Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
The Envelope
Joe was a lonely, broken man, walking cold wet streets late one Christmas Eve. He wore, contrastingly, the jolliest of outfits, clad in the uniform of his latest job a mall Santa Claus. He was a poor imitation of St. Nick, sad, slumping, looking thin and depleted, despite a mound of stuffing around his middle. He oozed the odor of Jack Daniels, and walked as only a drunk could walk. He staggered down the street, thinking of family he never saw anymore. He was alone and angry. He hated Christmas. In fact, the only reason he kept his Santa job was because he felt it fitting to collect on this awful day any way he could.
By George Beighey8 years ago in Families
Life as a Daughter of Agent Orange, Pt. 1
I honestly do not know where to even begin telling my story. I remember growing up, at least to the age of 10, life was pretty normal and decent. Mom worked and Dad stayed home with my little sister and I. I recall my dad being strict, but that was nothing compared to what was about to start in late 1999.
By Elizabeth Kozlowski8 years ago in Families
The Truth About Being a Mom
They tell you a lot of things when you are pregnant. I mean, A LOT. I could probably write an entire book just based off what other people tell pregnant women, especially young woman. And trust me, as a 20-year-old mother of two under two, I've heard it all! Promise! I can also promise that it is all a giant load of bologna!
By Mckala Shayne Tidmore8 years ago in Families
Life, the Universe, My Mother, and Everything—"Sugar in the Fridge"
Mothers. We all have one, love them or hate them, and they are a huge influence in our lives. My mother was no different. She was a Southampton lass, fearless, confident, funny... it's easy to see why Dad fell in love with her! She was also incredibly intelligent. She worked as a programmer for an insurance company and (aside from accidentally crashing the national systems a couple of times due to a coding error that wasn't her fault) was known for doing good work.
By NoraTheAuthor8 years ago in Families
Life With PTSD
So the two beautiful children you see in this picture are mine. My son is four this Valentine's Day. His name is Bolton Alan. He is an absolute star. And the sleepy little lady you see is my daughter, Missy-rose. She is two in February. And my, it has been a long two years.
By Sammi Jay Watkins8 years ago in Families
Having Children and Pregnancy Shaming
*** This is about having children, a very serious topic, and I don't want to leave anyone or any group out of this. Please know that I'm not trying to leave anyone or group out, I just don't have the capability of making this article less controversial by adding gay parents, lesbian parents, or any other type of relationship or religion. This would be extremely long if I did. No matter who you are or what type of relationship you're in, having children is a HUGE life decision. Please don't hate me for not adding all the relationships in here. You are included!***
By Bailey Simpson8 years ago in Families
Mommy Unedited
Parenting. The one thing that everyone is an expert on, until they have actually had to become one. I will be the first to admit, I was that person in the store looking at the toddler throwing a tantrum, thinking to myself, "Nope, not my kid," before I actually had a kid. I thought I knew all the solutions to problems I didn't think I would even have. I had it ALL figured out the moment I pissed on a stick and saw the double lines. Or so I thought.
By Edin Mirelez8 years ago in Families
My Mother the Fortune Teller
Look at her. Pay close attention, because every day there’s more to see. She shuffles her cards, and is one of not many I know who can smoke a cigarette without using her hands. The rooms to the ceiling fill with smoke, and three of four part-time roommates that stay here are losing patience.
By Winter Black8 years ago in Families
The Gifts and Curses of Time
Fridays couldn’t come any quicker. The entire week, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and so on are spent anticipating Friday. Typically, Friday evenings are spent at my friend Kaylin’s house, congregating around the TV for Full House reruns; 7:30 marathons couldn’t start any sooner! Amidst Stephanie Tanner’s “how rude” schpeal, the unknown number that has already called three times that day calls for the fourth. I excuse myself during the next commercial break, to deal with the “anonymous caller.” I hold the phone to my chest, allowing it to ring until I can answer it in the bathroom. A familiar voice states, “This is a prepaid call, you will not be charged for this call, this call is from…” I mouthed my father’s name and correctional facility. This is the second time I’ve spoken to my dad this week, on account of his “good conduct” with the other inmates. My excitement for the weekend, the TV marathons, and free time with my friends overshadowed my reality. Putting on a brave face and improvising excuse after excuse was already easy: “Just another guy prank calling me.” Today, my dad only had enough change to call for five minutes. Tomorrow, the next day, and so on, my friends and I will recall the joke for years to come. Today, my dad has five out of his ten years left.
By desiree nicole8 years ago in Families
Life of a Cancer Mom: Part 4
Happy Birthday to me! Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to me! Happy birthday to me! March 16th, 2017. Normally every year, me and my children celebrate together. This year, I almost forgot it was my birthday. Granted, I got my first birthday text at 12:01 AM and my best friend told me in person. I just wasn’t in a celebrating mood.
By Jessica Phillips8 years ago in Families
