Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
The Day Our Lives Changed
When we got pregnant, we were ecstatic. It took almost a year to date from when we started trying to when our son was born. We were truly blessed. The pregnancy had it's ups and downs. I ended up in the hospital twice. I was sick and dehydrated. Nothing to terrible, but other than that it was an easy pregnancy till the end. This was our first child and as of right now our only child. I was 39 weeks along and I started having back contractions. The doctors would just hook me up to see how bad they were and then they would send me home. My last doctors appointment the doctor was late that morning, which put her behinds schedule all day. I had my ultrasound down, then I sat in the waiting room for three hours. Then they pulled me in one of the rooms and I sat there for another hour. Finally a midwife came in and apologized for everything. She said that they were going to schedule to induce me. This was on a Friday and I was 40 weeks along. She goes does next Friday work for you? I was heartbroken when she said that. I just sat and waited for four hours today. I've been in and out of this building with back contractions. I'm in to much pain and theres no way he can grow any more. Everything is uncomfortable and I was over it. I told her absolutely not. I want this done and I want it done now. I'm having back contractions and I'm in pain. I'm over the discomfort. Either you take him out or I am. And she looked at me and said ok, we will see you Sunday at six. Is that ok? I agreed and then went home.
By Rachel McNamara8 years ago in Families
Heartbreak as a Single Mom
You start your family with the one man you saw your entire life with. What happened? Why are you now the everyday statistic single mother with a dead beat child's father? Or maybe you are a single mother with an amazing father but you both are better off as friend? What ever your situation may be, you are now a single mom going through heartbreak just like me.
By Erika Fries8 years ago in Families
5 Common Birth Injuries Caused by Medical Negligence
Did you know medical errors are the third leading cause of death in the United States? Although not all injuries during childbirth are caused by medical malpractice, it is still important to know how common they actually are. If you're an expecting mother, it's important to watch out for signs of medical negligence before, during and after labor.
By Anapol Weiss8 years ago in Families
Face of an Angel
Born in September of 1997, at 7 lbs and 5 oz, Crystal was a black-haired, blue-eyed perfection! She had sweet little cheeks, and at just a few days old, was already focusing on things around her, showing an interest in the world around her. She was also strong, both in her grip and in the ability to hold her head steady for a few seconds at a time. She learned to walk before she was 10 months old, and she was able to recite the alphabet, basic colors, shapes, and count to 20 by the time she was a year and a half old. At the age of two, she could tell you what was in a picture, no matter what you pointed at. She did have trouble with certain letter combination pronunciation, but honestly, what two year old didn't? To say that Crystal was the apple of my eye, my life, my whole world... that would be an understatement. She was my EVERYTHING! And in one selfish moment, one moment of cruelty, jealousy and for all I know, hatred, she was taken away from me. Her light was snuffed out, her life ripped away from her. She was declared legally braindead nine days before her third birthday. That was the day the old me, the happy and trusting me, died.
By Michelle Frank8 years ago in Families
Blame
I was six when my brother came into my life. My mother worked overnights and my dad worked first shift, so my older sister and I took care of him a lot. I learned how to change diapers, warm up bottles, and calm a baby in the middle of the night with next -to-no sleep. Honestly, it wasn't that hard, I couldn't wait until I was old enough to have kids. I always knew I wanted to be a mom, that drive was so deeply imbedded in me that it was one of my life goals growing up.
By Brandy Letourneau8 years ago in Families
Four Things I Learned in My First Trimester
As someone who is in their 14th week of their first pregnancy, I can readily and easily say that this has been one of the most confusing, exciting, yet terrifying and stressful times of my life. Ranging from horrible morning sickness, to only eating potatoes, to complete meltdowns over silly things, I’ve experienced quite a few things in my first trimester. Some of which, I was and was not prepared for. So, I’ve decided I’d share some of the wisdom I’ve gained in the past weeks to those who might feel just as lost as I did and still do.
By Savana Verret8 years ago in Families
Fishing with Grandpa
When I imagine a place I’d love to visit, my first thoughts are not the historic buildings of Paris or the bustling streets of New York City. Instead, my vision lies on a quiet cove in a big lake. A small Texas town, barely on the map. A boat with a flat bottom and metal seats notorious for scorching the back of one’s legs on a hot summer day. Two simple fishing poles propped between the bow of the boat and an ambitious tackle box. Loose lead weights rolling on the floor with every soft wake. In the driver seat, my grandfather, aged, but still full of youth, smiling at the simpleness of his favorite pastime.
By Courtney Brown8 years ago in Families
