Lifestyle
For the lives that we love, and everything that comes with it.
Loving A Drug Addict
I was pretty young when I realized my mother was using drugs. I didn't know what exactly she was using, and I didn't really understand the extent of things, but I knew something was very wrong. I had lost my father at three years old, and I developed somewhat of a dependency on my mother. Honestly, more of a death grip. I was horrified of losing her. I once told someone long ago, that if I lost her, that I firmly believed it would be the end for me. I loved her. I loved her in a way so immense, so overwhelming, almost to a fault. My mother loved me, too. She loved me just as any mother loves her child, and if there is one thing I am certain of, it is that my mother loved her children more than life. Unfortunately, my mother was sick. She struggled with addiction all of my life, and I presume before I even existed. Maybe it was some kind of trauma that led her there, perhaps she fell into the wrong crowd. All I know is that I was cheated out of the real opportunity to have a mother. I was cheated out of a mother because of drugs. Opioids, to be exact.
Cameron WestPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesMy Birthing Story
I was 21 when I got pregnant with my first child. I was with my now husband for five months, and we had just moved into our first apartment together. I went into the bathroom and took a test just to see, and the result was not what I was expecting. I yelled for him and he said "What, is there a spider?" and I showed him the test. We both were speechless. I cried from surprise, and he cried from excitement. Something we were not planning, but not against happening, was real. We did not tell anyone the news until I was about 12 weeks along. In my family, miscarriage was common in the early stage so we wanted to be sure before letting it out. I've never felt so much love from my friends and family than I did when we shared the news.
Amanda CaitoPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesAdopt, Don't Shop
The age-old saying, "A dog is a man's best friend," is a saying for a reason. Dogs really are man's best friend. I mean, let's just admit it: dogs are freaking awesome!! In most cases, they're even better than people. They have the most selfless love you can ever experience, and their hilarious antics will keep a smile on your face no matter how crappy your day was. They are always overjoyed to see you come home, even if you were literally gone 30 seconds to get the mail. They will look at you with the same level of adoration whether you've done your makeup flawlessly and look like Beyoncé or you've just rolled out of bed and have dried drool crusted on your face. Dogs. Are. Perfect.
Kimberly AlcornPublished 7 years ago in PetlifeAddiction Ruined My Family
It started with prescription pain medication. Sounds innocent, right? It was, at first. My parents had back problems. They found a doctor. Simple.
Allison TaylorPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesWhat's in a Name?
It happens all the time. Someone is lucky enough to find the dog they’ve been searching for, and the next thing you know, you, that lucky someone, have brought the dog home. And there it is, wide eyed, curious, and eager to be your pal. But you, the lucky one, with a ton of love to give, have no name for your new companion.
Johnny WalkerPublished 7 years ago in PetlifeAlone and Pregnant
There's that beautiful moment. That moment when you find out that your body is no longer yours. That moment when you find out that you are about to watch a little person, who looks like you, grow into an amazing bigger person. You think about all the things you are going to do, and the things you'll teach him or her. And if it is a him or her! But then...you think about the last man you had sex with. He was your boyfriend, husband, friend, a booty call, or just a one night stand. You think, "Holy shit, how am I gonna tell him?" After walking around like a crazy woman and feeling like you are about to explode, you finally do it. You finally pick up the phone, or grab the car keys and are ready to face the storm. But for this sake, let's say he is an ex who turned into a booty call that you only see when you fly to his state.
Toya McGlothenPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesAdulthood with a Narcissistic Parent
Many people have relationships with their parents that require "maintenance" and certain amounts of care, but the relationships can grow and even evolve into respectable adult relationships that can be nurturing and compassionate.
Regina Stone-GroverPublished 7 years ago in FamiliesMust Have Cat Furniture
Ever wonder what kind of furniture would look great with your cat? No? Well, now you can, even if you have one of those swanky exotic cat breeds — or one of the largest cat breeds around.