Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
A Samoan Heart Buried in America
I am a far cry from home, this is as clear as the brown skin I wear. When my mother decided to remarry, a white man at that from America, I was baffled. Her and I both knew little to no English, and if it wasn't for the mere luck that she was working at Evalani's (a bar and grill resort on the lovely Island of American Samoa) where travelers frequented, she would have never met my step dad, a nightmare to be, and gotten tangled up in some romantic Island love story that ended in divorce years later right in the center of America. Land of the free, home of the brave.
By Centenary Alfrey6 years ago in Families
An Open Letter To My Mom
June 14, 1988, I was born weighing six pounds and fourteen ounces. I was my mother's second child and now I am one of eight children. She will tell you today that I am most certainly her most stubborn one, truly living up to all the tales of red-headed girls with freckles. I was also the child that became an adult before I was ready. Being outnumbered, my parents needed help especially mom. Daddy had to work a lot to provide food and shelter. My parents would say my intelligence could speak volumes of the places I could soar just as long as I spread my wings.
By Scarlett Price6 years ago in Families
TOMMY
Tommy was known to be a very clever kid in school, getting high grades in his class and always boasted to his older brother Ken that he was the only clever person in his class. But he never knew that his mother was cleverer than he was until after the following incidents.
By Linnet Brown6 years ago in Families
Teaching Your Children Valuable Lessons
When you’re helping your children learn, you want your actions to demonstrate what you’re trying to teach them. You want to serve as a role model to instill core values and help your children see the world for the better while striving to be better. Here are some important ways that you can help teach your kids valuable lessons about learning, being global citizens, accepting social responsibility, demonstrating kindness and compassion, and taking a stand against injustice. When you remain actively involved in your children’s education and you make a concerted effort to help teach them with your action, you’ll help your children to learn about their world and their role in it in the most positive way possible.
By Mikkie Mills6 years ago in Families
5 Tips on How to Make Your Home Kid (and Family) Friendly
Home is supposed to be a haven for anyone. It's the place that will take you in whenever you need comfort, love, and shelter. Parents want to create this type of safety net for their children, as well as for the whole family. But unless you can participate in the very design of your home, you will find an environment that is not so kid-friendly. Moreover, making your home kid (and family) friendly doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice on the aesthetics and functionality. Check out these 5 tips that can help you design a home that is safe, attractive, and comfortable to live in.
By Sarah Jessica Smith6 years ago in Families
IS he Mr. Right?
Hello again! Your friend Gin is back! Before I start this part of my story I have something I want to say. First of all I know that I will get some negative comments. I am going to ignore those; I am requesting that all negative comments be kept to yourself. I am doing this because I felt alone at so many times in my life; this is JUST to let those of you that feel that way, YOU ARE NOT ALONE!!! If you need someone to talk to, please find someone; don't hurt yourself in any way, shape or form! I have overcome many obstacles in my life; I learn from them and go on. Yes some are way harder than others, but I make myself stay strong....it just makes me stronger for that next "wall" that I hit. So with that let me start on if he was Mr. Right or not.
By Virginia Green6 years ago in Families
A flashback.... to... lock down....
This picture was the most normal that we had ever been since the lock down happened..It was a memorable day as our elder daughter Chynella Payne graduated from the air force, a long awaited one.We had our first flight after nearly five years from when we had immigrated to the U.S.A. Kevin my husband had everything pre planned so we would have a smooth ,safe and fun journey.When we landed in Texas , I felt a sense of calm ,as I was looking forward to giving our older daughter a long awaited hug. you Shantell our younger girl was very excited too as she loved travelling and this was a mini holiday for all of as a family..The day was sunny and beautiful and it felt great,as we looked out the window of our rented fancy car as the warm and cool breeze kissed our faces making it all surreal.
By Jacqueline Payne6 years ago in Families
Rose
Life is full of surprises; I can still remember that phrase that my grandmother used to say. I miss her so much. She was a definition of a woman warrior, she went through a lot, and she never allowed it to torture her. Instead, she went after her dreams. Breaking free from my abusive grandfather, she moved back to her hometown; my grandmother always had a passion for cooking. In 1960, she opened her restaurant. Mother used to spend time in winter with my grandmother, and summer with my grandfather. At first, my mother didn't see my grandfather for almost five years until he went to rehabilitation and proved that he could take care of a child. My grandfather, on the other hand, he was born to be a businessman. It ran through his blood. In 1970 he created his clothing line. He was good at it; he designed multiple dresses for famous actresses. Sometimes I wish my grandmother gave a second chance to grandfather; they were high school sweethearts. They went through a lot together, it wasn't fair throwing everything to waste, but what happened is in the past. My grandfather used to say that he was never able to move from my grandmother's breakup. He admitted that he did wrong, but he wanted it to fix it. He tried to show grandmother that he was still the man whom she fell in love with deep in the heart and that he just needed a second chance to prove it.
By Brendaliz Colon6 years ago in Families
A little about me!
Introduction Hey there , how are you? Today you must have been scrolling around in on this platform called Vocal. In reality it is very new to me. I came across it and got a little curious about site. Then I started browsing and was amazed about it, I always was interested in writing but I honestly do not know what I could say, What I could express , and what I am willing to share. But here I am now willing to give it a try! Sorry , The name is Alberto. I am a 27 year old just trying to survive out in the world. Adulting, am I right? Well It has bee an interesting journey in my 20's as I am coming in to my last years before 30, I do not know what to expect. All I hope is to figure what 20 was suppose to offer and may then I could write about that. Right now I can just share some stuff about me. Born and raised in Atlanta , Ga ( more of the suburbs but to detailed to share). Family , my heritage comes from Mexico. Dad is from the state of Guanajuato , which is known for the mummies and caramel! As for my mom , she is from the state of Tamaulipas it is one of the border states , I believe if am remembering form the top of my head it borders most of Texas. Sadly I have not had a chance to visit moms home place but I have been to Commonfort and Celaya two cities in Guanajuato. As well as Mexico City D.F where some family lives.I have one sibling. Little side note we are lucky to be brought into this world by our strong mother. We would of had two older half siblings but that is for a different story and a reason why I always seen my mom to be a very strong women. My dad is the head of the house even if I have moved away always working , a big entrepreneur. My brother is younger than me by six years. So we talk here and there when we have a chance as he is now entering his 20's and starting out life. My career, well in my mind I have thought about doing so many things but I have decided to peruse a career in education. at the moment I work in an office at the local high school of where I live. Before hand I did retail and kept moving up the ladder but I realized it just wasn't for me. So I am in school , long story there as well. I decided to get my undergrad in Information Technology , that field is growing every day so it could be beneficial inside and outside the classroom for sure. Where My master's will be in education, I am on the fence once again on what I would like to teach but I know it won't be language arts ( did someone catch my grammar on here? , or does this get edited after submitting ) I enjoy cooking, sleeping, shopping, hanging out with friends exploring our city. Every time we go into Atlanta we are always finding new things, 27 years and I still do not know my home town LOL. Well I hope you have enjoyed this little intro because I can not think of anything else to share with y'all Take cares!
By Alberto Jimenez6 years ago in Families
Gone again
Carlita’s, my niec, birthday isn’t on February 7th. She wanted to go back to Las Vegas. We had planned to go. Stayce, my other niece and Carlita’s sister contacted the condo where she had a timeshare, and could not get the 7 th, but got the 9th thru the 13th. They are both daughters of Cherry.
By Sandy Austin6 years ago in Families
