siblings
Siblings are the only enemy you can't live without.
Clever Costumes
As kids, we always were excited for Halloween. In the Midwest, the weather was usually chilly, rainy, and windy that day, but it never stopped us, nor would our parents think to keep us in. We weren't driven to wealthy neighborhoods. Frankly, we were not driven anywhere, no matter the weather (that is a whole separate story). If we wanted to go, we toughed out in all weather conditions. We ran up the streets if it was raining; our umbrellas turned inside out from the wind some years, but nothing stopped us from getting our treats.
By Andrea Corwin 2 years ago in Families
Two Audiences
I do wonder if I need to write this one. My time here at Vocal has allowed me to write about things that I had deep in my thoughts and had nearly abandoned as possible topics worth sharing. The pieces on literature, movies, music, my travels and other obsessions were worth the time spent shaping and creating them. But I have not covered everything I want to say about why I do this. Maybe that is a well that I will continue to draw from as long as I have a medium that will accept it. And you have all been very open to whatever has hit this page.
By Kendall Defoe 2 years ago in Families
HIDDEN RICHES OF THE HEART
The Morison’s family was known for their unwavering faith and strong values. Mr. and Mrs. Morison had dedicated their lives to instilling godly principles in their children, raising them to honor God and cherish honesty, respect, and hard work. They lived modestly but comfortably, and though they couldn’t provide every luxury for their children, they gave them a foundation of faith that was worth far more.
By Sam Jethro 2 years ago in Families
My Other Older Brother
I have two older brothers, but only one of them lives up to the stereotype of the older brother. My oldest brother is a sober, thoughtful, exceedingly kind man who has been nothing but a positive influence on my life. He sets examples that I have tried to live up to throughout my adult years when I truly came to understand his quiet dignity and unending warmth. The man has the most amazing smile, it's infectious and as a dyspeptic Gen-X'er, being made to smile was quite a challenge.
By Sean Patrick2 years ago in Families
The Melody of Goodbye
In a serene coastal town, where waves kissed the shore and the air was filled with the scent of salt and sea, lived a girl named Lila. With a heart full of dreams, she spent her days playing the violin, pouring her soul into each note. Music was her escape, her way of expressing emotions she often found difficult to articulate.
By SAUBHAGYA PRADHAN2 years ago in Families
The Garden of Memories
In a quaint village, nestled among emerald hills, lived a girl named Mira. She had an unyielding love for flowers and spent her days tending to her grandmother's garden, a vibrant sanctuary bursting with colors and fragrances. Her grandmother, a wise and gentle soul, often told her, “Flowers are like memories, dear. They bloom beautifully but can fade away.”
By SAUBHAGYA PRADHAN2 years ago in Families
Menendez Brothers' Potential Resentencing
The Menendez brothers, convicted in 1996 for the 1989 murders of their parents, may face resentencing after LA DA George Gascón recommended it, citing new abuse evidence and their exemplary behavior in prison. Initially sentenced to life without parole, they could become eligible for parole if resentenced, potentially benefiting from California's youthful parole law. The case, revisited due to recent documentaries, highlights evolving views on abuse and criminal justice reform. A court hearing is expected within 30-45 days.
