Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Love Hate Love Remembers a Son Lost on September 11th and the Foundation that Addresses PTSD Across the Globe
Photo When Steve and Liz Alderman lost their son Peter at the WTC on 9/11, they almost immediately searching for a fitting manner to remember him. The couple was clued in when they randomly learned that there are hundreds of millions around the world who suffer severe mental illness due to torture, war, and terrorism. Thus, the Bedford couple began the Peter C. Alderman Foundation to address this global epidemic. Ten years later, their story has received worldwide recognition and is the subject of a new documentary. The film also has one of Hollywood’s most famous actors as its executive producer.
By Rich Monetti6 years ago in Families
Superman
First off, hello, my name is Haven. I’m from NY, not the city. This tattoo tale is one of many things that broke me, and taught me to rise from the ashes as a better more compassionate version of myself. This story is hundred percent based on my life experience from this past May.
By Haven centi6 years ago in Families
A Tattoo Tale
"Jillian, it's me. I have cancer," The raspy tired voice floated through the receiving end of my phone. A light ringing tone started after the words fell as I was still rubbing my eyes awake the morning of Valentine's Day 2017. I looked over and watched as my most recent love lay tangled in my sheets, trying to reposition into sleep after the electric trill cut the early morning glory earlier than expected. Unexpected is one word I could use to describe the call I got that day. Not only with the information that it contained but also because of who was on the other side. My mother, who I had now not talked to in 45 days after she had beaten me with words of ineptitude and worthlessness as her daughter after coming out to her for the now third time of my adult life. No, she's not just a friend; no, I don't want to date guys; yes, I want to fuck women. But for some reason, it's like some people only hear what they want to believe, only see what their mind allows them to. I could still hear her words echoing in the background, my new name tags hanging from safety pins in my skin. Words can hurt- like knives. Bleeding tears, I sped from her driveway in Phoenix with a vow that we were done, she had made it clear, she was not my mother any longer and that I was a blemish to her name. She wanted nothing to do with me and my "trash girlfriend". Fine. By. Me.
By Jillian LaCroix6 years ago in Families
Oh Jewel of the Lotus
OM MANI PADME HUM: I didn’t think much about the meaning of it when I got to know it. I was around 10 years old. In between childhood & teenage years. I’d spend a lot of time with my grandma Elena in a small town close to Moscow, Russia.
By Anastasita Qualia6 years ago in Families
I am NOT a Rock Star
I will never forget the day my daughter came to me and said, "Mom - I feel like I was meant to be a man." A large part of me wanted to quip back something short and humorous..."Yeah, well me too sweetie! Most women feel that way!" But deep inside, with that part of you that knows the difference between a casual comment and a plea for help, I knew she was telling me to brace myself. Changes were coming. And they did.
By Ms. Ignite6 years ago in Families
Lil' Paper Crane. Third Place in Tattoo Tale Challenge .
The Idea's Origin It's a frosty February morning in 2017 when Mom calls. Normally, it's to tell me about her day -- a friend she runs into, something funny the cat's done, a waterfall on a new trail -- sweet little things, sure, but a dime a dozen, and things I usually brush off. More often than I'd like to admit, I don't pick up because I'm on my way somewhere. But in this rare moment, I've paused, so I answer. I'm glad I do, because she's probably on the other end thinking Please. Please pick up. It's not a waterfall this time.
By Taryn Roo Yoneda6 years ago in Families
LIFE CHAPTER #1-19-02253
LIFE CHAPTER #1-19-02253 "THE SECRET OF HAPYEE" CHAPTER 1 I lay there for another hour or so, in her bed remembering her little feet running through my Grandma’s house singing, “You are my suuunshiiiine, my only suuunshiiiine…,” always screeching just a bit when she got to the happy part in the next verse. Her little 8 year old, then tongue tied, tongue turned happy into hapyee, more often than not. “You make me HaaPyEEE when skies are graaayy….” Maybe how she never stopped smiling and never stayed still, played into why her little innocently optimistic self also never cared about the trickiness of that note...or the trickiness of happiness itself.
By L.S. Diamond6 years ago in Families
My Second Mum
I wrote this a few years back. During a very tough time in my life. Things at home were bad, at university was getting to me. I've always wanted this woman to be my mum. Ever since I was little. But as I got older, I wanted it more. I wanted to have someone to talk to, like most mothers and daughters do. I wanted to be close to the influential woman in my life. I wanted to learn from her and grow up to be like her.
By Rebecca Smith6 years ago in Families
The good, the bad and the ugly.
Tattoos are considered different things around the world. In some cultures, they are treated as symbols of status or standing, symbols of wisdom or enlightenment. They are seen as an art form, a tool of self-expression or sometimes, a simple fashion statement. In others, they are perceived as taboo, unholy, barbaric, or plain tacky. They are thought of as symbols that identify criminals, deviants, sinners or “bad” people of all kinds. My home town is (was?) one of those places…
By monse cordero6 years ago in Families
Diversity. Equality. Inclusion. (In a Children's Setting)
Diversity - Different types of people being included in something; a range of different things or people Equality - The right of different groups of people to have a similar social position and receive the same treatment
By Rebecca Smith6 years ago in Families
How To Make Motherhood Duties Easier
Let's just be honest. There are certain duties that go hand in hand with motherhood that are not exactly filled with sunshine and candy. There will always be times of cleanup that are tricky and gross, but at the end of the day, your kids are totally worth it.
By Mia Morales6 years ago in Families
