“Alicia was my fourth child, my littlest one. She was like a little porcelain doll. We pretty much centered ourselves around her. She was my kids’ pride and joy. She wanted anything, she got it. She was going to turn 2 last July. Then in … Continue readingBlessing box: ‘Her story doesn’t end here’
“I think people sometimes imagine what it would be like to get a cancer diagnosis. I always imagined I would be really upset, and break down and cry. The most upsetting part was talking to my children. But with the actual diagnosis and the prospect … Continue readingCancer experience draws family closer
“The focus of Women’s Storybook Project of Texas is to maintain the relationship between incarcerated mothers and their children, and to develop a love of reading in those kids. “The project is in 10 women’s prisons throughout the state. I’m part of a group of … Continue readingReading connects incarcerated moms with kids
“One of my duties at work was to create ID badges for all the employees. They had to be renewed on everyone’s birthday. When Juan came to see me, I made his ID and we flirted a little bit. “Afterward, I jokingly said to my … Continue readingShe’s suffered her share of tragic losses
“When I was 11, my aunt told me that the man I always thought was my dad was not my real dad. I was devastated. I couldn’t believe that a family could hold secrets like that from me. “I went crazy. I remember screaming and … Continue readingNot knowing his dad leads to anger issues
“I was born and raised in the Netherlands. When I was 20 years old, I wanted to go away for a year. But I also wanted to have some financial stability. So I decided to be a nanny for a Dutch family that lived in … Continue readingShe misses protective aspect of Netherlands
“I’m an introvert. I like my alone space. But you don’t have alone space anymore when you’re a mom. With two kids, that’s something I had to navigate. Especially with my first child. Two months after he was born, I developed postpartum depression. I got … Continue readingNew moms need to take care of themselves first
“My mom and dad had 11 kids. I’m the baby. I’m 38 years old. I’m single. I’m homosexual. And I’m the only one who doesn’t have any kids. Altogether, there are like 65 grandchildren. “I fight a depression sometimes because I feel like I’m missing … Continue reading‘I feel like I’m missing out on parenthood’
“I worked for a while at the hospital as a CNA [certified nursing assistant]. When I had my youngest son, I started staying home. I was working 12-hour shifts. But I decided that him being successful was more important. I wanted to make sure he … Continue readingMom intent on son being successful
“I just moved into an apartment. Just got a new car. Just got this dog. It all happened in one month. It’s exciting. It’s the next step, the next chapter for me. “The dog was kind of a surprise. But I had been planning the … Continue readingHe finds that saving money pays off