Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
The Gift
I was a child with Asperger’s Syndrome before it was recognized by anyone. It was first mentioned in a medical paper by English psychiatrist Lorna Wing in 1981. It did not enter formal medical journals until a decade later. So those of us "Aspie-brain" kids were misdiagnosed, ignored, punished, wrongfully medicated, and existing on the fringe of normal childhood. And with my personal experience, I never wanted to be a parent. I did not like to hold babies because I knew something was wrong with me. I did not like to babysit because I felt sorry for children in general.
By Hollye B. Green6 years ago in Families
Open Letters to My Mama - Letter Four
Dear Mama, I’ll be honest, I wasn’t sure what to write for this one. I’ve focused on how inspiring you are, how you don’t give yourself enough credit, your overwhelming talent and how beautiful you are. I know you’ve not read them, or if you have, then you’ve kept quiet about it. I know that my writing isn’t great and I can never get my point across properly, because I’m rubbish with emotions. I wanted to write you these so that you knew someone is on your side. That there is always someone here who loves you unconditionally and will always have your back. But deep down, I know that I’m not your blood, and honestly, I’m probably just in your way most of the time.
By Rebecca Smith6 years ago in Families
The Hands of Those I Love
The Hands of Those I Love I remember growing up and hearing my mother play “Daddy’s hands,” on the radio and I always found it funny because neither of us were raised by our fathers. We would sing that song as if we knew the feeling of having our father pull us in for a hug, or holding us when we had a nightmare, but neither of us knew what it actually felt like. In a way, we did because we were raised by the same man, my great grandfather, but the both of us knew it wasn’t the same. He was a great man who did everything he could for the both of us, but there was always a pit in the bottom of my stomach that would grow deeper and deeper every time he tried to fill the void my dad had left. My great grandfather was never meant to play the role of my dad, but I respect him for trying.
By tamera pierce6 years ago in Families
6 Adorable Online Flowers For Your Family & Friends Anniversary?
Flowers and married couples share a very unique relationship. Right from the first day of their relationship to until their lifetime of togetherness, a bouquet of blooms helps them to convey their heartfelt emotions and feelings for each other in each stage of life. Blooms are the favorite pick as a gift for almost every couple because these are the only gift items that are the most alive and divine expressions of love. Do you know any couple who are about to celebrate their wedding anniversary? Or is that couple who are about to celebrate their wedding anniversary your close one? Then, without any second thought, send flowers via online flower delivery to make their special day thoughtful.
By Jyoti vedi6 years ago in Families
Grandma And Glitter
For as long as I can remember I have loved glitter. I mean heck why not? A little sparkle just adds a smile to things in my opinion and I have been glistening up things for years. Whenever I get my nails done in a salon I pick a pretty neutral color then have the manicurist top it off with some twinkle and it just pops! I love glimmer for formal wear and complimentary pieces to add in to my wardrobe. It is just so much fun to me and especially so during the Christmas holiday season. When everyone else is complaining about glitter all over the floor and carpet from ornaments, tinsel, wrappings and whatnot, I just buzz around the house humming while I vacuum. Glitter just never completely cleans up and I always giggle to myself thinking it is just completely awesome!
By Marilyn Glover6 years ago in Families
What If I’m the Grinch of the Group?
The holidays can be a difficult time to endure in normal circumstances. Between the global pandemic, harsh political climate, and the continuation of racial injustice towards minorities and indigenous peoples, the holidays might seem unbearable and not worth going through this year. I want to encourage you that, if you’re feeling this way, you are not alone and you are not crazy. Here are five things you can try to help you get through the season without sacrificing your health.
By Sara Sublette6 years ago in Families
From hiding to affirmation
Picture this, you are growing up in south west Sydney were being different is not only frowned upon but also were it is an excuse to become a victim to crime and various assaults. Now picture this young teenager is walking through a park in Liverpool listening to his music, Eminem playing through his headphones. On his face are tears running down past his black eye which was given to him a few hours prior by his father, this was done as a way to "make a man out of him". However this teenager has an issue he has known since he was 5 years old that he should not have been born a male. This is an issue issue that plays with his mind every second of the day. Constant thoughts in his mind are "why am I a female, I was born male surely this can’t be right”, “why am I not attracted to males if I am really a female I must like men right”, “how do I tell mum and dad".
By Rebecca Bornello6 years ago in Families
Who Am I
I am not sure who really could relate to this but I do want to share my store. When I was 17 years old I graduated high school and got pregnant, I really did not have time to figure out what I wanted in life or who I was going to become. At 18 I gave had my baby, right there I became mom, I did not think anything else about it. I had it in my mind that I was going to be the best mom even though I was young, I would do anything for my baby.
By Daisy Rodriguez6 years ago in Families
Teen Parenthood
"You're having a baby? Congratulations! You two are going to be such great parents." I stared at this girl, barely a classmate to me, someone I barely knew well enough to greet in passing when we noticed each other in the hallways. What did she know? How could she say that? Did she know something I didn't? No, it was most definitely a hollow, empty compliment thrown to a couple of teenagers that had messed up. I was being pitied by a stranger. Steeling myself, I bared my clenched teeth into what I hoped resembled a smile and tried to ignore the hot iron bar welling up in my chest.
By David Leeson6 years ago in Families
Say Goodbye
Christina, Christina where have you gone? I've gone to my heaven and I'm dancing along. I died in my sleep just like we all wish, although I was a bit young and never got to live at the beach. My life went well when I was on earth, my family, husband and good friends made it all the worth and I wish it didn't have to end. I needed a bit more time to do some more things, but I did get in a lot as short as its been.
By Maryanne O'Keeffe Potter6 years ago in Families
