family of origin
The night I learned to take chances
We stood along the highway in a blizzard, trying to hitchhike. We started reciting Bible verses to pass the time.
My incarcerated nephew, the guest of honor
Our family reunion in Argentina looked like something straight out of one of Jesus’ parables.
A multiracial family’s questions and fears
This Is Us depicts the dangers of life alone and the complications of life together.
by Jeff Chu
Humble connections: Staying in challenging relationships
I could stay home on Sundays when visiting my parents. But I return to the pews of my childhood church because I love the people despite our differences.
Secret holes
Every family has more people at the table than you can see. If we set the right number of plates, we would have to build way bigger tables.
by Brian Doyle
A fool’s awakening
I said something cutting and sneering, and my mother slowly put down her tea. Odd that I would remember that detail.
by Brian Doyle
A proper patriot
We owe our homeland patriotism, but not just any kind of patriotism—because just as we don't choose our parents, neither do we choose our country of origin.
by Rodney Clapp