CPS Contacted Me Telling Me I Have A Child As Her Mother Was Losing Custody r/Relationships

[@julia7200]

From " *the* kid" and I to " *my* child and I". You can see OPs progress

[@rsmith6425]

That little girl never had someone read aloud to her and then suddenly she has this adoring dad who 'never says no when she asks to play' and a family with sisters. That is the sweetest thing and I'm totally not tearing up

[@elizabethescalante7866]

@@rsmith6425 "I'm not crying! You're crying!" 🤣😭 Also, OP shouldn't feel bad about her mother dying. She was given a chance to get herself clean, but she chose to stay in the hole she crawled into. That was HER hill to literally die on.

[@SwapnilBBagul]

He is already on the correct path. The addition of the kid is fundamentally improving him for good.

[@grantkilbourne4573]

Tampering with a witness is a felony. She could do more time in prison than her husband. Take that recording to the cops immediately if not sooner.

[@Cel3ere5]

Cookies for you. 🍪 🍪 🍪 man, people are dumb. I thought OP was dumb for meeting but at least he recorded it.

[@bribri2925]

I wanna see another update, both of them belong in jail

[@DrFunkman]

It might lead to an investigation, but can’t be used in court. Audio evidence is hearsay and can’t be used in court, especially if it’s a two party state

[@diarradunlap9337]

Second Story: The thief is an awful human being! His wife is even worse; in fact, after trying to proposition OP and then screaming threats and obscenities after being rejected, I wouldn't even call her a bitch. THAT would be an insult to dogs.

[@VPRvanvan]

That last sentence 🤣

[@lista2308]

Try calling her a hag

[@mellowmallow4855]

@@lista2308 insult to witches. Animated and real.

[@curtisfranzen986]

I know right, I'm personally insulted for my lovely Cookie. Cookie is my abused, neglected, abandoned, and then rescued 70lbs female Pit Bull. Cookie has both more compassion and sense than this woman.

[@Russman67]

Story 2: So wait. The neighbor walked into his house, took his wallet, walked to the store, bought a bunch of beer with his cards and return the wallet. And OP is supposed to not file charges? Woman please. He's gotta deal.

[@browhattheactualfu-2659]

And the wife tried to blackmail him? Nah that's so dead

[@spykewyn8395]

Hopefully that will be the neighbor's rock bottom and he can rebuild from there. Sounds like he's been bailed out far too often already.

[@hunterjames8653]

Story 2: absolutely press charges but people LOCK YOUR DOORS

[@anonmouse15]

Would have worked, if not for the fact that he was recording it.

[@SkyEcho751]

I'm thinking that the wife was withholding money in an attempt to keep him in recovery. But that doesn't and/or wouldn't excuse what he did.

[@TraceyBoyland]

Wow. I'm so glad that young girl meshed with her dad. 10 years is a big age to establish familial connections.

[@2Cambell]

Kiddos are often resilient in surprising ways, especially when they have a positive situation and strong person in their lives. A long time ago, I read several different things indicating that children before age 12, are easier to adapt and adjust because their sense of self and moral compass aren't completely set yet. I've had different friends of mine confirm this, through experience with fostering, adoption and family members being dumped at their door. Personally, I knew that an adustment period needed to happen, but I always thought that was ridiculous and that almost every child will grow up to be wonderful in a loving and caring home. Sounds like OP did this!

[@rylashadow18]

That last one has me believing she's pulled this kinda stunt before. Keep those charges in place OP and forward that recording to your lawyer. Witness harassment/ victim harassment charges should be brought up against her as well as attempting to purger herself, attempting to make a false police statement as well. Security cameras, ring camera's, dash camera's and no tresspassing signs while your at it.

[@jamestown8398]

I agree, OP needs to give the recording to his lawyer to preempt her.

[@Dragonemperess]

It would also help others in case she falsely framed them for doing things to her. No way this is her first time.

[@MrJpaynebb]

Definitely make copies to give to OP's lawyer, the cops and the DA. That wife may have started off as a victim of his drinking but she's turned into a liar and blackmailer to cover his crimes. Sad but she's still responsible for her actions. Hope OP reports her as well.

