Latest Stories

Most recently published stories in Families.

Daddy Issues (Part 2)
If you haven't read my original Daddy Issues story, you should do that before reading this one. I promise it will help you understand it better.
By Kinlie Worthen8 years ago in Families
Why Growing up in a Religious Household Made Me Hate Religion
I grew up being raised by a family that devoted their whole lives to their religion. That's great, don't get me wrong. I think believing in something gives you hope. We could all use a little of that today. But I ended up feeling differently about it.
By Valentina Sophia8 years ago in Families
Blue and Proud
A sense of pride fills me as I watch the men in navy blue march past. I know none of them, but I have my own. I’m blinded for a moment by the light dancing off the shining metals and pins, recognizing several. I remember all his stories from growing up and smile beside myself.
By Hannah Payne8 years ago in Families
What I Have Learned from My Child with Autism. Top Story - November 2018.
I have a nephew who turned 12 recently and when he was diagnosed with autism, I started researching right away. I tried everything I could to understand what’s going on in his head and how to help him. I now have a 3-year-old son who also was diagnosed with autism June 6, 2018. With my previous experience with my nephew, I thought I knew everything I needed to know to work with a child with autism. The only thing having a nephew with autism helped me with was knowing the diagnosis was probable since my son was showing similar signs that my nephew did (I’ve suspected that my son has autism for over a year now but doctors brushed it off until this year when we had a neurologist officially diagnosis him with autism). I have learned so much from my son and I want to share it.
By CinKay8 years ago in Families
'Tis the Season
It starts around my birthday. Turning another year older is somewhat daunting, but I’m excited to see what is in store for me. The birthday wishes start to roll in from almost everybody. I sit at the table, with cake in front of me, surrounded by some of my favorite people. All eyes are on me, except my eyes are wandering around the room. Looking for someone who I know couldn’t make it. I know he tried his best, but his efforts just weren’t enough. I smile, make a few jokes, and eat some cake. My phone is practically glued to my hand, despite not wanting to answer everybody’s happy birthday messages, and I check my phone constantly to see if I got a text or a missed call from someone. The hours go by, still no call. I call the number, hoping to get told they were busy at work, but only to get their voicemail. I distract myself to forget about reality. Before I know it, it’s the end of September. And I’m getting worse. The holidays are creeping in, and so are my memories. I keep busy to pass the time, only to realize Thanksgiving is next week. The smell of the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day automatically puts you in a food coma. I sit at the table, filling my plate with delicious food, waiting for a prayer to be said, only to hear someone else’s voice. As I head out to see the rest of the family, I feel as though someone is missing. Almost as if they’re running late, only to get in the car and realize they aren’t coming. The laughter fills the room, but mine isn’t genuine. The conversation varies from something political to something not so serious to getting asked what the family is doing for his anniversary. Unlike most of my family members, I don’t want to do anything. I go through what happened every single day and frankly, I don’t need any help remembering. I understand why they want to do something, but sometimes it’s just too much. I soon realize that Christmas is around the corner. Between shopping and getting ready for Christmas, I barely have time to breathe. Only to catch my breath on Christmas Eve. I get put in charge of dinner that way the others can go to Christmas Eve mass. I set the table, counting out how many people, only to count one extra. Dinner is ready, but it can’t get over with fast enough. There is small talk, but it’s still quiet and weird. The conversation isn’t the same, hasn’t been in three years. I sit back only to wish it was over. I get through it... barely. Here comes the new year! I celebrate at midnight only to sit by my phone at 12:03 waiting for a phone call I’ll never receive. I’ve been getting worse as the weeks have been going on. I feel alone, even in a room full of people. I smile because it’s the holidays, I’m supposed to be happy. I laugh because I don’t want people to think something’s wrong. I zone out, a lot. Then I slowly get better. Until it’s his birthday. Then I go to call and yell happy birthday, only to receive his voicemail. I realize he’s gone, but I wish it wasn’t true. Sometimes I wish he would come back just for one day, to have one more conversation or hug. I catch parts of him in strangers on the street and sometimes strangers even look like him. You don’t move on from the pain, it doesn’t get easier; you just get used to it.
By B8 years ago in Families
What Christmas Really Means to Me
When people around me think of Christmas, they often think of Christmas parties, presents and decorations and a Christmas tree. However in my house we put up a tree and just minimal decorations. We don't buy lots of Christmas presents, we buy small because to us the thought counts more than quantity or cost.
By Carol Ann Townend8 years ago in Families
Siblings
Siblings, they are usually the one to help you, and have your back when you get in trouble. But not my siblings. I remember growing up having older siblings was the best because they would pick me up from school help me out with projects. They would tell me high school would go by so fast.
By Heather Nanes8 years ago in Families
Number 22
Number 22, my home for the past 18 years, the home which I love so much. The home which is always filled with music, for as long as I can remember. Mum forcing my brothers and I to do our violin practise, Gil playing the guitar loudly until late at night. Shai attempting to play the trombone, an instrument that was just too big for him at his young age. Myself finding peace in the piano, learning from YouTube videos, playing the same song for hours on end. My mum and dad blasting music from their childhoods through the speakers, dancing and laughing. My brothers and I could never clean the kitchen after dinner without listening to our music. Number 22 without music is a rare occurrence.
By niamh yehezkel8 years ago in Families
I Never Wanted the 'Mommy' Title
I’ve never been the type to want to “mommy.” I never even pictured being one ever. Having children of my own was just a joke I never wanted to come true.
By Alexis Watt8 years ago in Families
I Apologize
My darling Buggaboo, The last time we saw each other, hard words were spoken. You were angry about something involving your sister, taking it out on everyone, and that made me angry. The first thing I want to say is I'm sorry. I sometimes have trouble remembering that our situation is a hard one; and that being a teenager is hard. I said that you couldn't come back until you apologized to your sister and I. That was wrong and said out of anger. I want you to know that you are always welcome here. My home always has been, and always will be, your home. For a few brief, hard minutes, I turned into my mother, and that's not okay.
By Michelle Frank8 years ago in Families
I Got Married After Dating for Three Months
We were getting ready to close up. I had worked a double to cover for a coworker and I was so ready to go home when I hurt the bell from someone walking in. "You have got to be kidding me!" I thought to myself but smiled for the customer! I recognized him right off the bat. His sister and I were friends for a short time when I was in high school before we had a falling out so I did meet him maybe once, and saw him in passing a few other times, and he went on a date with my sister once. That was a disaster to say the least.
By Valentina Sophia8 years ago in Families
Trying to Live with a Dying Heart
So I'll be straightforward with my situation. I am a 20 year old woman, with a 6 week old baby girl, and I'm just starting to really live my life. Of course, 20 years old with a baby isn't how I originally pictured my life when I was in middle school, telling my friends my goals and dreams. More like, how my life is, is what I was trying to avoid. But! It is amazing nevertheless.
By Francesca Joie8 years ago in Families