Top Stories

Stories in Families that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.

Dear Mom
Dear Mom (An open letter to my 1950’s mother) By: De Etta Miller Dear Mom, I’m not sure if this letter is for you or for me. But decades after your leaving, I feel the need to say: “I’m sorry.” I don’t know that I even believe in Heaven. I can only assume, that which was taught throughout my childhood might have some validity. Perhaps we all find the truth of our afterlife when it is indeed time for an afterlife. But what I do know and believe in, is how hard and yet delightful motherhood can be.
By DeEtta Miller2 years ago in Families
Stars in My Pockets
The La-Z-boy chair was burgundy. Carefully selected to meet my mother’s needs of both comfort and stability, this chair had the added bonus of also matching the living room. There came a day when I couldn’t hug her for fear of hurting her, but I could lean into her by leaning into the chair’s cushions.
By Lydia Stewart2 years ago in Families
My Oma, My Dragon of Memory
The last time I saw my Oma she was old, small, tired, and in pain; lying in an oversized chair, wrapped in blankets with a cast on her arm and two nurses at her side. I remember placing my hand upon her and saying "goodbye Oma, I love you." I didn't plan on it being the last time. 4 hrs later I got a phone call. She had passed away in her sleep, just minutes after I had left. This is the last image of her that I hold in my mind. But that was far from all of her.
By Eda Marie2 years ago in Families
Effervescence
Gma shows me how to fold paper napkins, fives, and socks into the brown paper bags we bring to the park to leave for the forest of sleeping bags.
By Christy Munson2 years ago in Families
Return of the Stay at Home Dad
My daughter’s mother, my ex, died. The funeral was to happen in 48 hours. I scrambled to find the quickest way back to Minnesota from Bali, Indonesia. I told my daughter to do her best with the funeral arrangements until I arrived.
By Arlo Hennings2 years ago in Families
Tiny pink shoes. Content Warning.
The drive home from the hospital was quiet, I always pictured this day differently. We had so much to say but we kept the thoughts to ourselves, as if it was taboo to speak. I wanted to say something and nearly do, when I glance at her she is looking elsewhere.
By JBaz2 years ago in Families
Dear Dad
I've been contemplating if the last few months have been the hardest of my life. They haven’t, but they come pretty fucking close. You of all people would know what a poignant statement that is.
By Sian N. Clutton2 years ago in Families
Why We Need Substitute Grandparents
I don’t know if it takes a whole village to raise a child, but it takes more than just the parents. If we’re fortunate, as we grow, we’re guided by a rich network of adults who look out for us and help us along the way—relatives, teachers, coaches, youth leaders, and others. We need a whole tribe to look out for us, to guide us on our way.
By Chuck Etheridge2 years ago in Families
Fathers and Christmas
“‘When you coming home, dad?’ ‘I don't know when’ But we'll get together then You know we'll have a good time then” – Harry Chapin
By Carl J. Petersen2 years ago in Families
When You're Adopted Into Your Wife's Mexican Catholic Christmas
I'm not going to pretend and say that this season was something I was looking forward to. In a lot of ways, it has had too many unwanted firsts and this has caused a lot of stress.
By Oneg In The Arctic2 years ago in Families
commitment-shy
I’m scared of holding babies. For context, I’m great with kids. I teach music lessons for a living, with students ranging from four years old to retired (and I don’t ask their ages). I taught preschool music for three years and had a splendid time wrangling two-to-five year olds who could form rudimentary sentences and scream song lyrics back at me.
By Addison Horner2 years ago in Families
2023:
I know I say this every year, but 2023 was a year full of a lot of change for my little family. I started the year off barely working one job and being a full time mom. Ben was working two jobs, and we were living in a pretty awful place. We had a still pretty new baby, and we were still mostly struggling through our days, trying to figure out how to be parents.
By Hannah York 2 years ago in Families