[@robertx8020]

The worst thing is that w/o the recording, her accusing OP of rape could actually have worked :(

[@Emily-ck9ji]

Aww! Oh my god. The updates with OP in the first story and his newfound daughter were amazing to hear! Such a wonderful result. I'm proud of him for stepping up as a father. These stories almost never have happy endings, so it's nice when the odd one pops up. - Just reached the part of the story where he's found out the child's mother passed away. Unfortunately, it seems like he suspected it would happen way before it actually did. It looks like OP and his daughter (as well as the fiance and his daughters) have made the best of their lives together. I wish their family all the best.

[@itsjustme7487]

It sounds like he turned into an amazing father!

[@danacarter9147]

@@itsjustme7487 Absolutely! He's like a lion protecting his cubs!👍

[@brothersgt.grauwolff6716]

blood doesn't define family it's defined by those who love and care for each other OP is a true father through the struggle he's persevered

[@curtisfranzen986]

On top of that, OP is rolling with a situation that he knew nothing about a year previous. I obviously can't say for sure, but I have the feeling that OP has pep talks with himself regularly. You know, "I got this, I got this, I got this", etc. Well, Op, you do"got this"! You are doing a fantastic job with a difficult and surprised situation. Keep up the good work.

[@camwyn256]

It's so sweet, I think I've got diabetes now😅

[@Mewse1203]

Story 2 OP NEEDS to take that tape to the cops. What she did was a crime: witness tampering followed by witness intimidation.

[@colleencook382]

Thank God OP chose to record that meeting! Smart thinking! Press charges on both!

[@susankaempfer8427]

@@colleencook382absolutely. As another commenter said, being bailed out without consequence is likely the reason it got this bad. Hope he gets help.

[@CrypticCharm]

who else loves it when a reddit post has a good ending. even with the death of the bio mum, shame she was never able to beat her demons. but for the op to live better, get a good relationship with his daughter and others. it's wonderful second story just sue both of them, one is a thief, both are liars. imagine that being played out in court.

[@tailsimp]

Story 1: I hope this man understands how good and strong he is. This situation is one of the kind that really shows you who you are and he's shown himself to be a great man and a fantastic father. Im so glad for his daughter that she has this man as a father and her as his daughter.

[@brigidtheirish]

And trying *way to hard* to be tactful when his ex started harassing him for a relationship. I mean, she pretty obviously had *zero interest* in her own *daughter* and even *less* interest in getting clean. He should've told where to shove her 'friendship' and blocked her.

[@rachellittle7671]

Absolutely. OP has proven himself both to himself and the daughter that needs him. Kicking an addiction is no joke in itself, and adding a surprise child into the mix is a massive life changing, stressful event. 100% king behavior, and I wish him and his daughter all the best together. I just loved the part about playing with Barbies with his daughter. It's just so wholesome

[@anthonycrowley2264]

@@rachellittle7671 and on top of that coming to terms with his sexuality and coming out of the closet!

[@TriXJester]

Story 2: To OP's points; - Just cause the door was unlocked does not make it okay. - Addicts steal money, thats just what they do, and they probably dont have as much as you think they do or its very closely monitored by the wife. - Aint likely. - Always! Press! Charges!

[@deeplyblue7299]

Yeah glad the op recorded the whole thing...pretty nasty of that woman to offer her used up snatch to get the husband scot free she can offer her free services in jail for a cigarette i guess ...nasty people

[@sylvestercat1898]

Yeah OP won’t be able to force them to move, what he can do is sue and continue on with the charges. It’d also be a good idea to not be alone with that guys wife, thankfully he has the recording but for his safety he should stay a hundred feet away at all times.

[@brigidtheirish]

It's like the thief who tried to break into a store through a skylight, fell through breaking several bones, and then *sued the store* for not having a railing around the skylight. *And won!*

[@femboy__bunny]

THE DAD IN STORY ONE IS INTO DUDES LIKE ME!!!!! IM SO HAPPY I HOPE HE HAS A GOOD LIFE!!!!!

[@AngelaVEdwards]

It took me a few minutes before I put it together. LOL Glad he found the man of his dreams.

[@kellypatterson8506]

2nd story if you're just drunk and accidentally went into the wrong apartment that's one thing it happens but throwing the stealing on Top of that and that's a whole different story

[@sopadumacacoumadelicia5]

I'm glad OP got to improve his life and his daughter's life. A shame the mom passed, maybe she could have improved her life given the time. I hope they are all ok from now on.

