My parents and sister excluded me from everything as a kid. When I turned 19 and moved out, they went no contact. They wouldn’t even bother to call me on my birthday. Recently, my mom called me. Her voice, syrupy sweet, like nothing ever happened, and she says, ‘Honey, …’ I sat frozen on my … Read more
At the mall, the lady paying in front of me looked very poor. After buying a $7 skirt, she tried to leave, but the alarm went off. Security came, and she turned red. She said, “I’m not a thief, I bought a skirt!” but it kept ringing. Suddenly, a teen girl came to security. We … Read more
When I walked into that shelter, I didn’t expect to make a decision that would cost me my marriage. But as I knelt in front of that frail old dog, I knew one thing—she needed me. And maybe, I needed her too. Greg and I had been trying to fill the quiet in our marriage … Read more
When my son brought his fiancée home, I was thrilled to meet the woman who had stolen his heart. But the moment I saw her face, my excitement vanished. I knew her already—and within minutes, she was locked in my basement. The instinct to protect your child never goes away. I’m a mother in my … Read more
For many parents, their biggest fear is that their child goes missing. That’s why parents have rules like telling a parent before going outside and staying close while at a store, amusement park or other crowded location. Unfortunately, children don’t always listen to their parents. They may be distracted by something else that they think … Read more
Not a day goes by that Velvet Poveromo of Ridgefield Park, New Jersey does not miss her husband, Charlie.The couple had been married for thirty-seven years when he died suddenly at age 57. Velvet carries on as many of Charlie’s traditions as she can, but now that he’s gone she realizes just how much he … Read more
Known as “Little Sure Shot”, Ms. Oakley had a unique combination of speed and accuracy in her shooting, and with the help of Buffalo Bill’s coaching, she became an expert performer as well.Annie Oakley was born in August, 1860 in the town of Greenville, Ohio. From a young age, she became interested in shooting, but … Read more
Just as the music began, our flower girl — my stepdaughter — vanished. The ceremony stopped cold. We found her locked in a supply closet, crying with her bouquet in hand. What she whispered next pointed fingers at someone we never imagined… and shattered the day. When I met Amelia, she was six years old, … Read more
She came in late, during the opening hymn. Moved slowly down the aisle, hunched slightly, wearing an old black coat and holding a weathered Bible with frayed edges. Instead of sitting near the front with the other families, she slid quietly into the last pew. A few regulars turned and whispered. “Never seen her before.” … Read more
“Ah, finally, sweetie, Mommy got you a new doll.” When Pauline saw the doll at the flea market, she knew it would be the perfect birthday present for her daughter, Eve. Unfortunately, she didn’t have enough money to buy anything expensive, so shopping at a flea market seemed like the best option. Pauline brought the … Read more
