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Most recently published stories in Families.

The Weight of Silence . Content Warning.
Author’s Note: This piece is an intimate excerpt from my upcoming trauma memoir. Through prose and poetry, it explores the enduring weight of childhood betrayal, the silence that followed, and the writing process that ultimately allowed me to reclaim my voice. *** When I was nine, my brother, two years older, contracted rheumatic fever. Well, that’s what the doctor said. The local clinic, a mile away, didn’t know what it was. Most days, he would journey through it with a weighted happiness. But as the sun slipped away and night came, a look of terror would creep across his face. The pain. His joints would ache so badly, twisting him into a screaming mess of swollen limbs and frantic shivers. We all waited in agony. Sleeping arrangements changed. He needed our mother next to him to get through the night. His eleven-year-old bravery disappeared with the dip in temperature at six o'clock. They bunked together, my sisters shared another bed, and I took my mother's spot, separate. My father had a bedroom all to himself. It was strange, yet normal; we had never seen anything different to know there was another way. Yet, it arrived one night and hasn't left. I still don't know what came first: the presence of him hovering over me, or the hand on my small chest. Cloying. Probing. Stilled, I lay there quietly, unbelief freezing me. My breath was held. A few minutes later, he lifted his hand and left the room. At some point, I know that I went back to sleep. I was the last to meet them in the kitchen the following morning. I remember entering quietly—a little more withdrawn than before. I eased down into the nearest chair, unsure of what had occurred. Did it happen? I felt unease, but I wondered if it was truly mine. Then he spoke, matter-of-factly, like he was mentioning the paper thrown on the front porch. "Atty, I thought you were Jay last night." He finished with a calm smile. I looked from him to my mother. She smiled at me, but the smile held something controlling. It said: keep the ugly out of sight. I looked back to him, and then to her. She had already turned away, back to preparing breakfast for my brother. No more words. Averted gazes shifted to more important things: his breakfast, my brother's, mine. I sat there watching it all. Silent. The plate placed before me did something to me. I looked down. Over time—I think it was about three months later—my brother healed. There were no more shattering bolts of pain, no more cries of agony. His suffering stopped. He returned to school, braver than before because he had a story to tell. He couldn’t wait for everyone to know how he had faced it and conquered the evil attacking him. Then, he moved on. Sometimes, I'd sit alone, lost in children's stories, dancing across the page. Of family vacations, playing at the seaside and with a dog called Spot. Sometimes, I still remember. So I write. *** *Excerpt: Excavation Holds Creation* I write my poetry for comfort. Only I know the weight of every word sitting on the page. It feeds me, keeps me centered— treading time, slipping through the cracks of relevance and apathy. Simple words threaded like cords raise sentiment between anecdote and evidence: Each letter rests with purpose, dedicated to the art of construction. Tales evolve— unhurried, then suddenly not— in their own time. They fill spaces, recorded for lifetimes, from lifetimes. And the cycle begins again: thumbs binding text, threaded like cords, words sitting on the page— emerging from my centre.
By Ms Jade 4 months ago in Families
Things TO DO In Dahab (Blue Hole)
One of the most famous natural attractions in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula is the Blue Hole, located near the laid-back coastal town of Dahab on the shores of the Red Sea. Known as one of the world’s most iconic diving sites, the Blue Hole is a deep underwater sinkhole that attracts divers, snorkelers, and adventure seekers from all over the globe. Its dramatic depth, clear waters, and surrounding coral reef system make it both beautiful and famous—but also one of the more challenging dive locations in the region.
By mohamed MOHAMED4 months ago in Families
What to Do When In-laws Take Over Family Events
This particular Dear Abby column caught my attention. The person who wrote in was frustrated by his sister-in-law‘s dominance in the family….Particularly when it came to gatherings.
By Marie Dubuque4 months ago in Families
Margaret Bulkley Fager Eulogy by Jeff Fager
Our mom loved this church. She came here on many Sundays. We went through Sunday school here. Chris and Greg were acolytes here. Mary Lou and Jim were married here.
By Jeff Fager4 months ago in Families
How to Get Quick France Visa Appointment in the UAE. AI-Generated.
France is one of the most romantic countries in the world. This makes it a favourite spot for couples and families, leading to high demand for visas.
By Travnook Travel & Tourism4 months ago in Families
Shilajit: Potential Benefits, Risks, and Scientific Perspective
Shilajit is a natural substance that has been used for centuries in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. The name “shilajit” comes from Sanskrit and means “conqueror of mountains and destroyer of weakness.” In ancient medical texts, it is classified as a rasayana, which refers to substances believed to rejuvenate the body, improve vitality, and extend life. Traditionally, shilajit has been used to treat a wide range of health conditions, from fatigue and low immunity to reproductive issues.
By Press Release 4 months ago in Families
How the H-Bird Goods Toddler Lounge Sofa Became Part of Saint-Jessie’s Family Story by NWO Sparrow
The Little Space Saint-Jessie Made His Own and Why It Hit Home for Me as a Dad by NWO Sparrow The Comfort of Having a Place to Call Their Own
By NWO SPARROW4 months ago in Families
Creative Coloring Activities and Their Positive Impact on Early Childhood Learning
Childhood is filled with curiosity, imagination, and discovery. During the early years, children naturally explore the world around them through play, colors, shapes, and creative activities. While modern technology has introduced endless forms of entertainment, many parents and educators still recognize the importance of simple hands-on activities that encourage children to think creatively and stay engaged in healthy ways.
By Meshal Sprout4 months ago in Families
Feeling Guilty Because You Can’t Get Along with Your Daughter-In-Law?
You had this idea that when your son got married, you would naturally fall in love with your new daughter-in-law just as your son has….Only, it didn’t work out that way.
By Marie Dubuque4 months ago in Families
Daddy's Girl
My Dad started his cognitive decline about 13 years ago. He worked until he was 80, but it became too much for him. He was too tired. He began to have a few falls. He quit drinking wine in an effort to help his brain at the advice of a neurologist. He began walking daily a few years later. He and my mom moved to a small town about 3 hours away, where a unit had opened in a building my cousin owned. They seemed to be managing, with a little help from a neighbor to get groceries. My Aunt would take them to doctor appointments.
By Kathleen Anderson 4 months ago in Families
The Last Time She Called Me Daddy
The day Emma stopped calling me Daddy, the world didn’t end with noise. It ended quietly, in the soft click of a door and the silence that followed.
By Ethan Blake4 months ago in Families
White Island
Ras Mohammed National Park stands as one of Egypt's most breathtaking natural wonders and a must-see for anyone visiting Sharm El Sheikh. Perched at the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula, where the Gulf of Suez intersects with the Gulf of Aqaba, the park is surrounded by the pristine waters of the Red Sea. Renowned globally as a premier destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, it boasts extraordinary biodiversity, vibrant coral reefs, and untouched natural splendor
By mohamed MOHAMED4 months ago in Families