I Keep Receiving Mysterious Texts That My Boyfriend Is Cheating On Me r/Relationships

[@floraposteschild4184]

S1: whether boyfriend was cheating or not this strikes me as a miserable relationship. He gave her an STD, and still she forgave him. If you want a life of constant checking up and resentment, sure, give him another "chance".

[@fjnxtgdjsjeeh6073]

I agree, people who forgive cheaters and stay with them are only setting themselves up

[@ginathecookie]

@@fjnxtgdjsjeeh6073 only most of the time There's the rare percentage of cheaters who work on themselves and never cheat again Smol percentage but its there

[@WobblesandBean]

Yeah, because she was only 21 when he got with her in his late 20s. He went for her because she's young and dumb and doesn't recognize red flags like that.

[@nationalsocialism3504]

They were broken up and he most likely had HPV from his ex (or some other woman) before he even got with OP. It's why the HPV vaccine is so important for women to get... its essentially dormant for a man & men won't know they have it unless tested for it but can turn cancerous for women.

[@WobblesandBean]

@@ginathecookie Not worth it. If you were offered a car that "only had a small chance" of the brakes working, you'd be foolish to ever drive it. Lemme guess, you're a cheater and you're trying to feel better about yourself?

[@jenniferhanses7064]

Story 1: The ex was innocent of the cheating, but he did sleep with someone else, lie to you about it when you wouldn't have cared (I agree, you guys were broken up, all he needed to do was tell the truth), and give you an STD. The whole lying leading to STD would have been an end for me. I think you're better off without either of these guys.

[@nationalsocialism3504]

Meh... he gave her HPV long before then if he was even the guy that gave her HPV in the first place. It's ridiculously common lifelong virus and since almost all men don't experience any symptoms & majority of women don't either... the only way that people know they have it is they get tested

[@marshawargo7238]

The Whole Time I was wondering "Why isn't He mad? Why isn't he trying to find out who is trying to break them up?" He's showing her all that proof but not getting mad that Someone is making him need to!

[@DrewLSsix]

@@marshawargo7238 he may well have had something to hide and wasn't sure if this setup was related.

[@invisible123-l9d]

He was emotionally cheating.

[@AnymousScreams]

If someone doesn't tell you they have anything going on down there, be it UTI or STD/STI, that's a deal breaker. Sex is about trust and consent, and most people wouldn't consent to any of those things. OP is more chill than I would be about that whole relationship and situation.

[@fantasystaplesuwu1554]

Psst..... UTIs are not contagious nor even really sex related.... Lmfao.

[@jakemarie828]

@@fantasystaplesuwu1554 they can be contagious depending on the type of bacteria, but they can also pop up on their own so it doesn't really relate to infidelity.

[@fantasystaplesuwu1554]

@@jakemarie828 No, they will never be contagious no matter what kind of UTI... Unless your sexual activities include inserting into the urethra..? In which case, that's not considered safe anyway, lol.

[@AnymousScreams]

@@fantasystaplesuwu1554 I know someone who get a UTI from sex. Point being, if someone has something like an STI, then that's still not cool.

[@emsmith.]

@@AnymousScreams the other person doesnt have to have a uti for you to get one during intimacy

[@MisterNightfish]

Just from reading the title, the first thing that pops to mind is "This is someone who wants to get with you and is trying to get you to break up", and it turns out that's exactly what it was. Don't immediately trust the anonymous tips or accusations without evidence.

[@manxiefeathermoon9888]

It's easy to believe since he cheated for 8 months

[@tephrafalls6321]

How her "friend" said he "wanted a shot" is so disgusting. What, is OP a piece of meat to fight over? Bruh.

[@stirrednotshaken4823]

@@tephrafalls6321 kind of creepy in the fact that he listed details of her bf’s dick! Um, did this so called friend sit back and study his dick? How did he even have the opportunity to study it anyways? 😳🤣

[@Aaron-kj8dv]

yep, put your name on it if it's so important

[@WhitneyDahlin]

@@Aaron-kj8dv I completely agree! BUT if her boyfriend hadn't been unfaithful and a liar she wouldn't have believed the anonymous accusations. My husband has never given me a reason not to trust him and if this happened and I got an anonymous text I wouldn't believe it we would just laugh it off. If the texts kept coming we would probably try to set up an elaborate scheme to catch the sender. Besides once a cheater, always a cheater. I wonder if he was actually cheating on her and that's why he got so defensive. I suspect he was and he just didn't get caught and OPs friend just happened to be right.

[@deepa3610]

I want you to know, Mark Narrations, that you're never ever EVER selfish for finding a way to relate to a story you've read. I don't know how many times I've heard you say you feeling guilty for doing so, but please don't.

