Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
The Weight of Grief
“An oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you. Place the mask firmly over your nose and mouth…” I had one headphone in, my face turned to look out the window while the flight attendant continued, “…secure the elastic band behind your head…” and breathe normally, I thought along with her. “If you are traveling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask on first, and then assist the other person.”
By M.G. Sprinkle8 years ago in Families
Sissy - Part 1
I could hear my Sissy screaming from the dimly lit parlor of our shotgun house. I wanted to get up out of my bed and peek between the cracks of my bedroom door to see what was going on to elicit such piercing screams. In between her hacking coughs I could hear Grandmaw Hanny demanding my Sissy to be quiet.
By Valerie Middleton8 years ago in Families
18 and Pregnant
One thing is for sure, this was not how I expected my life to turn out. I thought my future held college, medical school, residencies, with marriage somewhere in between and babies in the distant future, once things have settled. How was I supposed to know that I would drop out of college after the first semester, be stuck paying back thousands of dollars with a barely above minimum wage job, and, to top it off, pregnant?
By I Am A Pizza8 years ago in Families
A Tribute to a Friend
Belva Frances Carter September 2, 1961 - April 14, 2011 Belva Frances Carter 49, of Saint Joseph, MO passed away Thursday April 14, 2011 at a Saint Joseph hospital. She was born September 2, 1961 in St. Joseph, Missouri daughter of Mildred & Joseph Schubert. She married Larry Carter on March 4, 1990. She was a devoted child care provider for over 15 years. Belva had a huge heart, and loved people and her child care kids, she loved to cook, garage sales, and taking care of children. She was a Christian. Belva was preceded in death by her father, Joseph R. Schubert, her mother, Mildred (Kerns) Iwed, and a brother, Billy Schubert. She is survived by son - Danny O. Bowman of Saint Joseph, MO; five brothers— Johnny, Mike, Steve, Timmy, and Buddy Schubert; and a sister—Linda Lawhorn, and her beloved dogs—Tucker, little Tuck, Nikki, Diesel, Sissy, and Klohe; The family will receive friends from 6-8pm, Monday at the Rupp Funeral Home. She will be cremated under the direction of the Rupp Funeral Home following the visitation. Memorials are requested to the Belva Carter Memorial fund in care of the Rupp Funeral Home. Online condolence and obituary at ruppfuneral.com
By amanda j mollett8 years ago in Families
Parenting
As most of you know, being a parent is a journey. I am a parent of three young boys who, lets say, keep me on my feet. They are a joy! See raising three boys is convenient in many ways. I pass down their clothes, they share the same room, they play and laugh together, and discuss dinosaurs. Yes, they do like dressing in the same outfits. In all, they will grow to love one another.
By Tanzania S8 years ago in Families
An Early Thanksgiving
There's entirely too many Mammy dolls and statuettes in this house. It's like stepping into another realm, one which I don't blend in to. Grandma and Grandpa Mac's house, which Grandpa built with his own two hands. Everything is immaculate, orderly, pristine. I am out of my element among family members, their intrusive questions briefly answered with forced smiles. The smell of food wafts through house, as does gossip about church stories and how good God is for sparing Uncle James' house from water damage. I guess the other unfortunate waterlogged neighbors' house weren't worth God's attention.
By CT Idlehouse8 years ago in Families
Growing and Glowing This Holiday Season
It’s nearly Thanksgiving and before you know it Christmas will be on the horizon. There is nothing like the holidays! Time with family, friends, good food and making lasting memories is what this time of year is for. The best thing about the holiday season is you can create a legacy of joy with loved ones. However, to enjoy the holidays to the fullest, it’s a good idea to slow down and make the most of life's little moments. It's in the everyday that we can find those tender moments that will stay with us long after the last ornament is boxed away.
By Denise Joyce Williams8 years ago in Families
How to Handle a Toxic Mother-In-Law
Do you think you're noticing some of the signs your mother-in-law hates you? If you are in a situation where you need to handle a toxic mother-in-law, you may need some tips on how to stand your ground and/or communicate better with your family member so that you can move forward with your relationship. It is important to be on even ground with mother-in-law, and not feel bad about your situation. Many times, setting the boundaries early on can be necessary as opposed to being passive aggressive. There are many different strategies to keep family relationships strong and prevent monsters-in-law from getting ugly. Here is some of our best advice.
By Morgan E. Westling8 years ago in Families
I Grew Up on a Fence
I grew up on a fence. Of right and wrong, of religion and none, and of celebrating things and abstaining from them, simultaneously. One house where I had to be extra careful not to upset the dragon and the other where I had to be extra cautious not to let my secrets be known. In both, I had to pretend I was not trying desperately to let people see/not see the pain and shame I wore like a uniform.
By Tiffany Brandon8 years ago in Families
