Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Reflections
The beach wasn’t at all how I’d recalled it as a child. I’d often fantasised about scrunching my toes in the soft, glorious sand, shrieking at the countless blue waves, often intimidating in their size, fiercely crashing into the bay. Now upon my return I saw the beach for what it really was. The sand blurred out in a dismal trance, the shore fading into a grey liquid sludge, bleak and miserable in the dull winter light. The sea, now brown in colour, was motionless, dead. Its rancid salty breath blew tepidly through my hair accompanied by the keen bite on my cheeks of cold winter winds. A small colony of gulls chased after the rest of someone’s discarded lunch blustering across the decaying peer. The repetitive buzz of fair ground music and slot machines only soiled the atmosphere further.
By Molly Winton7 years ago in Families
The Gamble of Words
When I first came out, it was to my friend Jane, who was my closest friend at the time and still is. A couple of months before, she had been talking to me about how bisexuality felt and what it was, and I realised after a long period of time that I felt the same way about men and women that she did. Well, not exactly the same, but very similarly. I came out to her through Facebook Messenger and explained to her that I had been having dreams about one of my close friends. She helped me come to terms with it and I was so relieved that I could finally understand these feelings that I had been having for years.
By Sophie Lincoln7 years ago in Families
The Birth of My M&M Twins
Walking into the ocean with the wind humming at my ears and the cool water brushing my legs, I begin swimming in the Atlantic at night. My husband is shaking me, calling my name, and even though he's faceless I know it is him. I'm confused as to why so I try to swim away, thinking he is playing a game but he calls me with more authority in his voice which startles me and I look back.
By K Roundtree7 years ago in Families
Beginning of Parenthood
Where do we begin? Being 19 is already a stressful situation in itself, but finding out that you’re becoming a father of two can make everything flip upside down in ways you’d never expect. Most young men would let it tear them down I’ve seen some men stronger than the world in mind but with two babies as your responsibility you become afraid of the world. The feeling of being the care taker and provider of small and beautiful creations is a beautiful feeling. It’s honestly a feeling of pleasure, joy, and worry. The worrying isn’t caused by the children themselves but the worldly harm that can occur to the babies. Never in my life have I felt a weakness but I can tell already they have weakened my heart from the coldness of the world. Kids do so many great things and only have I scratched the surface of these feelings.
By Breydon Patterson7 years ago in Families
When Yes Means No
I’m already a mother. At the tender age of 19, I welcomed my first child into this world. As my son emerged from my body, time itself seemed to stand still. This purplish-blue newborn suddenly laid on my chest, and I completely froze. My heart stopped, and I felt the warmth and heaviness of his little body against mine. I sat still and just took the moment to process the fact that an actual human being had just came out of me. Then, a gentle voice (from either my mother or a nurse. The details are foggy) reminded me that he was my baby. I held him to me and cried with him and almost instinctively brought him to my breast. The moment I became a mother will never leave me. Though details come and go, these moments stay clear like a permanent fixture in my mind.
By Amanda Miehle7 years ago in Families
Really Though? Does It Get Better?
Well today I finally received a long awaited phone call from my son. It had been a little over two weeks since hearing his voice. I knew I was getting a phone call today thanks to my support group who were receiving phone calls from their loved ones in the same Division as my son. I'm so glad I didn't miss his call.
By Ruth Berber7 years ago in Families
A Reason to Be Proud
I am a proud Mom! I have such a loving, wonderful daughter. At times she is a handful like her Daddy, but I wouldn't trade her for anything in this world. She is trying out for sports this year if the school allows for it, if not she will try out next year. She is also starting dance classes, possibly going back into girl scouts, and she is also in strings. When she can she will be going into choir as well as JROTC. She goes to church and tells people about God and that God loves them. She has voiced her choice for the 2018 judge elections. She is a sweetheart and cares so much about the people in her life. She stands up for herself with bullies. I have so many reasons to be proud of this little girl. When I am sick and can't breathe she grabs my inhaler, a drink, and asks if I need her to call 911. She makes sure I have it with me at all times and if I leave the house she makes sure I take it with me. if I have an episode she is asking to go with me so she can keep me safe.
By Amanda J Mollett7 years ago in Families
Daily Struggles with Autism
Most of us mother's out there who have always wanted to have children never think of the scary battles we have to endure as our children grow up. We never think of the possibilities our children can develop this or develop that or never think of those "Well this won't be a struggle with my kid." Truth be told, unfortunately, there is always a possibility for everything no matter the things we do correctly during pregnancy or the healthy diet we provide for our children. I am one of those mothers who thought these things and who is a strict health nut, but I never realized what struggles or battles this would entitle. Here is my story.
By Ashlea Kinsley7 years ago in Families
Happy 27th Birthday, Baby
Honey, what can I say about your birthday? I am so glad that you made it into this world. I am sorry your sister did not, but I am so glad that instead of being with her, you are with me. I am glad you made it with minimal scarring. I am glad that you made it to the 23rd year when we would meet and become what we are today. I am glad that I have been able to spend these days with you. I look to another year after each one passes and I can't wait to be celebrating it with you again next year.
By Amanda J Mollett7 years ago in Families
