Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Tale of a Mother-In-Law
The first time I met my future mother-in-law, I was not yet married to her son, Bob, and I knew if she had anything to do with it, I never would be married to Bob.
Denise WillisPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesWatching a Parent Struggle
I used to think the worst thing that could happen in life would be the death of a loved one. Having someone you loved so dearly ripped from your life unexpectedly. So quick you don’t even get a chance to say goodbye or one more I love you.
Brittney HeathPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesLife Through a Different Window
Having two children before the age of 21 was never the plan, but a great shift in life regardless. Raising these little humans hasn't been easy and even though there are times when pulling my hair out seems like a great idea, I wouldn't change this life for anything. Just when I thought having not one, but TWO kids was hard enough, the news of my oldest child being diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder turned my world upside down.
Cait NicholePublished 7 years ago in FamiliesI Ran Away...
Not long ago, I used to live in Texas with my mother and my step-father and their four kids. I grew up to learn to not be ungrateful and love everything you have, cause there are people in the world that don't have anything; but I took in too much hurt and pain to stay.
Diary of a Black Baby Daddy
November 13, 2012 is the day my life changed. Whether I was ready or not, it was game time. In the hospital I sat and thought, "Man, I'm gonna chronicle all the big moments of my daughters life and share it with the world." That's where today's first lesson kicks in. "See, I'm a dad, right..." is my favorite rebuttal when discussing my laziness. I'm a 31-year-old single parent of a four-year-old daughter and sometimes I just put things to the side. See, it's easy as a parent to say, "Well, between getting a child ready for school, working 60 hours a week, making sure dinner is ready, clothes are ready, and the kid is bathed and settled for the night, I can't find the time." Yes, the time is difficult to accumulate, but if you're reading this, THE TIME IS NOW! I was supposed to chronicle my daughters growth, to share moments from birth and beyond, yet I procrastinated. My daughter is four now, so I left you guys hanging on the first words, the first steps, the first day of Pre-K, etc. My daughter is only four so there is A LOT of growing that still has to be done. So I am here now to say, don't let parenting procrastination get the easy victory. Yes, you can do it tomorrow, but hey, why not do it today?
Joshua BarnerPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesNature Nurtured
I knew I'd become a mother as soon as I became a mother; it was an instant success! I never thought I'd ever be a mother, and now I was and am and lived to enjoy every bit of it. At least it was completely true from childbirth to pre-teen years.
Martina R. GallegosPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesFive Ways to Surprise Your Wife!
Husbands, were you aware of the importance of September 17? If not, time to take note, because we have just passed the International Wife Appreciation Day! I hope all of you treated the lovely ladies in your life… However, if you’re like my husband and didn’t find out until the day after, time to get your diary out now. Here is a collection of ideas of how to show your wife appreciation. It's a little early but at least you will be well-prepared for International Wife Appreciation Day 2018!
Nathalie MartinPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesDear Dad
Dear Dad, The day is half way gone and I've spent most of it trying to ignore the obvious, but I won't let it go by without acknowledging you. I'd never do that. It's been 26 years to the day that you were taken from me. 26 years. I've come to terms with the fact that I don't know how to grieve. I don't know how to properly and healthily process what happened. I feel like I start the grieving process over and over again. It never stops. It doesn't get better. It never gets "easier." I hate myself sometimes because I can't remember what your voice sounds like. That drives me crazy. 1991 didn't have the technology of today so I don't have any recordings or videos or anything where I can just hear your voice. I daydream about how different my life would be of you weren't taken from me. I think about the impact you would have had on who I turned out to be as a person. I feel like there is a void there that will never be filled. That could never be filled. Had I known we only had five years to squeeze in a lifetime of memories, I would have fought to spend more time with you. I would have spent all of my time with you. All I have left are fading memories, and stories of your past from people who knew you better than I did. Every once in a while I have to tell one of your old teammates that you're no longer with us. They stare at me with pity in an awkward silence. It's been a pretty weird couple of decades.
Ashlee NicolePublished 7 years ago in FamiliesBest Strollers for Infants
Strollers are tough to pick out, especially when there's so many styles and designs to pick from. There are hefty strollers and then there are simple ones. Not to mention the variety of colors and designs on them — endless.
Rachel BlanchardPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesIt's OK to Cry, Mama
It's OK, mama. It's OK to cry. It's OK mama, that you didn't get the supper dishes done, and that there are two loads of laundry to be folded. Not to mention the mountain still to be washed.
Des Muise🌙Published 7 years ago in FamiliesWhen Introverts Get Married
My husband is a hardcore introvert, and so am I. When we were young, one of the things I liked about him was how he liked doing quiet things just like me. I love being married to a guy who runs at the same speed. We have a whole weekend to do what we want? Great. He can play 20 hours of Skyrim while I devour a 500-page novel. Or we can binge-watch the Lord of the Rings movies. Don't have any friends? No problem, we'd rather stay home anyway.
Lana HutchinsonPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesRevelation
It came to me in a dream, like a labyrinth of unmistakable waves. Hours prior I had received the worst news a young child of thirteen years of age could adhere. Something so unfathomable, and something so unrealistic in a young and naive mind. "I'm sorry I have to be the one to tell you this," my eldest brother spoke, panicked over the phone, "but Mom just passed away."
Crysta MiraclePublished 7 years ago in Families