Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Families.
My Dad Is Still Here, But He Is Wearing a Disguise; He Is Wearing the Mask of Cancer
Growing up I was a Daddy's Girl all the way. We did everything together. Wether it was dancing to the nutcracker or having tea parties, my dad did it. He would do anything to put a smile on my face. Once a week, before dropping me off at daycare, he would take me to Krispy Kreme Donuts. It was like our special thing because he didn't do that with my bothers. He was not only my dad, he was my best friend, my hero.
By Clair Rhodes7 years ago in Families
My Father’s Journey
You never think growing up that you’ll have to live without your parents, especially if like me, you started out with both of them under one roof. Eventually though, things happen, and your family becomes disjointed. In my case, my parents divorced. My brother and I were along for the ride of two people sharing custody of their kids they so desperately wanted to see and loved. As time went by, my dad met my stepmom. As you can tell by me calling her “my stepmom,” they eventually married. I knew they wanted to have kids of their own one day, even though my stepmom loved my brother and I dearly. After my first year of college, and a year of my dad being in remission from non-smoker’s throat cancer, they did find out she was pregnant. And not with one baby, but TWO! But as always, good things must come to an end...
By Karen Jackson7 years ago in Families
Bad Parenting
I am a single mom. My day begins and ends with picking up toys. Harry the Bunny's theme song is stuck in my head for 90 percent of the morning. My "me time" consists of a bubble bath where I'm turning the water off every five minutes to listen for crying. Why? Why is this my life at 24 years old? Because I was a fucking idiot and had sex with an even bigger idiot. But he was "the one" and we were going to be together forever. Even though we weren't really together and instead of paying me child support this month he decided to take a vacation outside of the country. As soon as that test turned positive he turned into a positive asshole. Not that that stopped me from trying to get him to be a dad or sleep with him when I was drunk... but we all make mistakes, right? Just took me almost four years to learn that he was a mistake. Sorry dad, you were right. He's a loser. I did get one good thing out of those somewhat wasted years though: our daughter is pretty fucking amazing. I have no idea what I would do without her. I also have no fucking idea what I'm doing with her.
By Michelle Schultz7 years ago in Families
My Dad
Carl Emil Mortenson IV 12/14/1969-03/05/2012 It's hard. I still think about him every day, I still have dreams about him, and I still miss him. Does it get easier? For the most part. Except on days where I'm having a rough day, or I'm not doing enough to keep my mind occupied.
By Dakota Mortenson7 years ago in Families
The People Who Changed My Life, I Call Them Mom and Dad
Adoption is special. Adoption helps kids have a chance in the world to be loved and to be happy. If I wasn't adopted who knows where I would be. Definitely not here talking to all of you wonderful people about my adoption story. Let me begin...
By Clair Rhodes7 years ago in Families
The Beginning of the Big
One of my earliest memories is of my mom and dad bringing my sister home. I don't recall seeing her in the hospital at all. I just remember mom bringing her through the door and laying her on the couch. She would push a chair against the couch so she wouldn't roll off. I asked multiple times if I could hold her and the response was always negative. I might drop her or break off the cord that was to remain attached until it was time to fall off.
By Kerri Wood7 years ago in Families
My Husband
What can I say about my husband? He is one of my best friends. I don't know what I would do without him. I remember the first time we officially met. It was November of 2009, I was talking to some of my friends before we went to class. And then my friend Cody said,"Hey Shante, Colorado is looking at you." I turned around and saw this tall guy with curly hair walking all smooth towards me. I kinda cringe at him and then asked my friends,"Who is that guy?" "All I know is his brother is named Caleb and that he is in Cross Country. Since his brother's name starts with a C, maybe his name starts with a C also." So my friends and I start blurting out names. "Carlos!" shouted Cody. "Chuck!" I shouted after Cody. Then Joe decided to be funny and shout out, "Roberto!" Cody and I laughed and shook our heads. Then I turned around, and there he was staring into my eyes. He put out his hand and said, "Hi, my name is Charles." I turned back to my friends, and we just shook ours heads and said,"Not even close." Fast forward to senior year in high school. We became REALLY close friends. He would greet me with a hug every morning. As a gentleman, he would be 5 minutes late to every class just so he could walk me to my classes. We liked each other very much. But we went different ways. We dated different people who were not a very good match for us. Then it happened, July 28th, 2011, we started dating. Our journey of dating had ups and downs. We broke up and got back together so many times. And then we decided work together to help our love get strong again. When our love started to get strong again, he surprised me and proposed to me. It was our last day in June 2015 at our home church, and as we were saying goodbye to our friends and family. He took my hand and said,"Honey, I didn't think that our love journey would come to this. I love you so much. And I don't wanna live another day without you in my life." That is when he took my hand, got down and one knee and said,"Shante Briana Johnson, will you do the honor and be my wife?" All I could do is cry and cry. I finally shook my head and said,"YES!!" Now it is our wedding day, 3 months later. Our families are sitting outside waiting for me to walk down the aisle. My dad took my hand and walked me down to my soon to be husband. As we said our vows, all I wanted to do was kiss him and go on our honeymoon. When they finally announced us husband and wife, we thanked everyone and we went on our honeymoon. Then a week or two after our honeymoon, we found out we were expecting.(Little did I know I was 2 1/2 months pregnant with our son Joseph). April, 2016, our son was born into the world. My husband really helped me through everything with our son. Then we had our daughter in August, 2017. I don't know what I'd be doing if it was just my kids and I. My husband has been there for me for everything. My happiness, sadness, and anything you can name. I have to say, I have the best husband in the world. I love you Charles Hernandez! Thank you for being an awesome husband and an amazing father to Joseph and Isabella. We love you!
By Shante Hernandez7 years ago in Families