immediate family

Blood makes you related, loyalty makes you family.

Army Boots and Chocolate Cake
Saturdays were my favourite day of the week. There were morning cartoons to enjoy as well as a big breakfast, bacon, eggs, pancakes and all the trimmings. My mouth would start watering the second my father pulled out the electric griddle from the little pantry in our PMQ. It was really more of a closet in the kitchen, but it served the purpose.
By Misty Rae5 years ago in Families
If this barn could talk...
RECOLLECTIONS Fall in Vermont never ceases to amaze the tourists who are swept away by the colorful foliage, with breathtaking vistas of orange, yellow and red blazing across the landscape. Locals are expectant as well, knowing that the glorious autumn season is brief, and winter will soon descend, painting the land white, mixed with hues of black and grey.
By Pam Sievert-Russomanno5 years ago in Families
The Life I Choose. Top Story - July 2021.
The dawning light wakes me as it eases through the bedroom window of the cabin. I slowly roll myself from the bed, pulling the blankets back up to snuggle the resting form of my husband.
By Archived User5 years ago in Families
No Zero Days
"No Zero Days" My husband Brian said this to me just yesterday when we walked together with our two oldest kids, Braylin and Drake. I glanced over at him questioningly and raised my eyebrows at him.
By Cailin Cortner5 years ago in Families
The Anniversary Waltz. Top Story - July 2021.
The morning haze of June 10, 1994, was particularly tiring for Shelley. Two months of pregnancy have started taking its toll, from the dreaded morning sickness to the backache that no Advil could kill. Bumming around the house, a restless Shelley figured today was just going to be another typical hot summer day. Mark, who started work earlier in the day, came home early, catching her off guard.
By Barb Dukeman5 years ago in Families
Letter I wrote to my daughter
Lynn, I am writing this letter to explain a few things,, since I seem to be unable to tell you my side of the story. I hope you read it with an open heart and mind.
By Guenneth Speldrong5 years ago in Families
Be Like A River - It Floats Forward
Floating Forward Charles, a hard-working man, with many types of stress he never spoke about. His favourite line was, "what good does it do to complain?"
By Cathy Deslippe5 years ago in Families
Learning Curve
Coralee went about her day, starting with the usual cleaning of her house. She rubbed warm water on a dish towel in her sink, on the appliances, and then the tile floor, scouring as she griped. Her sister from up north was visiting and suggested she use common cleaning solutions. Anyone would do, even natural ones. “Coralee, you know you can make your life easier with spray cleaner. Not to mention this house would smell a lot better.” The house had become dingy, and a musty smell permeated the walls and curtains.
By Barb Dukeman5 years ago in Families
The Banker's Daughter
My father bent down low and held two quarters out to me. He was looking stern in his perfectly pressed Brooks Brother’s suit. I rocked back and forth, heel to toe. “You will get one quarter a week,” Pop explained. “But only if you behave and do your chores as you’re told.” I nodded my head vigorously. “AND you will put half of your allowance into the bank every month.” Again, I nodded my head vigorously up and down. “Now then. Since this is the second week of the month you will be paid one quarter retroactively and the other is for this last week.” I didn’t know what retroactively meant. But if it meant I was getting an extra quarter, I was all for it.
By Cynthia Mudge5 years ago in Families
Kicking Rocks with Mom
Aside from the stuff I might have forgotten, I remember everything from kindergarten to second grade. Most of all, I remember the dread that’d last from Sunday afternoon to Monday morning; until I’d eventually forget the weekend happened. The 7am air of Monday school mornings made my organs tremble. It sounds dramatic, and it felt dramatic. I remember wondering how everyone was acting so normal. My wondering would fade along with the weekend, and before long it was Tuesday.
By Justin Murray5 years ago in Families
Virtual Daddy
I don’t have a lot of memories of my father. He died of lymphoma in his late forties, when I was eight and, until he became really sick, he had the kind of job that meant he worked…unusual… hours.
By Rebecca Lupton5 years ago in Families
I'll Love You Forever
Altona, Manitoba, is a tiny little town that most people don't know about outside the province. As a little girl, I had the privilege of living there, and my dad worked at a company called Friesens.
By Stephanie Watson5 years ago in Families