grief
Losing a family member is one of the most traumatic life events; Families must support one another to endure the five stages of grief and get through it together.
Just Marilee no-one special!
I was born in Henley Beach Maternity Hospital, South Australia in 1955. I was told that it was the worst storm Adelaide had experienced and the Hospital Roof almost ripped off. My mother thought I had been born with 2 heads and that they sedated her because she was hysterical.
By Marilee Burtt5 years ago in Families
Sweet Dreams
I rambled up a story about yet another dream I had; the one with the pretty flowers. Aunt Nat, like always, messily munched on her almost burnt buttered toast while scrolling through her phone with the merest attempt at listening. I shot myself out of my seat and shouted like a crazed madman.
By Kalina Xiong5 years ago in Families
The Visit
I sit in this uncomfortable bus seat trying to find a position that will hold me over until I reach my destination. I sigh and look down at my watch and don’t see the time, my attention is drawn to the brown paper-covered gift box in my lap. I mindlessly start to fumble with the twine around it and try not to get sucked back into memories that will result in me jumping on the first bus back home when I reach the final stop. It’s been so long since you have seen me, I wonder if you will recognize me at first, I wonder if you will be able to look me in the eye at all. You stopped being able to after she died, I didn’t lose one parent the day she passed, I lost two.
By Megan McCullough5 years ago in Families
Cake Scraps of Devotion
Egyptian goddess, Isis, had a deep devotion to her husband Osiris and her son Horus, eventually realizing that devotion can become an unhealthy obsession. Similar to Isis, my mother would learn that too much of a good thing can destroy a person and the road to hell is paved with good intentions.
By Cherokee Vi5 years ago in Families
Just a Cake
"It's just a cake," she said to herself as she stared at the cake on her countertop. She lightly tapped the fork on top of the faded recipe card, contemplating what the first taste would be like. Would it be as good as she remembered? Tears welled in her eyes as she thought about taking a bite. She wiped her tears, quickly put foil over the pan, and decided to save the cake for another time.
By Danielle J Newcombe5 years ago in Families
Happy Birthday Laney
I can’t believe you turn eight today— the same day that Dad turns two years dead. Your eyes glisten with amusement as mine reflect hesitant tears. I am distracted by my phone buzzing. I know it’s Ethan again. I leave the phone in my pocket, not knowing what to say to him.
By Morgan Nicole5 years ago in Families
Vivaldi and Chocolate Cake
Nothing mends a broken heart better than a piece of Gran’s homemade chocolate cake. When I was seven years old, our cat, Leonard, ran away from home. Dad found him in the road. A car got him. Leonard always did like to take risks. We buried him in our backyard under the old oak tree, and I would visit him there every day. After we buried him, Gran whipped up her famous chocolate cake and let me lick the bowl. She said, “Gracie, you can’t live your life worrying about death because that’s no life at all.” I don’t think Leonard was worrying about death when he crossed that busy street. Gran gave me a great big hug and told me I could eat as much cake as I wanted. Dad wasn’t too happy, considering I wasn’t hungry for dinner.
By Elizabeth Cronin5 years ago in Families
Little Maria
Little Maria couldn’t wait to finish gymnastics today. All Maria could think about was the smell of last July 4th, as she was sweating and practicing new techniques. Gymnastics was every Monday and Thursday at 6 (p.m.), except next week when it would be closed for the holiday. This year the 4th of July fell on a Sunday, even still, Maria’s lessons would be postponed for an entire week after, which today, didn’t seem to matter to her in the slightest.
By Brandon Rodelo5 years ago in Families
For Mom
There are days I don't have to mark on the calendar to remember. Today is one of those days. I still remember where I was when I heard the news. The feelings that welled up like a volcano about to explode inside of myself before pouring out like lava after what felt like the longest moment of my life. The disbelief that this could be happening. I had just seen you a couple days prior, right before our camping trip. How could you have left this world so quickly, and without saying goodbye?
By Melissa, the Empress5 years ago in Families
The Last Birthday
Sarah Robinson took a seat closest to the window at the coffee shop. She slowly sipped her hot caramel macchiato and broke off a crumb of her scone. She smiled for a moment as she remembered how last month how she shared her orange flavored snack with her son, Julius. Her joy quickly faded and a frown took its place. The coffee shop was busy with sounds of grinding and foaming of drinks. The air was filled with a pleasant aroma. Usually this makes Sarah happy and relaxed, but today she found it was causing her grief.
By Stephanie Colella 5 years ago in Families
