Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Momma
In the United States, three out of about 12 million single parent families in 2014, more than 80%, were headed by single mothers. Today one in four children under the age of 18 — a total of about 17.4 million — are being raised without a father and nearly half live below the poverty line. Unfortunately, my mother and I fall into those statistics. Considering there are many single mothers, to some, my mother may not be special. Although personally, my mom is set apart from those mothers and the reasons behind that are the same exact reason as to why she is my personal hero. My momma is my personal hero because is strong willed, she has raised me by herself, and sacrificed things for me.
By Kaila Shoales7 years ago in Families
A Miraculous Story of Preeclampsia
Preeclampsia is a condition that occurs during pregnancy and affects about 2–6% of healthy first time moms. It is a dangerous disease for both mother and child that may not always shows signs, especially for new mothers who have no idea what to expect or what's normal. Each case can vary widely from developing in mid pregnancy, during labor, and even six weeks after delivery. If undetected or untreated, issues can progress quickly, leading to other issues like HELLP syndrome. Luckily, healthcare providers keep a close look out for this condition which is why at every prenatal visit a mother's blood pressure is taken as well as checking for protein in her urine. Both indicators of preeclampsia.
By Jus L'amore7 years ago in Families
More Than Just a Mother
Having kids changes everything. Any mother out there can recall those first moments of motherhood, after their baby was born. In the weeks and months after you become a mother for the first time, your earth tilts on its axis. Your life changes, the way you think changes, your identity changes.
By Lana Hutchinson7 years ago in Families
My Parents Weren't Scholars
My parents were not scholars. They were not socialites. They were not bright, optimistic, souls with hope for their futures. They were, in fact, kids who grew up too soon with ugly pasts and sad, sad scars, not knowing how to function in a hapless world that moved too fast for their liking.
By Scotty French7 years ago in Families
Weathering Childhood Diseases
Beginning The Nightmare “We’re sorry, there’s nothing we can do and you’ll just have to slowly watch her die.” Words no parent ever wants to hear. Whether you’re pregnant and receiving a grim diagnosis for the sweet little peanut growing inside you, or a parent to a child of any age, navigating the path in front of you will be scary and uncertain. With hundreds and thousands of difference diseases that can potentially affect your child, it would be impossible to cover the specifics of any one condition.
By Nicole Blomerus7 years ago in Families
Saturdays with Mom
Our Saturday’s were always very regimented; even when I was a little girl. She would wake up every Saturday morning at 9 AM and make her way over to the coffee pot. She would grumble to herself and fumble with the coffee filters. We always bought Gevalia brand coffee, because it was bold but cheap. The coffee would slowly start brewing, and she would let out a sigh of relief. I think deep down my mother hated mornings more than she hated my father, but she acted like it didn’t bother her. She would then make her way over to the kitchen table where she would sit and crack the sliding glass door. No morning was complete without mom smoking a cigarette. She enjoyed smoking Marlboro Menthol Light Kings, those were her favorite. After her cigarette she would wash her hands and switch on the radio. It was not long before I too would wake up, and join her downstairs in the kitchen.
By Katherine Schaefer7 years ago in Families
I Pulled the Trigger at 9 Years Old
I'm trying to remember the time in my life when chaos first started. Ironically, this story connects to my life now in so many ways. If you read my profile bio, you already know I'm in love with a guy whose baby mama wants me gone. Yes, that's right. You didn't read it wrong. I definitely feel I should tell you about her but not right now. She deserves her own story.
By Haley Sweers7 years ago in Families
Pregnant Woman Failed by the System
I moved to my current city in March of 2016 with my husband and our dog. We started out by renting a small apartment on the top (attic) level of an old house. To get in or out of the place meant climbing 3 flights of stairs. With a dog and no backyard, that meant doing so sometimes upwards of 10 times per day or more.
By Miranda Davey7 years ago in Families
A Letter to a Bad Mother
You were neglectful and abusive from even my most early of memories. You were too young to have children. You had already had one and given her up for adoption. You had an abortion in between that child and myself. You were too young and dumb to know what was good for you, or me.
By Courtney Boulay7 years ago in Families