and a sister—Linda Lawhorn, and her beloved dogs—Tucker, little Tuck, Nikki, Diesel, Sissy, and Klohe; The family will receive friends from 6-8pm, Monday at the Rupp Funeral Home. She will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home following the visitation. Memorials are requested to the Belva Carter Memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at ruppfuneral.com
By Amanda J Mollett7 years ago in Families
Parenting
As most of you know, being a parent is a journey. I am a parent of three young boys who, lets say, keep me on my feet. They are a joy! See raising three boys is convenient in many ways. I pass down their clothes, they share the same room, they play and laugh together, and discuss dinosaurs. Yes, they do like dressing in the same outfits. In all, they will grow to love one another.
By Tanzania S7 years ago in Families