By Sangita Nandi2 years ago in Families
Know Your Spirit: The Journey Within
Know Your Spirit: The Journey Within There comes a time in every person’s life when the outer world, with all its noise and chaos, fades into the background, and we are left with one resounding question: Who am I? This isn’t merely a philosophical question but a deeply personal inquiry into our own spirit. To know your spirit is to embark on a journey within, a path where your deepest fears, hopes, and strengths are laid bare. It’s an awakening, an unspoken recognition that the real essence of our being lies not in the roles we play or the things we achieve but in the quiet strength of our spirit. The spirit is the unshakable core of who we are. It’s what gives us resilience in the face of adversity and humility in times of success. It is where our truth lies, beneath the layers of social masks, expectations, and fears. But often, we become so busy with the demands of life—work, family, societal obligations—that we forget to listen to the voice of our spirit. To truly know your spirit, you must pause, reflect, and be willing to confront the truth about yourself. Take the example of Maya, a woman who had everything on the surface—an enviable career, a loving family, and respect from her peers. But deep inside, she felt a void, an inexplicable sense of being lost. She had spent so much time living up to the expectations of others that she had forgotten what her own spirit yearned for. It wasn’t until a serious illness forced her to slow down that Maya began to ask herself the difficult questions. She began meditating, journaling, and seeking solitude, peeling back the layers of her life to rediscover her authentic self. It was not an easy process; it was full of tears, regrets, and moments of doubt. But eventually, Maya realized that her spirit had always been calling her toward creativity and compassion—things she had neglected in her pursuit of external success. In embracing her true spirit, Maya found a new sense of purpose and joy that no worldly achievement could ever give her. Knowing your spirit requires courage. It means confronting the parts of yourself that you may not like—the doubts, the insecurities, the fears of failure. But it also means discovering the boundless potential that lies within. Consider Rahul, a young man born into poverty. He had every reason to give up, to succumb to despair, but his spirit was strong. Rahul knew deep down that he was capable of more, that his circumstances did not define him. Through sheer determination and an unwavering belief in his own potential, he worked day and night, educating himself, taking on multiple jobs, and never letting go of his dream to become a teacher. Today, Rahul stands as a testament to the power of knowing and trusting in your spirit. His spirit did not waver in the face of hardship; instead, it grew stronger, guiding him toward a life of meaning and contribution. The journey to knowing your spirit isn’t always about grand transformations. Sometimes, it’s about the quiet moments of self-awareness. Think of the times you’ve acted out of kindness, even when no one was watching. Think of the times you stood up for yourself or for others because something deep inside told you it was the right thing to do. These are moments when your spirit speaks. But how do we cultivate a deeper connection with our spirit in the midst of our busy lives? The answer lies in mindfulness and reflection. Take time to sit with yourself in silence, to disconnect from the world, and listen to the whispers of your inner self. Pay attention to the things that ignite your soul—whether it’s painting, helping others, or simply being in nature. These are clues from your spirit, guiding you toward your true path. In knowing your spirit, you also come to understand that life is not merely about survival or success; it is about growth, love, and connection. Your spirit craves growth—not in material terms, but in wisdom, kindness, and the ability to love deeply. Knowing your spirit means acknowledging the sacredness of your journey, realizing that every experience, every challenge, and every joy is shaping you into the person you are meant to become. Take the example of an oak tree. It stands tall and majestic, but its strength doesn’t come from the visible branches and leaves; it comes from the roots buried deep in the soil. Similarly, our spirit is the root of who we are, providing us with strength and grounding, even when life’s storms threaten to break us. When we know our spirit, we stand tall like the oak, unshaken by the winds of change. In essence, to know your spirit is to know your truth. It is to live authentically, without fear of judgment or failure. It is to embrace your imperfections, your humanity, and your potential. It is a lifelong journey, filled with moments of doubt and clarity, but it is the most important journey you will ever take. Because in knowing your spirit, you will find not only yourself but also the capacity to connect deeply with others and with the world around you. So take a moment today. Close your eyes. Breathe. Listen to the voice within. Your spirit has always been there, patiently waiting for you to come home to yourself. In knowing your spirit, you will find the peace, strength, and purpose you’ve been searching for all along.
By Dipak Pawar2 years ago in Families
Why a Teenager Wants to Live with a Non-Custodial Parent
Teenagers frequently experience emotional, psychological, and social changes as they grow from infancy to maturity, which can affect their family dynamic. When a teen expresses a desire to live with a non-custodial parent, it may be a puzzling and emotional experience for both parents. Understanding the reasons for this decision is critical to fostering a positive relationship between the teen and both parents. Let's look at some of the reasons why a teen would want to live with a non-custodial parent.
By Teenage Parenting2 years ago in Families
Struggle of Single Mom
Being a single mother is a journey filled with love, but it’s also one of the toughest roles anyone can take on. Every day can feel like walking a tightrope, balancing work, parenting, and life, all on your own. Here are some of the challenges single mothers face in a more personal light:
By Lulu Figueroa2 years ago in Families
