Family of Origin
I Was the Free Spirit in a Very Uptight Family
I’ve spent most of my adulthood surrounded by people freer than me. But compared to my family of origin, I’m liberated beyond compare.
May 4, 2021
Category: Family of Origin
Family of Origin
You Don’t Always Have the Time You Think You Have
“We go way back, don’t we, Page?” my grandmother says. We’ve just walked out of my grandfather’s funeral. We’re standing outside the church waiting for
January 28, 2021
Family of Origin
Being Constantly Told to Shut Up When You’re a Kid Sticks With You
“You got your creativity from me,” my mother says. “Your father was good at many things, but he didn’t have a creative bone in his
September 15, 2020
Family of Origin
My Father, the Historical Figure
It hit me a few weeks ago when I was looking at the prayer cards from my father’s funeral. When my father died, he stopped
August 31, 2020
Family of Origin
There Are Moments When Being Born Seems Like a Pyramid Scheme
“So when are you going to have kids?” “You should really get started on that.” I can’t tell you how many times I heard that
August 10, 2020
Family of Origin
There Are Many Different Ways to Be Tough and Resilient
Someone close to you has died. No, they are not alive somewhere else. No, they are not coming back. No, it doesn’t make any fucking
July 22, 2020
Family of Origin
Sometimes You Have to Make Your Own Closure, No Matter What It Takes
Ever since my father passed away in April, I’ve been talking to my mother a lot more. We haven’t had the best relationship, my mother
June 22, 2020
Family of Origin
I Woke Up Cheerful This Morning, For Once
I woke up cheerful this morning. Normally, this wouldn’t be big news. In general, I have a very positive disposition. I do get grumpy. I
May 26, 2020
Family of Origin
It’s Easier to Be Liked Than Understood, But I’d Rather Be Understood
“If you want people to like you,” my mother said. “Be quiet and smile.” “People love a mystery,” she advised. “And when they don’t know
March 26, 2020
Family of Origin
For Better or Worse, You Don’t Get to Control How Other People See You
I’m sitting in a pew, attending mass at the church I attended growing up. It’s been 7 years since I went to a service here,
January 10, 2020
