extended family
All about how to stay connected, strengthen ties and talk politics with your big, happy extended family.
The Voicemail My Son Left
Seven Words That Became My Reason to Breathe THE MESSAGE I ALMOST DELETED š¢ My son Marcus left for his second deployment to Afghanistan on a Tuesday morning in March, and somewhere between the airport and the military transport that would carry him into a war zone he called my phone knowing I would not answer because I had told him the night before that I could not bear to say goodbye again because the first deployment had nearly destroyed me and I did not have the emotional reserves for another farewell that might be the last, and so he called knowing the call would go to voicemail and he left a message that I did not listen to for three days because seeing his name on my missed calls made my chest constrict with the specific dread that military families carry constantly, the awareness that every phone call could be the one that changes everything, and when I finally gathered the courage to press play his voice filled my kitchen with seven words that became the most important sentence I have ever heard: "Mom, I'm brave because you were first" š
By The Curious Writerabout 5 hours ago in Families
Easter in the Mountains
When I was growing up in the mountains of western North Carolina, Easter came along with a promise that things were about to feel a little brighter, if only for a while. We didnāt have much in those days, and everybody knew it, but somehow Easter had a way of making you forget all that. For one Sunday out of the year, we felt like the richest people in all of Appalachia.
By Tim Carmichaelabout 19 hours ago in Families
Why Good Intentions Make a Bad Legal Standard
Why Law Reaches for Intent in the First Place Legal systems lean toward intent because it feels humane. Motive appears to reveal character, and character feels like a stable guide for judgment. In emotionally charged domains like parenting and custody, intent offers something comforting: the belief that outcomes can be understood, and even forgiven, by examining what someone meant to do. Courts frequently ask whether a parent acted out of love, fear, confusion, or malice, as though the answer to that question can reliably predict what the child will experience over time.
By Peter Thwing - Host of the FST Podcast2 days ago in Families
What Does it Take to Successfully Reconcile with Your Estranged Adult Child?
A young woman who is estranged from her mom asked the Reddit community if it was possible to reconnect. Most said absolutely, yes. But the road to reconciliation is a lot of work. In fact one user couldnāt believe she was standing with her mother in the kitchen making coffee. Two years ago, that wasnāt even a possibility.
By Marie Dubuque6 days ago in Families
Is Pineapple Juice Good for Health? The Truth You Need to Know. AI-Generated.
Pineapple juice is a tropical favorite known for its sweet, tangy flavor and refreshing appeal. Packed with nutrients and often associated with wellness trends, it has become a popular addition to many diets. But the real question people ask is: is pineapple juice good for health? The answer is not as simple as it seems, as it depends on how itās consumed and in what quantity.
By Joe Jackson10 days ago in Families
Beloved
Flowers cascade down the aisles of a quiet church, the pews filled with friends and loves ones. At the alter stand the largest of the arrangements, fragrant flowers wafting their perfume, through the chapel, certain to create and evoke scent memories in future recollections of this day. The parishioners file in and will soon file out, with whispers of, āIt was a beautiful service,ā āThe flowers were so lovely,ā and āIām sorry for their loss. His passing was long in coming, but so sudden.ā
By Alexandra Grant12 days ago in Families
What Judges Consider When Approving Parenting Plans in Florida
In Florida, parenting plans are a required part of any case involving minor children, whether the parents are divorcing or were never married. A parenting plan outlines how parents will share responsibilities and time with their children. Before a plan becomes enforceable, it must be approved by a judge who evaluates whether it serves the childās best interests. Understanding what judges look for when reviewing parenting plans can help parents create arrangements that are more likely to be approved and that provide stability for their children.
By Grant Gisondo12 days ago in Families
The Yellowed Booklet
I visited home recently and decided to help my parents go through some of the old belongings and clear out things we no longer needed. One day, my father opened a box tucked inside a long-forgotten bag. As he sifted through its contents ā old passports, letters, papers, and receipts ā he pulled one out and handed it to me.
By Harpreet Lota13 days ago in Families