[@haannishh]

Sadly most addicts dont change. My mom is 55 and an alcoholic and sadly I believe she will only stop the day the drinks herself to death, I had to go NC to heal from her abuse in my teens which was both physical and verbal. I love my mom deeply, but I think the day she passes I will feel relife and maybe grife over what couöd have been

[@leaf4087]

I'm happy for him but I'm a little bit worried about how fast he was to marry his fiance

[@shells500tutubo]

@@leaf4087 Where did it say he got married?

[@sopadumacacoumadelicia5]

@@haannishh I'm sorry to hear that, friend :( You just take care of yourself and don't lose all hope, sometimes things take a turn for the best

[@Lestaticate]

2nd Story: Hell yeah, press charges! Also gated community or not, LOCK YOUR DAMN DOOR. I have to reprimand my Dad from this every now and then. (I don't care that we don't live in NYC anymore, safety first!)

[@Avrysatos]

Sometimes I don't lock my door if I'm expecting company shortly and I'll go take a nap. You see I have a 70lb automatic alarm, He's a pit bull mix and freaks out and gets so excited when anyone comes by so he wakes me right up. Best alarm ever. Basically if you're going to leave your door unlocked at all (i don't live in a community even) make sure you have some other way of keeping those who don't belong out of your house.

[@LilChuunosuke]

@@Avrysatos i mean, I'd still lock your door regardless in case someone knows about your dog and tries to take a swing at them. Locking the door protects both you AND your dog from potential harm. I'm sure your pittie is real tough, but humans are just physically bigger and can weild weapons

[@Avrysatos]

@@LilChuunosuke He's not tough. He's a smushy marshmallow. He's loud. I'm tough. I also live in the middle of nowhere so I get plenty warning to lock the door if the car is unfamiliar, but even so I keep my door locked 99% of the time.

[@brigidtheirish]

To be fair, OP was home at the time. Most people don't think to lock their door if they're *home.*

[@brigidtheirish]

@@Avrysatos Definitely sounds like a pittie to me. Some of the sweetest dogs I've ever met. My sister, brother-in-law, and I (I rent their basement) live on a farm with a couple of four-legged alarms, too. An Old English sheepdog and a mini-Australian shepherd-Great Pyrenees mix. Yeah, you heard that right. He looks like a golden retriever set to extra fluffy.

[@lizfritz6546]

Im sorry as someone who grew up in a city where the whole city acted like one gated community (and therefore over half of the city was an alcoholic or a drug addict but it was fine because they were rich), do NOT feel sorry for them. Rich/upper middle class people get away with doing absolutely abhorrent things all the time, even while drunk/high, and just pay off instead of getting treatment or facing consequences while completely sober poor people get tossed in jail for years for petty crimes. Charge them and refuse to back down every time. If you don’t want them in jail, say you will take them getting treatment and probation. Anything to put a stop to them.

[@Steampunkkids]

And, for goodness sake people, lock your doors!

[@danishaussie63]

Awwww, what an awesome update for the 'new' dad lol. His daughter will never forget him playing dolls etc with her. My dad was like this with us, and then all the grandkids. He was the biggest sooky sooky la la head lol. Mr ex navy with tatts down his arms, with his own baby puppet doll(that mum bought him😅). He would put it in the crook of his arm like he was feeding a baby, and move it so it looked like it was real lol. It was the sweetest moment to see with the families little ones watching. So nice to hear a great ending with a bonus for me of getting a memory from so long ago.🥰

[@danacarter9147]

Ikr. This leaves no dry eyes in the house.🥲💖

[@danishaussie63]

@@danacarter9147 Pretty much...I inherited the 'sooky sooky la la' gene lol.😅💜

[@chelbanna]

First Story: OP sounds like literally the best dad ever. Premieres for home movies? Weekly library visits with slushies and read-alouds?? darn, some people are just born to parent, and he and his daughter are so lucky to have eachother.

[@photofreak56]

Okay, the first story just made me smile while crying. I haven't ever had something like that happen to me but the fact that this man stepped up. Is doing his best as a dad and clearly loves the kid to death just makes me so happy. My own dad wasn't perfect but he loved me more than anything and that's what mattered. It's clear that this little girl has the same amount of love from her dad and that's what matters. She isn't alone. I wish OP and his new family all the love, joy, and good in the world.

[@allisonhupp6596]

wholesome story followed by a sociopath, what a rollercoaster

[@deeplyblue7299]

The last story glad the op had enough common sense to record this ...the neighbors are clearly trash who deserve all the bad stuff happening to them ..hope he sues them for everything.

[@jamestown8398]

I agree. I hope he forwards the recording to his lawyer.

