Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
The Day My Heart Broke Forever
I remember the day it all happened, just like it was yesterday. Just days before I got that call, "Jessy your brother is in the hospital." "He is very sick you need to come see him." So I called my dad so he could take me as soon as I got home. We made the long drive to the children's hospital, as we parked I had this awful feeling in the pit of my stomach. But I walked towards his room down the longest hallway of my life. Nothing prepared me for the feeling I would have the moment I stepped in that room. There he was, my brother and best friend laying in a bed. He was covered in wires, a breathing mask and so many machines all around him. I completely fell apart the moment I saw him like that. See, my brother was the kind of person who was always smiling and happy. He loved to do whatever he could to make other people laugh and in that moment I didn't see any of that in him. So, after I composed myself I went over to talk to him and for the first time in what felt like years, he smiled at me. Which made me giggle and cry a little again. I spent as long as I could with him that day by his side talking to him, giving him sips of water and laughing at things. Later that night I was in my bed just hoping and wishing that my brother wouldn't be taken from us. I went to school in a fog I was so worried about him, and honestly I'd rather be by his side. By the end of the school day I got another call from my mom saying he was doing better. My heart was so happy that it could've burst from my chest. I spent the rest of that day and night in the happiest mood I had been in a very long time. That happiness spilled over into the next day, I went to school and was ready to tackle the day. The first class of my day went by so fast, so I had moved onto math class. On this particular day, we were taking a test and in the middle our teacher's phone rang. She answered it, we couldn't hear what was said but when she looked at me I knew it was for me. I felt close to this teacher, so she did know about my brother and what was going on. I tried to finish that test but it was very hard. So I just rushed, putting down anything. I got up, walked my test to her desk and that's when she said they need you in the office. She was clearly trying to hide the sadness for me but I could still see it. I gathered up all my stuff to walk to the office and was hoping I wasn't right about why. I stepped around the corner to see my dad standing with the guidance counselor. They were all looking at me with this expression that I can't exactly explain. But I can explain in that moment my heart broke into a thousands pieces and would never be the same again. I didn't know what to do or how to handle that he was gone. We were never gonna play a game together again, never would we laugh or enjoy a horror movie together again. I walked up to my dad and just collapsed, my legs no longer wanted to work. In that moment just wanted to stay were I was. Eventually, my dad drove me home; the school gave me some time off to grieve, not that any amount of time would help with that. To this day I miss him, just the same David Allen Shotts Jr. A.K.A Bubba, will remain my best friend for all time. He was taken way too soon, he was born April 15, 1992 and passed May 8, 2008. He just had his sweet 16 shortly before. He will forever me missed by everyone who ever met him.
By Jessica Keller9 years ago in Families
Life as a Daughter of Agent Orange, Part 4
Well, after that previous part, I guess we are all still here! I never thought in a million years I would be sharing my story, let alone some intimate parts of how I dealt with the stress and upheaval. I know what I have gone through is for a purpose and a reason, but there are days and moments when I wish I could take a magic wand and make it all better. My late teens to early 20's were the years where I would wish that the most. During my last two years of high school, dad's side effects grew evermore fierce. It was getting to the point where he could not be in large crowds because just a tiny whiff of the wrong chemical makeup would cause his blood pressure to change dramatically and it would take a couple of days for his body to go back to normal (including his moods). Trying to get dad to come to my band and choir concerts was a chore on its own; I knew he could not handle the smells, but I still needed my dad there. The few he did not attend I spent the night watching and waiting for him to step into the gym's doorway (he would always stand in the lobby to be away from the smells) and my heart would sink when he never showed. My mom always came and later I found out that my desire to see dad there overshadowed what mom was doing; she was showing me she was there as both parents and did not receive thanks for it until years later. When it came to high school graduation, I flat out told my dad he would be there. In my mind if he did not attend, he was not proud of me. You could say I had a bit of Stockholm Syndrome at that time in my life; I thought I simply desired his approval, but I think it was more than that—I was trying to be who I thought he wanted me to be.
By Elizabeth Kozlowski9 years ago in Families
5 Ways to Curb Boredom When You're Stuck at Home with a Newborn
I've been a mother for a whopping six weeks and let me tell you...sometimes I get a little bored! I love my little bundle of joy to the moon and back, but nobody ever told me how to entertain myself when he was sleeping...well, they DID give me some suggestions, but who has the desire to clean the house for six weeks straight? Not me! And I can only take so many naps in one day. In order to keep my sanity while being cooped up inside all day every day, I had to find other ways to entertain myself in the house while on maternity leave.
By Ashleigh Riley9 years ago in Families
Best Gifts for Dads That They'll Actually Use
Buying a gift for your dad is always tough. I personally know how tough it is, because I don't particularly know what my father likes. I'm not sure if he'll like the tie I gift him, the coat, or if he's into scented candles. Most people gift their father's toolsets...why? Sure, the majority of dads in a household are the handyman, but how can he always enjoy a box of tools when there isn't anything to fix?
By Jacqueline Hanikeh9 years ago in Families
If You Gave Your Baby One of These 'Unique' Names in 2017, You'll Be Disappointed in 2018
Every May, right around Mother's Day, the Social Security Administration releases their list of the top 1,000 baby names used in the United States. And every year, the percentage of children given the number one name in the country drops. Fifty years ago, 4.4 percent of boys were named Michael—the top boy's name in the country. In 2016, not even one percent of baby boys were named Noah, the current number one. In the time of "That username is already in use," people value uniqueness.
By Rachel Shannon9 years ago in Families
A Bracelet With a Name on It
All my life I had this bracelet. I looked at it occasionally and found myself wondering why I was looking at this silver men's bracelet. It was small for a man in my opinion. The name "Craig" was embroidered on the outside of this bracelet. The name Craig was stuck in my head since childhood. It was the name of someone evil, someone I have no memory of. The name Craig was my father.
By Jacquelina Cain9 years ago in Families
