Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
Toys don't have genders.
Hello, my name is Maria Munoz and I have an unpopular opinion I’d like to share with you. Like everyone else I have an opinion that I have to get off my chest or its gonna drive me crazy. My unpopular opinion is this, “Toys don’t have a gender.” What I mean by this is that I don’t believe that there are only toys just for boys or just girls to play with. Kids can play with any toys they want even if it has glitter on it.
By Maria Munoz7 years ago in Families
A virtuous woman *edited*
Words fail to describe the beauty of the one I call mama. A woman who has fought for me and loved me through my most shameful and hateful days. Through wounded knees and broken hearts. Through ups and downs and merry go rounds. Memories of my childhood burst into my mind at random occasions demanding my celebration of this very special woman. Like when she would console me about a bad grade or help me see the good in a nasty person. She has taught me so much truth and corrected me with love so sweet but oh so tough. Like her loving heart, her her hands have always been open to give me all I need and have the courage to ask for. She certainly withholds no good thing from me and my siblings. This is not to say that we are spoilt. On the contrary, growing up we had the strictest dad on the block.
By Amanda Awobasivwe7 years ago in Families
The Family You Choose
So I really did think a long time about this. My mother is a woman who broke the mold on single mothers. Raising her children and then some, after the seperations from our fathers. Who wouldn’t want look to a role model like her, that worked the 80hr weeks for baseball fees, and pointe shoes. Or my grandmother who fought through custodial rights (which was unheard of at that time) and the kidnapping of her only child or her battles with end stage cancer (she’s doing well currently). I’ve had more than my share of strong, empowered female role models. But in the end, I was left with one person. I met Yvette Baker about 4 years ago, and we could say that I was very nervous at first. I was the new girlfriend. A stranger from another state and not always every mother’s dream girl for their son. So there I was in an outfit that was obviously picked out to make an impression. I turned on the southern charm most people joke about and before I knew it we had kicked up a kinship that was more like a lifetime instead of a few years. The lead up to this meeting was proceeded by one of the worst years of my life. I had walked away from the home I had always known for good. Said goodbye to my nephew, who I had helped raise from birth. He was my rainbow after a long period of infertility. My mother who had become my best friend and confidant. I left for a place that at the time left everyone scratching their heads (Iowa). I was suffocating in that town and had finally got those wide open spaces all the songs promise. But do you know what keeps people from moving back home? Healthy roots? Like when you transfer a plant from one pot to another. You have to make sure the ability for new roots to grow is a possibility. And I was primed by the love of my own family. But it’s not always so easy, but people like Yvette make it seem as easy as watering a Peace Lilly. It’s like having another mother without all the relived memories of how much of an asshole you were at 16. When my grandmother was first diagnosed with the cancer. I couldn’t find it in myself to cry to my mother. She had so much on her plate and who was I to ask for a shoulder when she needed one way more. Yvette had been through this with her sister. So I thought if anyone could understand how I felt she would. And I was right, she did know how I feel and listened to every fear, helped me work out when was the right time to come home. In the end when I left we hugged and it was a hug that lifted the rain clouds. Made it easier to think more clearly. She lol helped me search flights. Loaned me a suit case, and made sure to feed the boyfriend while I was gone. She has made every holiday feel as inviting as home. I will find myself coming early to lend a hand to cook, or wrap a present, or bake cookies like I use to with my own mother. Did I mention ethe grandmother she became to my son from a previous relationship? Picking him up from an evening with Grandma Baker is always followed with regalings of how they watched Godzilla, and popcorn or pizza. Yvette is the type of Grandma that really listens to what you say you want for your birthday. She is a well of fashion advice. I’ve come to believe that before I met Yvette, that I never felt fully put together and had told her on multiple occasions how silly I always felt dressed up cause it just always seemed off. It’s gotten to the point where I’ve thought to just give her money and let her pick out my clothes cause I always look fly as hell when she’s selecting. Like the stunning dress she picked for my brother in laws wedding. When in Ulta together we sometimes make eye contact and know we aren’t leaving without dropping an easy $50. She’s never slighted me once for moaning about Thad not taking the trash out. It’s always met with understanding and the compassion of someone who has been there. I joke with Thad, that he doesn’t have to worry about me leaving cause I love his mom too much, and he makes jokes about how I’m the favorite child. There’s never a rush to leave, when I pop in for a chat or to love the puppies. How could you not nominate a woman like Yvette Baker? A woman who redefined what it is to be a mother-in-law. No longer are we stuck in the past of dreading a call from the in-laws. Now I look into a future where my family has grown, and will continue to, with the births of nephews, the weddings of brothers, and maybe a few puppies being adopted. Who could have ever known how much admiration would have been born on the day Yvette Baker got to meet her youngest son’s new girlfriend. I love you, Yvette, for all the years of love and support. I only hope one day I can return the favor.