[@dianasmith8248]

Story one: I am glad for OP and his daughter. I feel sad for her that her mom couldn’t get clean and has passed away as a result. The only thing he can do is to continue to be the best parent he can be to her.

[@danacarter9147]

Same here. If OP's daughter was still in her mother's custody, that poor kid definitely would've ended up in the foster care system, or an orphanage.

[@dianasmith8248]

@@danacarter9147 Yes she would’ve so I’m glad that her mother had the foresight to list him as the father. Although the mother must not have been on any type of government assistance because if she was the state would have more than likely tracked him down before they did. It’s still sad that she could not get clean for her daughter though.

[@danacarter9147]

@@dianasmith8248 I so agree with you.

[@EveryDayALittleDeath]

The first story was so heartwarming. I'm so happy for OP, his fiancé and their girls.

[@kateemma22]

OP1 really said 'it's never too late to live your best life'. Took him 40 but now he has everything good in this world.

[@didyasaysomethin2me]

Story 1 Update 2: It's so cool that OP is so supportive of his daughter's creative exploits. For all anyone knows she could even be the next Penny Marshall someday.

[@mbyerly9680]

The drunk's wife is probably watching his credit cards, etc., to make sure he isn't buying beer. So, in his infinite drunk wisdom, he decided to use his neighbor's card. I hope OP has put a watch on his credit.

[@lizfritz6546]

Also, in all 50 states, you can record someone else in a public setting where it is reasonable to assume you are likely to be recorded without needing to tell them (like restaurants, sporting events, parks, museums, busses, subway, public streets, sidewalks, etc.). If the news can be there to talk about the happenings of the day without blurring you out, you can be there and record without a problem*. It is only in private settings where it is reasonable to assume you will NOT be recorded that you have to get consent, if your state is two party (cars, private property - exceptions come with being the owner/security cameras, obviously- , established private spaces such as bedrooms, bathrooms, usually individual office spaces, phone calls, etc. Any place/anything that feels private and like it shouldn’t have a recording device probably makes the list but you can check. Of course, security cameras placed by owners typically do not count). *Please don’t be a creep though. There are laws against that.

[@demonic_myst4503]

Well what u said is genral law on the issue if you can asuke your have privacy then its ilegal to record u without consent In oublic its looser restrictions In genral its just private property protections

[@OZARKMOON1960]

#1 - OP called it about the fate of his kid's mom. Sadly, that is often the outcome; you cannot make someone sober or kick a habit, they have to want it first. Hope he, his daughter and their new family continue to be happy and live a good life.

[@dianabialaskahansen2972]

Story 1 is so heartwarming, even if it also has lows. He definitely found the missing pieces when becoming a dad and then finding a boyfriend.

[@madisonl3401]

A child surprise?! Wow. Time to pull a Geralt of Rivia! 💪💪💪

[@JasperCatProductions]

Story 2 press charges and lock your freaking doors.

[@macylouwho1187]

This illustrates the highs and lows of parenthood so well. There are moments when you are so happy that you feel truly blessed, like you have been given the gift of your entire life in the love of a family. Watching your kids grow and achieve milestones, accomplish those small feats and you feel true happiness and pure joy. Other moments, you’re sitting in an emergency room in the middle of the night, exhausted out of your damn mind because your kid is scary sick and you can’t wait another moment to take them in for treatment. The hours tick by, you feel sick yourself from exhaustion and stress. We just had this happen a couple of months ago. Our daughter (she’s in Uni but living at home) had a progressive back injury that no amount of meds could conquer, she was on the biggest level dose of multiple heavy hitters they could give her (Vicodin/Valium/muscle relaxers/400 mL of ibuprofen) and STILL she couldn’t stop hyperventilating type crying or get up off the floor for any amount of time. She had an appointment for surgery, but we just couldn’t make it any longer. So out we went in the middle of the night to the nearest two hour drive away emergency facility with an on call neurosurgeon. And we sat up with her that night while she was doped up on even higher level intravenous drugs only available in the hospital until she could get surgery the next morning. A $79,000 spinal surgery later, she was fixed. Yay US healthcare system, you are not great. But at least she’s back to normal now thank god (and the surgeon). But that’s parenthood for you, the highest highs and the lowest lows. But at the end of life, when all else falls away and you lose everything material you worked for your whole life-there are your children beside you. Love is all that matters in the end. There’s no luggage rack on a hearse and you can’t take anything with you but the love that lives inside of you-and you remain inside of them forever in their hearts.

