extended family
All about how to stay connected, strengthen ties and talk politics with your big, happy extended family.
Chapter 2: A Somewhat Dad
Uncle Vaughn was handsome tall, funny, and loved me. My mother dated him before she decided to get married. In Trinidad we call men that are older than us uncles. She dated a few people but, he was the first person who sat down on the floor with me and colored with me. I could not have been older than four. And I remember every detail of that man. He was pure sunshine. My heart skipped when I saw him because I knew he would pick me up and spin me around. I knew he gave a s*** about me.
By Rebecca Law8 years ago in Families
It's Me or Her (But Not in Those Words)
Me and my partner have been together eight months, but have known each other over two years now. We began dating, and have flown quite quickly into the love thing. His family is scattered all around the place, including his mother who lives right at the bottom of our country. But the woman has some issues.
By Laura Smith8 years ago in Families
10 Signs Your Mother-In-Law Hates You
Ah yes... mother-in-laws. You either have a mother-in-law that loves you dearly, or a mother-in-law that hates your guts. There are even times when your mother-in-law hates you for no apparent reason. Even though you didn't particularly do anything wrong to cause your MIL to hate you, there are certainly reasons why she does. You probably didn't do anything wrong... you're just you. And that's what she doesn't like.
By Lilliana Backman8 years ago in Families
Dysfunctional Family
I married a man with two kids and an ex-wife. I have not experienced giving birth to a baby, but I accept his kids as if they were my own. Although, I was never given a manual on the do's or don’ts of being a stepmother yet somehow, I seem to have survived! We have been married for several years, moved out of state to be closer to the kids, and be more supportive. Unfortunately, his ex -wife was in the process of a second divorce and his kids despised me, since they thought their parents would finally get back together. He made it clear to them that I was here to stay. The kids are now adults from a 19-year-old boy and a 24-year-old girl. In the real world, eventually, people grow out of disliking someone and get to know the person, but my experience with the ex-wife became a little more than I bargained for as a step parent.
By Charlene Ellison8 years ago in Families
Big or Small: The Importance of Family to Me
The way I see a family may be different to other people. I see a family as the people you can always call home, wherever you may be in the world. These people don't necessarily need to be blood-related to you. They can be your friends, a trusted colleague and for some people, a school teacher. These are the people who make you feel like you belong to something, the people who make you proud. I'm going to open up and share a story which recently happened to me.
By J.S. Mellanby8 years ago in Families
My Broken Family
My childhood was never normal. My dad was a construction worker and my mom was a CNA. They brought in enough income to keep our family afloat. I was the oldest of 3 children. I loved each of my parents, but I could always tell that the didn't really love each other. They fought 6 out of 7 nights of the week it seemed like. Not like arguing either. It was like full on fist fights. My mom always threw the first punch. Looking back on it now, it was definitely a stupid decision for a 125lb woman who was 5' 5''. Definitely something children should not be seeing. We all tried to protect our mother. I always thought my dad was in the wrong. After growing up, I now realize that he wasn't in the wrong as much as I thought.
By Winter Nichelle8 years ago in Families
If You Come...
If you come to one of my family parties (which is almost every weekend), you will be welcomed with open arms. Immediately, you will be by who ever's house it is, shake hands with everyone in the room, and be given a plate of whatever food we're having. Whether it's the usual: variety of tamales, variety of hominy soup, fried rolled tacos of potato/sausage/ricotta cheese or even more common: burgers, pizza, spaghetti, salads. Or tacos of cow head, tongue, eyes and intestines that sounds more delicious when said in Spanish. You may add cilantro, chopped onions, lime, avocado, salsa, sour cream. We would have margaritas with or without tequila, soda, water, Corona or Model beer.
By Selena Villegas8 years ago in Families
Family Differences
I love my family, don’t get me wrong. I consider them to be one of the most important things in my life—maybe even the most important thing! My family has carried me through everything—my depression, my living situation, and even the times I’ve come out as gay. They have supported me through everything, BUT it does strike me how different everyone is in my family.
By Megan Beech8 years ago in Families
Getting Kicked Out
Getting Kicked Out: A story about how I got kicked out of my boyfriend's family and how life went downhill from there. Few things first: Learn from my mistakes, don't let people take advantage of you, and when life gives you lemons, throw them back. I changed the names for their privacy.,
By Bethany Sneed8 years ago in Families
