Published in The Memoirist·PinnedMember-onlyMy Father Was a Rockstar — And an AssholeA story of addiction, abuse, and everything in between — My best friend sat on my unicorn canopy bed and listened as my dad loudly strummed his guitar. The amp made the walls of our tiny home vibrate until my head throbbed. Quiet time was a rare luxury at my house. “Wow. Your dad is so cool! Can I go…The Memoirist7 min readThe Memoirist7 min read
Published in Ascent Publication·PinnedMember-onlyMy Kids Don’t Know We’re PoorWe’ve made happy memories in the trailer park, and that’s what matters. — I’ve rented the same mobile home for the last 8 years. That means my younger kids have spent most of their childhood in a trailer park; my oldest, nearly half her life. …Life5 min readLife5 min read
Published in About Me Stories·PinnedMember-onlyAbout Me — Missy CrystalJumping on the bio bandwagon to share a bit about myself — Hello, and thanks for stopping by! I’m Missy, as you may have guessed by the title. I’ve spent the last couple years writing for Medium, but I’ve been a published writer since 2002. Gosh, I’m aging myself. My first piece was published in Teen Ink when I was a pregnant…About Me5 min readAbout Me5 min read
Published in In Fitness And In Health·Jan 26Member-onlyIt’s Winter, But I Still Walk Outside Each DayWalking has become a habit, and I enjoy it — I used to be a runner. After multiple concussions and a slew of other health problems, I’m a walker. Don’t feel sorry for me, though. It feels good to move my body, even if I’m not moving as fast as I once could. Today is a chilly January day, and…Health4 min readHealth4 min read
Published in The Memoirist·Jan 19Member-onlyAs a Kid, I Was Teased for Not Knowing Popular Songs in EnglishNow kids think I’m cool — “Ich bin ich und du bist du,” I sing, my voice echoing through our small mobile home. My kids clap and laugh, waiting for me to introduce myself. Will I refer to myself as Mommy, Mom, Mama, or Missy today? “Ich heisse…” My boys lean forward excitedly, listening for my…Life6 min readLife6 min read
Published in An Injustice!·Dec 21, 2022Member-onlyMy Racist Neighbor’s Reaction Shocked Me When I Called Out His BehaviorHe acted like he was the victim — I felt the knock before I heard it. I was in my bedroom doing a quick meditation before my kids got home from school. A mid-afternoon meditation was part of my daily routine, so most people knew not to bother me. Well, except whoever was pounding on my trailer door…Culture8 min readCulture8 min read
Dec 12, 2022Member-only50 Things I’m Ditching in 2023As people always say — new year, new me — This year was crazy. But let’s be honest: I say that every December. The holiday season makes me nostalgic, and I tend to reflect on the past while preparing for my future. Either way, I learn more about myself each year. …Life7 min readLife7 min read
Published in The Memoirist·Dec 12, 2022Member-onlyMy Mom Got Caught Stealing at the Toy StoreMy heart hurt when I realized what she took — “Hurry up. Let’s go,” my mom whispered, rushing toward the toy store’s exit. I wasn’t sure why we were hurrying, but maybe my younger siblings had to use the bathroom. We usually left quickly when that happened. My family was almost out the door when an angry man jumped in…Life4 min readLife4 min read
Dec 2, 2022Member-onlyLike it or Not, We’re a Society of Rule FollowersYes, that includes you — Our society revolves around structure and order, even when things seem chaotic. We have clearly defined rules, such as laws and employment guidelines. We also have unwritten rules for social engagements and other interactions. We honor certain expectations in society, even if we think of ourselves as free spirits or…Life5 min readLife5 min read
Oct 5, 2022Member-onlyMy Life as a 10 Year Old With AutismTips for kids living with autism — Note: This article was written by my 10-year-old son. Unfortunately, he’s too young for a Medium account, so I’m publishing his article for him. My life used to be a wreck. I used to get suspended at school almost every day. …Autism4 min readAutism4 min read