[@photofreak56]

Hey, do you have a pay pal or a go fund me? I'd like to send a little to help with the hospital bill. I don't have much but if I can help I would like to.

[@brigidtheirish]

Wow. That sounds *awful.* Pretty sure my parents can relate. Especially Dad, who's always wanted to be a dad and *still* after nearly forty years thinks there's nothing better, but also spent the first several years constantly worried that Mom would drop dead on him and he'd have to figure out how to raise us on his own while realizing he had absolutely no *clue* how small humans worked.

[@macylouwho1187]

@@photofreak56 that’s very kind, but we’ve got it handled through our job health insurance and paying the rest out of pocket. Thank you for thinking of us though.

[@FanFicnic]

This whole story is the kind of thing social workers wish they had the resources to facilitate. I’m very proud of OP.

[@britnicox3929]

The first story kept getting better and better, and his meet cute with his husband???? God this shit could be a movie

[@srsh12345]

Connection between daughter and father who never knew each other. Turns into a positive life energy for both of them. So uplifting.

[@someanon1984]

I love how the first story was so wholesome and then the second story was so weird. LOL

[@connierichards7781]

Wonderful dad. You got a late start with her but so what. Keep up doing everything with her and make wonderful memories together.

[@trashotaku]

I applaud op in the first story for not only getting clean, but stepping up to the role of father for his surprise daughter

[@littleflame5530]

I'm happy to hear the father didn't hesitate and took his child in and decided to be an amazing father. Congratulations on your fiance and his girls.

[@TabbiToyCollectibles]

In the last one, hopefully they live in a one party state where he didn't need to get her permission to record their conversation or it will get thrown out if he tries to sue.

[@demonic_myst4503]

Location matters more If he in a place he can legoay argue presumed privacy it be ilegal to record if it public then not ilegal

[@sharkladyindisguise]

This first story made me so happy. Both a happy ending for the kid and for Dad, both getting clean and stopping suppressing who he is. So good.

[@charles0322mrsdani]

Last story: I would go to the police and add this to the report just a bit of cya . Dont think they could do anything except maybe witness tampering and blackmail , so you never know.

[@Shangori]

What a wonderful first story. I adore these. I'm so happy for him and her and the entire gang now included. Glad you throw in these ones at times.

[@jamisonosborne]

Story 1: Sadly, in the US, legal parentage varies wildly from state to state. Some states require either the signature of the father or a paternity test to list a person as the father. Some states only require the mother to write down a name and then it becomes the alleged father's sole responsibility to prove paternity. It's an impossible quagmire at the best of times.

[@TraceyBoyland]

When my daughter was born the father had to be present to be on the birth certificate. We couldn't just say a name . BTW 1990 Even in 1996. Same rule

[@joaolima7131]

@@TraceyBoyland unfortunately some places have really stupid laws

[@Sorchia56]

The first story is so phenomenal! What a brilliant life they are both having. Miracles happen in ways we never expect. Best wishes to that Dad and daughter!

[@carolroberts4614]

1st story, I'm so glad everything has worked out for Op and his daughter! And fiance and girls too! They all sound lovely.

[@danacarter9147]

Amen! God bless that man's heart!🙏💛👍👍👍👍

[@deathstrokecat5390]

1st: congratulations to op for getting and staying sober, and I am glad he’s becoming an amazing father. 2nd: That man needs face the music, and his wife needs to stop enabling him. Glad op was smart enough to record the conversation, I’d personally try and go for a restraining order against them both.

[@thevoidismyhome7242]

Story 1: That story is so good, esp the father realizing he's gay

[@pambarab5506]

Story 1. I have a very boring life compared to Reddit stories (most of the time I'm thanking God it's boring instead of like those stories). But this one just warmed my heart. It's not all sunshine and roses, but however fantastically OP's relationship started with his child, it has changed him for the better. And I feel better knowing there ARE good people out there. Story 2. Well that escalated! Glad he had the forethought to record the conversation.

[@lisakaz35]

Wife thinks she's a control freak of a drunk. Yeah, she's also an enabler. That was also my mother. Ugh. Not a good look.

[@danacarter9147]

Oh, Jesus. I'm so sorry.😔

[@lisakaz35]

@@danacarter9147 Thanks. It is what it is. I think it was codependency. He became a drunk 'cause she was a controlling covert narcissist. She "managed" it because it suited her victim image.