[@mellyh76]

The grief story got me. My dad was murdered a little over 2 years ago. We didn't get the chance to say goodbye. We were robbed of a lot. So this story broke my heart, but I'm so glad OP had that chance. Much love! ❤️

[@huntresswane9947]

I'm so sorry for your loss, sending virtual hugs your way 🫂

[@heathermiller5765]

I'm so sorry 🥺

[@LegendaryCS4]

Sending so much love your way. ❤️❤️

[@Lalalein]

Oh gosh that's heartbreaking, I'm so sorry for your loss😔🙏🏻❤️

[@audreym3908]

I'm so sorry for your loss. Did they capture the POS?

[@AntisocialclubSJ]

1st story is the epitome of “the bar is in hell.” “I’m just glad he wasn’t cheating on me”?? He cheated once, lied about sleeping with someone else during a break, trickle truths and did even attempt to clear himself (probably because he couldn’t and would just incriminate himself more). Plus, 2 years together and you’re only 23?

[@Buff_Helpy]

Also no mark, I don't think they can come back from this, nor do I think they should, this shows why even if the cheaters remorseful you should never take them back, the amount of distrust will make you have to be paranoid and watch every little interaction and that level of distrust will break a relationship. It's not good for anyone.

[@jackchop1576]

Seems like many of these narration channels are simping for the woman in any scenario on the page. These dudes will support abuse just to get approval.

[@dream6562]

And now he has a free pass to cheat

[@alenasenie6928]

It would depend how you define cheating, because some define fantasy as cheating, or looking at porn, or reading erotica, those can be repaired because it is not a big deal for most (for some masturbating would be cheating), but the physical part is clear cut, and he did, he got an STD, there is nothing more clear than that.

[@dream6562]

@@alenasenie6928 they idiots then anything not being intimate with another person or showing a person your privates is not cheating

[@joaolima7131]

@@alenasenie6928 it depends on the STD, some STDs can be dormant for years, like Clamydia, or be assintomatic.

[@kateemma22]

The second story (and yours with your dad Mark) reminds me of why I'm such a strong advocate for voluntary euthanasia. My grandfather got lung cancer from secondhand smoke (never picked up a packet in his life but lived many days inside pubs where smokers were) at 78 and the treatments were too hard for him. He just wanted to go. But he wasn't allowed to because we don't have that right to die here. Instead he had to suffer for months with an incurable and barely treatable condition. In the end everyone, from my grandmother to my father and aunts and all us grandkids just agreed when he left that FINALLY he got what he wanted. The tear at her mother's end was relief and I have no doubt in the world that mum has no regrets about any of the things OP2 regrets so I hope she lets go of those soon.

[@theblackKatKuro]

Voluntary euthanasia, although is legal in my country, it has a very administrative and bearaucratic procedure for the family has to go through layers of appeals and stuff. That is why my mom, who has a terminal diagnosis, told me if it ever comes to the point where she has to be put on a life support or ventilator, I am to simply refuse treatment. Bc refusing treatment, which is also legal, is faster than getting euthanasia approved here. I wish they made it more efficient for both the patient and their loved ones.

[@amberleeannalee1999]

Marks voice cracking in the second story pushes me over the edge. I bawled feeling the pain in OPs story and marks voice. This is the best channel on KZbin blessed be Mark and to the entire beautiful community

[@lovelysakurapetalsyt]

The last story nearly made me cry. My mom died of leukemia when I was three, and she always said once she died to remember that she's there when we see yellow or monarch butterflies. I've seen them in times where I want to scream and cry, like she's trying to comfort me. It feels like she was the one who brought the people who I'm best friends with to me, and I know she's the one who's helped me when I can't get out of bed because of my depression. Even if they've passed on, our loved ones are always here with us, whether you believe in a heaven or in the afterlife or not, they're always here with us

[@GMAMEC]

Thanks for sharing your story. I plant yellow flowers (marigolds and zinnias) in remembrance of a loved one. I just saw a beautiful black monarch a few minutes ago. I never saw this particular one. Perhaps it was meant for me to share with you.

[@marilynfynn6935]

I'm so sorry for you. My mum was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in March 2022. No chemo, it reacted a benign legion on her brain. She's a strong woman and I believe in Heaven.

[@lovelysakurapetalsyt]

@@GMAMEC oh my god wow, thank you for sharing that with me, I just seen this today when I'm suffering with my allergies. Put a smile on my face :)

[@lovelysakurapetalsyt]

@@marilynfynn6935 I'm so sorry that happened! Man that sounds so horrible to find out about :(

[@thotimusprimeofficial273]

that last post has me sobbing, i lost my grandfather to cancer 5 years ago. we weren’t close, no one was close to him. he wasn’t a good husband or father but seeing my dad grieve pained me so deeply. I still remember see my dad laying on his bed kicking his feet in the air chatting away to my granddad. trying to discuss plans with him like he wasn’t going to die in the next week, just make him feel normal. Seeing his face when my brother and i arrived hours after he passed. It hurts so bad to remember that.