By Sarah Peterson7 years ago in Families
My daughter...my inspiration.
After being tortured for 9 months with vomiting,low blood pressure and then put on a walking frame as i was unable to weight bear due to a fractured pubic bone,and coccyx bone,i was induced at 37 weeks and went through 14 hrs of precipricated labour and then had my waters broken..in that process they pulled the doctor pulled out a red hair. I was mortifed as i knew of no redheads in our family and i said to my husband :"i didnt cheat on you i promise!" My husband and my mum burst into laughter and said..um my brother was a red head, and your babies grandmother was a redhead!" I didnt know that ...
By Donna Bolch7 years ago in Families
Was my Dad the real Indiana Jones?
When I was at school I always struggled when someone asked "What does your Dad do?" as it was a little hard to explain. If I gave them the truth they'd say I was making it up. I think my favourite example of this was when I was on the first date with my future wife. Sue asked me the question and I answered her truthfully.
By Andrew Sutton7 years ago in Families
My sister, My Best Friend
"You're my person" -- Meredith Grey Nothing could be truer than the above quote when it comes to my older sister. A sister can be your best friend, but she will always be more than that. A sister is always there for you, through all the worst times in your life to all the best times.
By Danielle Mecham7 years ago in Families
The Invention of Santa is Asinine
The "Magic" of Christmas ....This is a tough one... I was raised in a home with a Loving family, that would break their back to make the magic happen. They Loved the Holidays and Christmas was always the one everyone invested the most in. Being the eldest of 5 kids also made it interesting, because once I found out Santa wasn’t real I was basically blackmailed into maintaining the lie so that I didn’t ruin it for the other kids.
By Dear Mischka7 years ago in Families
‘Phenomenal Woman
Where do I begin? Should I start off by saying my very dear friend, or should I start by saying the woman who inspired me is my mother. A very dominant, strong, and brave woman. A woman who jumped every hurdle and overcame every obstacle that life throwed at her. Raising 2 children by herself, striving every day, working through her pregnancies to provide for me and my brother. My mother is my biggest inspiration because she simply has taught me the meaning of there is no excuse. No matter who supports you or who will be there for you physically, mentally, or emotionally you will have to do it yourself. Never depend on another person to do something that you are capable of doing. My mother also inspired me to be the best mother I can be to my children. I watched her go without to provide for my brother and I . I watched her sweat, I watched her cry but I also watched her never give up. The phenomenal woman she is pushed me to finish college and graduate while I was pregnant. She didn’t allow me to give up on myself. The spiritual side of her gave me faith and taught me how to pray without ceasing. I understood that whatever I wanted god to do I had to pray about it. My mother told me that no matter what goes on around me to pray and keep god first. She taught me virtues and values. I literally watched my mom everyday saying that no matter if she gave us everything we wanted or not she made sure we had everything we needed even if that meant making sacrifices. I would hear her pray so hard for me and my brother and that taught me how to pray for and over my children. I sit and think to myself of ways I can repay her for all of the things she has done for me and the sacrifices she made. My eyes are filled with tears as I wonder how did she manage and I look at myself and see her in me. Mother I want you to know that I appreciate everything you have done and everything you continue to do for me and my children. Dealing with me is probably the hardest thing but you manage to do it somehow. I hope that my story I shared will inspire and touch the lives of those who have experienced the same thing as me.
By Naporshia Nelson7 years ago in Families
21 Cheap or Free Activities to Keep the Kids Entertained
Keeping the kids entertained over an extended period of time is not always the easiest. With school holidays parents are pretty much ready for the chaos heading their way, but in a time where Coronavirus is running wilder than the kids, entire countries are shutting up shop and school classes cancelled, parents are anxiously wondering 'how do I keep them occupied?'
By Ashley Brankin7 years ago in Families