[@dr0g_Oakblood]

10:02 - Can confirm this story is tooth-rottingly sweet, it really does feel like a feel-good movie. Former addict turns his life around, gets custody of daughter he never knew he had, loves being a dad, realizes that he's bi after meeting another single dad, their daughters are friends-turned stepsisters, just so many tropes lmao.

[@AndyyWithAY]

The Killers are my all-time favorite band, so I instantly love the daughter.

[@Davtwan]

To anyone that takes fatherhood for granted or doesn’t recognize its importance, then this story (if true) should give them food for thought.

[@photofreak56]

He made me think of my own dad. The spending time reading together made me have to stop because it made me think of being that age and my dad reading to me (I'm really dyslexic so my dad always read to me). I'm glad that this kid has a parent like that

[@danacarter9147]

@@photofreak56 You are so lucky to have a dad who loves and cares about you.💛

[@SimonDeBelleme1]

Story 2. Press charges against the wife for attempted blackmail, conspiracy to pervert the course of justice and for witness intimidation. That should see her go away for a few years.

[@itsjustme7487]

Congrats OP #1. Hugs to you and your new family.

[@misamisaa4547]

First story feels like it would make a great ground for a movie/novel full of healing and self discovery 🥺

[@jeanipin3430]

He really did the right thing recording their meeting. It was a good move meeting her in the end and finding out her character.

[@andrewalexander9492]

Except in a number of states, he was breaking the law by recording the conversation, and in court the recording might not have been admissible because it was illegal. Not that he was wrong to record it, more commenting on the stupidity of it being illegal to record what someone says to you. (like threatening a criminal act against you)

[@charliefey8974]

Story 2: I kept thinking he just wanted to hide the purchases from his wife and figured OP wouldn't notice small enough charges

[@MsUnamusedNerd]

STORY 2: eeww…. That woman’s a creep….

[@HoneyBakedHamlet]

'... everyone told me, not to stroll on that beach... seagulls gonna come, poke me in the coconut.. and they did.. and they did...'

[@blackandbluemadness7965]

I hope in a few years the daughter (who seem to have a passion for movie making) will make a biopic about her dad's life

[@jojocandy2025]

Im late to thiw but this first story!!! From an ex addict and a child that wasnt loved, to an amazing new family AND being able to live as the person he is. This is the best thing ive ever heard

[@dmikewilcox]

Story 1 was one of the most wholesome stories I have ever heard.

[@davidlionheart2438]

Story 2 - Anybody f*cking stupid enough to not just leave their doors unlocked but to GO TO SLEEP with their doors unlocked deserves every damn thing OP's going through.

[@TwoStepILY]

Story 1: I’m not crying your crying.

[@trainerlesseevee478]

WHY WOULD YOU NOT LOCK THE DOORS?! DONT EVEN LEAVE YOUR LOCKS UNLOCKED!! It doesn't matter if you think it's safe. IT. IS. NOT. SAFE. NOWHERE IS SAFE! LOCK. YOUR. DAMN. DOORS!!!

[@itsjustme7487]

ABSOLUTELY AGREE 👍

[@dramuckus]

Thank you, every one seems to be over looking this. I don't know about America but here in Australia if you leave your doors unlocked your insurance company won't cover anything that is stolen

[@Boe-Temeraire]

Ok but I’m on update 2 and it’s so sweet how well they’re doing together!!

[@jhamps4806]

The first story is just wonderful, I got quite emotional. I am so happy for them both.

[@aaronmedley7606]

S1. The things he says may sound harsh but as a guy who been around drug addicts and watched my dad get clean sat in a few AA meeting he dead on about his ex she's the type to OD......called it

[@ameliapond8384]

I am glad I wasn't the only one that started singing when OP talked about "Seagulls Stop It Now!" Mark you're awesome! Much love 💛

[@casperthenotsofriendlyghos8968]

I’m glad this had a happy ending. This reminds me of a similar story where op was also involved in drugs at one point but for clean. Except he found out he was not the father yet still wanted to accept the child as his own. The mother was deep in drugs and refused to give custody. The child didn’t want to leave him. So op even attempted to adopt and gain custody. But sadly he did not win. Now he has no contact with the child and has no legal right to know anything. 🥺

[@lisawhereisthecultjam]

This was the best thing I have heard in a long time. Thank you. I hope OP, his daughter, and his blended family are happy.

