Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Should Boys Be Allowed to Play With Dolls?
This has been an ongoing topic for some time now. Some people believe that it is not OokayK, others have no qualms with it. Me personally, I don’t see what the big deal is. I believe there are great benefits to it, psychologically and developmentally.
By James Howell8 years ago in Families
Eulogy: A Tribute to My Mom
Sunrise: February 6, 1930 Sunset: January 10, 2015 Eulogized: January 20, 2015 With the way God structured life, you get to meet your very first friend, your BFF-Best Friend Forever. She carried you for nine months, endured the pain to bring you into the world and stays by you until the very end. She puts up with all you do and don’t do. And despite everything, she is still there with you. When everyone else has abandoned you, she is always there with you and for you. She is your confidant. She will listen to you even if no one else will. She is always on your side when the rest of the world seems to be against you. She is your best friend until the very end and then some. She will show the smile and she will hide the pain no matter how great the burden may be. When you feel alone, she pats you on the back and gives you a big hug as well. When you have nowhere to turn, she is always there for you. She treasures you. You are her highest priority. When you want to be grounded, she is your foundation, but when you want to take off and fly, she is the wind beneath your wings. No matter where you go and how far you are physically away from her, she is always with you. Although she has given birth to you, you are always a part of her and still connected to her. It is a bond that can never, ever be destroyed. Yes, that is a Mom. That is the perfect description of my Mom-Olive Bernier.
By Maurice Bernier8 years ago in Families
Vulnerable
You know, the one thing that I have struggled with all my life is the feeling of being unloved. Now at the young age of 27 I have gotten over it, but it sucked the life out of me. My ability to trust was ever clouded, and I dove headfirst into a tidal wave of unhealthy relationships. Given the fact that I settled down with my husband at 16-years-old says a lot.
By Jessica Briggs8 years ago in Families
Eulogy: A Tribute to My Dad
Born on June 2, 1929 Died on September 18, 2012 Eulogized on September 25, 2012 Arthur MacDonald Bernier was NOT our father. Now, before you get upset, let me explain. After studying English and American Literature at St. John’s University and looking back at the last 56 years of his life, I discovered that he was NOT our father. Arthur MacDonald Bernier was our DAD. He was not just our Dad, but he was the greatest Dad who ever lived.
By Maurice Bernier8 years ago in Families
Childhood's Worst Nightmare
Thinking back to when I was young, my childhood wasn't the greatest. It was more like Hell, but on Earth. I was young and fragile, I wasn't supposed to see the things that I've seen, not at a very young age. They say your parents are supposed to be your protectors but not mine... they were cruel. What do I mean by when I say cruel? Angry, abusive, alcohol addicts cruel. Most of the time they drank until they passed out and when they were out of alcohol my dad would take it out on me! They didn't have a care in the world when it came to me. I felt alone, scared, rejected, and used. I did all that I could to get love from them and all I got was nothing but hate, from my dad especially.
By Emma Shelley8 years ago in Families
He'll Never Know His Daughter
He'll Never Know His Daughter Everyone has their story. My story replays like a movie in my head. But not like a good movie where you want to snack on some popcorn and kick back and enjoy. No, not like that. More along the lines of "Umm..what the fuck did I just watch?" kind of movie. Let's rewind the tape back 23 years. My mom was dating a Navy sailor. Romantic, huh? It was up until those two blue lines appeared, then he was gone. Fast forward eight months after I was born. My mom met a wonderful man who chose to be my father. They got married when I was two and then at three years old, The Sailor revoked his rights and allowed my FATHER to adopt me.
By Halie Marie8 years ago in Families
Parenting and Depression
I've heard it all: "You have a beautiful, healthy daughter with another on the way. You shouldn't be depressed," "Others have it worse," "At least you have your kids," and so on. I have felt guilty for being depressed. I have felt like I don't deserve to feel this way. More often than not, I get down even more. I have been told that I should be thankful for being able to stay at home and raise my kids. The truth? Being a stay at home mom and having depression, or any mental illness, is a nightmare.
By Samantha Theall8 years ago in Families
Never as We Planned
It's been years since I’ve seen you. I don’t know what I would do or how I would handle being face to face with you again. My heart could melt, burst, implode or I could feel nothing. Numb to the sight of you, but I know myself; you were a large part of my life, and you broke me when there was already nothing left to break.
By Taylor Somerville8 years ago in Families
Too Beautiful for Earth
Three years and two days ago, my life changed forever. I found out I was going to be a mommy. I was so happy. Words cannot even begin to describe how I felt. The next day, I got up super early to schedule an appointment at my local health department. They told me to come in in two hours. I went. I was so excited. They confirmed my pregnancy and told me that I was approximately five weeks and two days pregnant. They scheduled me with an OBGYN two weeks later. I went for my ultrasound to make sure everything was fine with the baby. It was. I was seven weeks and five days. I got to see and hear my tiny little baby’s heartbeat. I cried like a baby. It was the most magical sound I have ever heard. Even to this day.
By Chelsey Garner8 years ago in Families
Better
The nightmares come back eventually. They always do. The choking pain as I wake up hyperventilating and sobbing. Scared that I was still in the dream, never to escape what laid in the hell I revisited almost every night. Dreams about you watching me as I sleep. Dreams about that night and what could have happened. Dreams that are dark, but I can feel the space closing around me. Dreams that are lonely and no one ever existed, not even me.
By Quinn Rose8 years ago in Families
