Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
From Innocence to Forgiveness
It has taken me a very long time to get here. For years, I was scared to be alone with anyone. I have never been able to have a healthy relationship with anyone. You were supposed to be protecting me, not hurting me. You were my favorite Uncle and I was 11. I was only an 11 year old little girl who loved spending the summers with you. you promised my momma you would make sure nothing happened to me, all the while not knowing you were the only one i really needed protection from. And all because I fell asleep on the couch watching a cartoon movie on HBO. I can remember it just like it was yesterday. I am 32 years old now and i still wake up every other night from nightmares of what you did to me. I hated you. Ive hated you since that summer. I blamed myself for what you did to me for years. All because I kept going back to your house, even though we both knew what was in store for me when i did. Why? Why did i continue to go when i knew what was going to happen? because, I had a little sister and brother who i refused to let come be tortured by you. I made sure that what you were doing to me would never happen to them. They couldnt understand then, and frankly, I didnt fully understand myself. How could I? I was an innocent child. But you stole that innocence didnt you. I did what you said and i didnt tell anyone. i went through hell ALONE until i was finally 18 years old, when i decided to finally tell momma and that way if she didnt believe me, I could move out and not worry about it. She didnt make me move out, but do you know what she did do? She invited you 4 weeks later to our house for Thanksgiving. I hated her for that too, even though i knew she only did it because it was Grandmas last thanksgiving and she wanted you there. She wouldnt have if she had known what you did to her granddaughter.i never wanted to have children because of you. And then I did have children. And i have been scared every day of my life that someone like you, someone they trust, will hurt them, so Ive kept them away from you and that whole family. I have spent all these years hating you, and suffering in silence, until I just woke up one day and realized, I DONT HATE YOU. and I FORGIVE YOU. Not because you deserve it, because heaven and hell both know you dont ever deserve my forgiveness. I forgive you because I deserve it. I deserve to be completely free of the hold that all these years later you still had over me. everyday that i feared and hated you, you were still in control. But you arent in control anymore. I am! You may have taken my Innocence as an 11 year old little girl, But You will never take my future or ny dreams again.
By Kayla Halsey6 years ago in Families
Toddler Life
I truly love my kids, but there are moments I look at them and think I miss being a kid. Think about it they get to play most of the day, while learning, eat, use bathroom in some way, and sleep. Yet take a second to look at life through their eyes. My middle child will cry bloody murder if his rubble Paw Patrol doll is missing. To an adult this is silly, but to a kid this doll has been on some adventures, been found countless times, and been in battle.
By MrsYael Israel6 years ago in Families
What's the best way for families to get through lockdown?
Children face a lot of frustration in the coming days and weeks. Although spring breaks out outside, they are no longer allowed to play with the neighborhood children or meet up with friends. They are not allowed to go to the zoo, to the cinema or to see their grandparents. The older ones, which are used to being challenged intellectually in school, are boring. And the energy that would otherwise have been discharged on the playground or sports field can no longer get out.
By Bryan Dijkhuizen6 years ago in Families
Missing Him
Missing Him I thought we were going to grow old together. I thought we would have his and hers rockers on the porch and sit in the mid summer air in our golden years but seems there were other plans. It all started that year when the cold over took him and he got sick. Two months it lasted and all the while it was damaging his heart and yet I didnt realize how bad it would get.
By Lisa Robertson6 years ago in Families
My Man
September 16th 2017, Dear Little Weirdo, You came to my life without knowing that you were about to create a badasss woman, I’m still confused, about the impact and of my smile, advice and positive attitude. How many times, years, nights and days I did ask and pray to not save me anymore from a world I didn’t understand and dont want to one of the unless human. If today I’m not unless and all who see me as a leader, I just wish them to meet you, cause you’re the reason why I’m supposed to be a gift from the even .
By Kaia Goodchild6 years ago in Families
His Fatal Plan Set in Motion
It was a hot summer day in Mississippi when we piled in my mother’s car and began the road trip from Yazoo City to Gulfport to see my father. Throughout the trip, there was a great deal of silence as my mother drove and my brother and I sat stiff with anticipation. It would be our first encounter with our father after my mother left him and he flooded and destroyed our home and set our family photo albums on fire. I stared out the window while my thoughts poured in like a dozen or more bullet trains with no crossing in sight.
By Brandi Ashley 6 years ago in Families
5 Pieces of Advice for Helping Your Teen Daughter Succeed
The teenage years involve many unique challenges. If you have an adolescent daughter, you understand this firsthand. As her parent, you want to see your daughter succeed no matter the challenges she may face. However, wanting to help her is different than actually finding ways to intervene. Luckily, there are many tools available to you that will allow your teen daughter to succeed. Here are five different ideas and pieces of advice to incorporate into her life so that she will effectively reach all of her dreams and goals.
By Carlos Fox6 years ago in Families
Mothers Special Gift
A cold late november. I just got out of work when I got the call. Fear and abandonment was on my face. I hop on the train and made my way to downtown. “Ugh! Why did they put her in there?” I said with disappointment on my face. You would think that I would be in horror or in disbelief, but this isn’t the first time that I have gotten the call of her in the hospital.
By The Kind Quill6 years ago in Families