[@whatismylatestobsession350]

The first story got me good. I needed a good cry of happiness, thanks to the poster, and thank you Mark!

[@DoomChibi99]

"Everyone told me not to stroll on that beach. Said seagulls gonna come. Poke me in the coconut, and they did" lolol

[@Sparkl73]

The twists! The turns!

[@shinadark]

The update of the last story make me wonder if perhaps the wife not only enabled her husband, but also gone as far as use that very method against her other neighbors as well. I really hope that OP did press charges and gave the record of the wife trying to make him lie to the police and even threaten to call false charges on him to the police if he didn't comply with her demands so that the police could take care of her as well.

[@Athlynne]

OP sounds like a wonderful, involved father, and Emma is apparently flourishing. What a lovely, wholesome story.

[@chocapic2373]

Op had a whole load dropped on him out of nowhere but damn if he didn't do his very best. Hope he and his daughter have a good life together

[@fanendey]

Today's my birthday (April 15th) And the first story made it all the better! Im so happy for OP, that truly made my heart melt... I'm rooting for them and I hope they have the greatest life♡♡♡

[@CarlottaHall]

Story 1 What a heart tugging made for TV movie of a story! Wonderful and real.

[@simac8396]

Story 2: Moral of the story, Lock your doors.

[@owl6637]

First story's OP sounds awesome. Great dad

[@OmniscientlyMe]

I despise the "I am/was drunk" excuse. You choose to get drunk, you accept the consequences of the results.

[@nater1328]

OP wanting to pursue child support from his incarcerated babymomma, after two weeks, not realizing that he’s currently getting off the hook for TEN YEARS of back child support that his baby momma is still entitled to- is the biggest example of guy math I’ve ever seen. I’m glad his arc was a positive one

[@ivymerritt7577]

Story 1: It's the ONIONS, I swear!!! 😭😭😭😭

[@gerrymichaud3851]

First story, he needs to have her see Babymetal, they may sing in Japanese but some of their songs about body dysmorphia, anti bullying, and facing and conquering your fears.

[@SatinFoxx]

As someone who hates kids the first story makes me feel so happy for the guy. He clearly needed that kid in his life as much as she needed him.

[@rubymeaddle]

I'm so sad Emma's mom couldn't clean up for a reunion 😔

[@Freakz0id]

😢Didn’t know I needed to cry today. Thank you Reddit and Mark Narrations!

[@brigidtheirish]

First story: The set up reminds me a little bit of how my niece became my niece. My brother-in-law has a young relative who was into drugs several years back and had a girlfriend who was also into drugs. She got pregnant and then he got into a motorcycle accident that left him brain damaged. The girlfriend didn't want the baby and my sister and brother-in-law were contacted asking if they wanted to adopt. They'd found out a year or two previously that they couldn't have kids, so *yes!* The girlfriend ended up spirally down, including a stint at stalking and harassing my sister online. My brother-in-law's young relative got his shit together, went through years of therapy, and now has a fairly stable life. He visited a few months back with his fiance and my niece's baby half-sister. My niece was *thrilled.* The rest... I'm honestly not surprised that CPS is less than helpful *or* that he somehow became her legal father without ever being informed. Fathers are still considered second class, if that, compared to mothers most places. OP is *awesome* for taking on this responsibility and doing everything he can to do right by his surprise daughter. Second story. Theft is theft. What the hell?

[@curtisfranzen986]

To "drunk dude" story. This is the reason I have always had at least one large dog in my home. My 70lbs Pit Bull Cookie won't ask questions. Someone comes into my home uninvited, they will be dealing with a Muscle Missile with teeth flying at their face.

[@roelthas]

And the phrase goes: Always press charges!

[@Silvamoon]

This woman would rather go to jail than rehab? That tells me all I need to know about this woman.

[@dianasmith8248]

Story 2: the wire is as bad if not worse than her husband.

[@JPaterson8942]

OP is a pretty cool dad. Mine could learn a thing or two from him.

[@jettanyx1]

It's adorable hearing op in #1, as if he's experiencing a childhood he may not have had with his daughter. So sweet and wholesome.

[@veldasnyder2170]

OP AND DAUGHTER SUCH A LOVE STORY!

[@mtimm9023]

Story 2 press charges. It's always the best.

[@ashassassin]

I love the wholesome, heart warming stories. They are by far my favorites

[@Wolvesbane39]

First story is so amazingly wholesome!