“They sat me and my sisters down and told us they were divorcing. They said they just weren’t happy together anymore. I had an idea. But I didn’t think it would happen. “I guess it wasn’t that hard for me because I’m not that emotional … Continue readingDivorce leads to questions for children
“We met in high school and dated for about two years before we got married. We’ve been together now for 57 years.” What’s your secret to such a long marriage? “Well, we had five children. That kind of binds you together.” “Besides that, I don’t … Continue readingFive children help keep them together for 57 years
“We have seven kids, ages 28 to 3. He had three from a previous marriage, and we have four together. The best part about having a big family is that you have plenty of friends. “Once they’re grown, it’s awesome. My oldest daughter and I … Continue readingBig family means that you can have lots of friends
“We met on the internet. I was on AOL Instant Messenger, and he popped in one day. He said, ‘What’s up with your last name?’ At that time, my screen name was Jenny Willis. And he said, ‘Willis is my first name.’ I thought, no … Continue readingMeeting on the internet leads to love, then marriage
It’s not always easy. But as the mom in a family of six, Amanda Vela tries her best to spread the love around. “One of my biggest challenges is time,” she said. “With multiple children at different ages, it’s hard to find the time for … Continue readingDaughter with cerebral palsy inspires mom
“My husband and I are career students basically. We have all these college degrees between us. So we’ve always stressed academics with our kids, and how important it is to getting the job and achieving the lifestyle you want. “One of our sons is doing … Continue readingParents point to education as key to future
“My mom just finished her college degree after 27 years. She’s 45. She got a general studies degree, and she’s going back for psychology. She’s doing it to meet her personal goal. And she’s setting an example for us kids. She’s showing us how it’s … Continue readingSingle mom sets great example for her kids
“Some boys were teasing her, making fun of her, and encouraging her to say things she didn’t want to say. We knew it would probably get worse in junior high than it was in fifth grade. She was very upset about that. I was planning … Continue readingHomeschool mom teaches kids how to learn
“My husband, Victor, and I have been married for 28 years. I was 14 when I met him. We lost six children together. The first one was born dead. Then we went to 6½ months, 4 months, 3 months, 1½ months and 2 months. All … Continue readingSix miscarriages later, ‘blessed’ to have children
“I never married. No kids. I guess I was always open to the marriage thing, but I never wanted to be a parent. I don’t know why, really. I love kids. Maybe it goes back to living in New York City for so long. “It … Continue readingNo marriage, no children, no regrets