Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Families.

no good deed goes unpunished
i wake as i do every morning, to the sound of my children, crying, nagging or begging for me to get out of bed and meet their demands and you, you sleep. my head hazy from our youngest child keeping me up all night, it’s been like this for three and a half years now, i wake and you, you sleep. so i make toast for the children and of course you, i do this while refereeing arguments and soothing tears, you wake to the smell of burned toast and look at me like i am worthless. i carry on cleaning, wiping, picking up, while you, you eat. time to get the children dress so we can leave you in peace. for you to work? Goodness no, you’re unemployed but you need space, rest and a break, from what? your past has become my presents burden, i live only to serve your needs and to suffer from the trauma you are unwilling to fix, to even try lessen, but we don’t talk about that. i’m not allowed to help you but i’m not allowed to leave you. Off to the park, i hope no one is there so our children can play without me having to hear other mothers discuss their husbands, their extensions of their homes, the new car they just upgraded too. We walk to the park everyday because we can afford nothing else. This is my fault, I should have considered these things before having kids you’d say, i guess i was wrong the egg must swim to the sperm. i smile at our kids and tell them how clever they are, i try to give them the love you sometimes can’t or won’t. a mother can’t be selfish like a father can. back home to make our children lunch and get them to sleep. they cry the whole walk home in the hot sun, they are in the shade and comfort of the pram while i push uphill with the sun pelting down on me, i’m optimistic and hopefully that the time on your own will make you softer when we return, i am wrong, our children’s cries annoy and frustrate you. i feed and get them to sleep as quickly as i can...i wake with a sick feeling in my stomach knowing you’ll be angry i accidentally fell asleep, this is the time you expect me to devote to you and your needs, meaning i sleep with you, wether i want to or not. i go and try to start things quickly but it’s too late you’re already pissed off. i won’t be able to talk to you until who knows when. i start on the washing and the folding, until i hear a cry and then it’s back to tending to our children. i will spend the afternoon entertaining our children, cleaning, picking up, nothing for myself. the night will be cooking, bathing and putting the children to sleep, laying in bed knowing it will all repeat again tomorrow, and the next day and the next. i will be your slave day after day and you, you will sleep.
By Ebony Kendall6 years ago in Families
Yes, Mom. The Weather is Delicious.
The moment I got out of bed this morning I was in a mood. A knot had formed in my stomach and began twisting itself into a tight fisted, lead balloon. It just sat there, in the middle of my stomach, making itself known and screwing with a perfectly good morning. I wish I knew what was wrong. I turned my attention to the coffee pot and tried to push whatever this was down as I filled the pot and scooped the coffee into the filter. Maybe I just need a shot of caffeine.
By Cheryl Mason Thompson6 years ago in Families
My Father's Inheritance
I have had the utmost privilege to have known the man for 20 long years. As a child, I’ve always looked up to him and strived to become the man that he was. I reminisced the nights when he would read me tales and parables as I tucked in for a good night's sleep or the times I went past my bedtime to watch Jason Bourne on the Sony box television beside him or the cold early jogs we used to do every sunrise on the weekends. I thought I was going to follow in his footsteps, but little did I know that life had other plans for me.
By Darnell 6 years ago in Families
Dead Deer Head
My grandparents lived in a modest-sized home in Chula Vista, California, which they had bought for about 32,000 dollars in 1950. It is now worth 599,000 dollars and is about seven and a half miles from downtown San Diego and Tijuana. They lived there until they died. My grandfather from Altzheimer's dementia and my grandmother from multiple myeloma, a bone marrow cancer. I know I wouldn't recognize the interior now, but I would recognize the house based on the lemon tree, to the right of the driveway, that still produces fruit.
By cd ybarra6 years ago in Families
Unmarried in your late 20's
How do you make a relationship work after COVID-19? It feels like if you weren't already dating someone at the beginning of the pandemic, you're S.O.L. when it comes to your dating life. For people like me it's especially difficult. Growing up in what some would call a "broken home," because my parents were divorced. The only positive side to relationships I saw was in my grandparents and aunts and uncles. Looking back I realize they probably had their issues and arguments that got nasty but that wasn't the focus during family get-togethers. Being a woman is still hard in the 21st century. I didn't think I'd let sexist comments about women keeping their mouths shut would really bother me, yet here I am, a year after the pandemic finally staying home.
By Shasta Scott6 years ago in Families
Protecting Value
Protecting Value Written by: Jasmine Jones “Stop!”, I screamed frantically, as Jade chased after the hot yellow mustang. Her dad was gone and there was nothing she could do about it. I saw her face drop as she slowly paced back to the house. A coward, I thought. Only a coward would have his kid chasing after a car.
By Jasmine Jones6 years ago in Families
The Teddy Bear Lady
To live generously one does not need to do grandiose deeds. Small gestures can have impact. Big or small one must only care to add value to the lives of others and seek opportunity to make the world a better place. Sweet gestures spread smiles, and smiles are carried miles beyond the moment! My Family and the people of Peoria Illinois know this to be true, because of one special lady. While many recall her name, others know her simply as The Teddy Bear Lady. I however am blessed to have known her as Nana and Grandma. Hers was truly a legacy of love. Throughout her life she was accomplished in many regards and to know her was to love her. The reach of her kindness can’t be fully comprehended, as many on the receiving end were strangers she approached with a smile.
By Elizabeth Calhoun6 years ago in Families
Traded for a Cadillac
Traded for a Cadillac Millie kissed her husband and kids goodbye just before she walked out the door for the airport. She hated this part. The part where she had to travel for her job and leave her boys, but she loved her job. She was grateful her career allowed her to make an impact on so many young lives.
By Billie Hardison6 years ago in Families
Parents During Lockdown
During the pandemic, learning has changed and children are experiencing a hybrid mix of in-school and remote learning. How does this affect the parents who are trying so hard to keep their homes and families thriving in these uncertain times?
By Elaine M. Gallagher6 years ago in Families
The Horrors Of My Past
This is a work 30 years in the making. It is honest,crude,sad, inspiring and most of all a true story. So read with caution and with reverence to the struggle shared with you.
By Augustine Rutledge6 years ago in Families
The Black Mama Experience
While her left eyebrow was elevated, her right eye was slightly closed, there was no blinking or movement of any kind. She looked, absolutely fearless! She looked him dead in his eyes and said with clinched teeth, "I will kill you, let go of my muthafucken radio!"
By Marie Edward6 years ago in Families
The Picnic
The Picnic Effie rode her bicycle down the main street with the sun blazing a tattoo into her skin as she pushed on out of town. After clattering down the rough gravel road, she stood her bicycle against a willow and slipped off her red sandals. A gathering of friends sprawled haphazardly across the uneven stones at their favorite spot. With shade from the trees on the bank behind, it was both near enough to the green-blue water to languidly throw stones and call to the children, and close enough to the cars and bicycles which harbored extra towels and books and hats. The cicadas were deafening; all other life lazing, escaping the heat.
By Hannah Schenker6 years ago in Families