Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Our Secret Spot
June 2018 (21 years old at the time of writing) “Kel, that’s not how you do it!” I cautioned him “Who cares? I’m going faster than you!” my brother responds snarkily, laughing as he runs off in an awkward sort of tip-toe manner. And there we were, learning to skate for the first time. We don’t remember how we got there or who else was present. Still, I’ll never forget the happiness and security my brother and I shared that evening. Kelvin and I have always looked to each other for confidence, and it seemed we had found a safe place to talk about our lives and laugh about our struggles. The combination of disco lights, buzzing and blaring from the arcade games, and the rink DJ spinning the hottest tracks of 2008 was enough noise to drown out our voices. We had to experience this elation again. My brother began mowing lawns to earn a little cash, and I the same through domestic duties. Once we had been able to save consistently enough, we’d run off to the roller rink once, sometimes twice a month. From my mother’s divorce to her remarriage, and then the birth of our younger sister. Through our parents leaving to serve overseas, splitting us into different homes in the process. The rink was where we could escape together. Plans and dreams were thought up there because no one could tell us our hopes were foolish. The roller rink was our secret spot.
By Ashley Croban6 years ago in Families
My Favorite Place
There is no speed control on the recliner so I have to gradually lay back into a comfortable position. Until I get to this place everything is a rush, hurry and go from here to there and quickly do that. The sound of the recliner slowly taking pressure off of every aching part of my body is like a lullaby to my thoughts. By the time it reclines completely, my thoughts are at rest and the worries of the day have almost disappeared. I close my eyes just for a few second and I am transformed from a world filled with worry and stress to my own world of no worries. Each element in this space has its own story.
By Skittlez Sneed6 years ago in Families
Hollow Ashes
I didn’t mourn my father the day he was buried. I had too many feelings to sort and process before I could be sure of what I felt. What was I supposed to feel? Should I be sad I lost a father? Or should I be glad I was rid of my abuser? I was numb as I watched my Uncle Lee pierce the brown soil with his shovel over and over until the hole was deep enough and just wide enough for the box of ashes.
By Brandi Ashley 6 years ago in Families
Life After Fana
Her little grin let me know that she knew she wasn't supposed to run towards the bridge that led over the crick. Her little face was bright and full of joy, reddened by a day of hard play in the summer sun. She looked back at us, and with a mischievous giggle she took off towards the bridge.
By Aya The Human6 years ago in Families
How can you help your child with homework effectively?
Figure out the best working conditions for your child. Listen to them so that they can work productively. But remember, every person is different. You can be the person who can't stand working in noise while your child only manages to study with a background music! You need to be alone to concentrate? Your child may be different, they can only work in the kitchen!
By Catherine Curtis6 years ago in Families
When Time is Irrelevant
It seemed so cruel for him to die on such a beautiful blue day. My heart would have been more at ease had the clouds gathered in a fit of gray anger and roared out rain. I prayed, not for my grandfather to die in peace, but for a terrible storm. If veins of lightning ripped across the sky, I might have had something to distract me from knowing this was the last time I would lay mortal eyes on my grandfather.
By A.X.Partida6 years ago in Families
Inspiration for My First Book.
Book published by: Blueberry Illustration. Author with rights to the book: Lisa Jacovsky Disclosure: this post contains references to a published children’s book, Lets Talk! A story of Autism and Friendship, that may be found and purchased at the readers discretion at common book sellers or the authors website.
By Lisa Jacovsky 6 years ago in Families
Adopted & Reunited (Part 2)
Many years ago I had it in my mind to attempt to find my biological family. To learn about my roots, where I came from. Keep in mind how much more primitive the internet was around 20 years ago than it is now, which made things feel like searching for a needle in the proverbially haystack.
By Steve Horgan6 years ago in Families
The Little but Mighty Porch
The concept of home has always ran across as strange to me. It’s as if we are supposed to have this exact physical place engrained in our minds. A place filled with our families and cherished memories. We close our eyes and see a cookie cutter house, with a white picket fence, and a golden retriever running through the yard. Everyone is surrounded together enjoying a nice dinner. Suddenly we blink and a flash of truth rushes over us as we quickly realize our own reality. This is not our concept of home. In fact, it may be quite the opposite.
By Katy Pfefferkorn6 years ago in Families