[@Grimangell135]

This is why reconciling with a cheater will almost never work. The event will always be the crack in the blade to those seeking to take advantage.

[@dawnstone4424]

Mark that second story had to be hard to read to us. Thank you. It was beautiful and horrible all at once. OP rocked it.

[@flowerjpotter1629]

Spoiler Alert !!! How did her male family friend know details about the boyfriend's genitals? What on earth does the girl discuss with her family? How strange !

[@christinesavage4837]

Really, come on they could have been in a gym shower room together. She may not have said anything.

[@ronhall5395]

I assumed they were in a gym class of some sort. Could be her BF had sent some pics out. Still he is a walking red flag. She knew he would have been hard pressed to cheat as they were always together. He gave her an STD. Deal breaker. Does not matter how much he has cleaned up his act.

[@LillyianPuppy]

I'm so confused. The dude did cheat on her, lied repeatedly only to admit it piece by piece, AND gave her an STD, but now because the specific texts were fake, she's apologizing and asking for forgiveness? Did I miss a big chunk?

[@elaexplorer]

He didn't cheat. They broke up. He was with someone else during that time. The issue is that he lied about how far he's gone with that other person. He lied, he didn't cheat.

[@LillyianPuppy]

@@elaexplorer Oooooooh. So he didn't cheat this time, but he lied and said he had an "emotional affair" last time, and only admitted(ish) to that one being an actual, physical affair recently? I guess that makes a little more sense, but still, eew.

[@pelgervampireduck]

I was confused too. I thought "wait, he cheated and gave her an STD!!! how is he not a cheater now??? what is happening?!".

[@nationalsocialism3504]

He gave her HPV long before then if he's the source of her HPV... it's a lifelong viral infection and super common since almost all men display no symptoms and a large number of women don't display symptoms either.

[@joaolima7131]

Some STDs can stay dormant for years without the person knowing they have it, it's pretty common, it not necessarily means the person cheated.

[@dangerouslysane]

Story 2: Thank you so much for sharing this. Profoundly personal, yet universal. As Mark says: Much Love.

[@fabicore100]

That last story made me cry probably as much as you, I can hear you voice turning more and more husky. Beautiful story telling. Btw it's my first comment and I wanted to tell you that our of all reddit narrators, you are my #1, thanks for being here everyday

[@k3upikachu]

I'm 31 and my parents are 61 and losing them is my worst fear. I tried to voice text this comment but couldn't because I started crying. Nobody else in my life has been there for me the way they have, and as an adult I've come to appreciate who they are as people, with their flaws, quirks, interests, and a marriage that taught me to hold out for a partner who makes me laugh every day. I really don't know what I'll do without them, and it frankly sucks knowing that this particular fear WILL come true and I can't do anything about it. I'm at the age where some of my friends have lost their parents, and when I was younger, someone in their thirties having a parent die didn't seem as objectively "tragic" as a child losing a parent. Now that I am that age, I'm realizing that we never stop being children when it comes to our parents.

[@FizzledDreams11]

I feel exactly the same way about my parents and our relationship and their own marriage! I just turned 37 and can't imagine a world my parents don't live in. They're 61/63 years young. They love life and they're wonderful human beings! I'm a dad's girl thru and thru but my mom is the person I call every day. I know one day I won't be able to do that and it makes my heart ache at the thought. Be good to your parents. Be happy. And yes I learned to hold out as well for the one that makes me laugh every day 😊 we will be married finally in October

[@reptiqueen7275]

I almost lost my mom to a heart attack when I was 19, she lived but will never be the same. I live in constant fear of losing her. I'm crying right now thinking of it and I feel so much for anyone who has lost their parents.

[@k3upikachu]

@@FizzledDreams11 I'm guessing you're married now so congratulations!! 🥰🥳

[@FizzledDreams11]

@@k3upikachu I am happily married now woohoo 🎉 😂 best thing we've ever done 💜 thank you so much!

[@juresichj]

I hope you don't spend a lot of time worrying about this. Statistics are on their side for another 20 years. Make a list of things you really want to know about them, and ask and record the answers. Make a list of experiences you want to have together, and make plans to accomplish things on that list regularly. Do everyday things together, like dinner, or bingeing a show together, or working in the garden together. Enjoy the time you have, so you will have few regrets when your time together is done. Also, I'm really happy for you that you have parents you love and will miss. Many of us never had that, and some of us would definitely envy you.

[@GreenSkye42]

Story 2 made me remember my great grandfather. me and him had grown closer towards the end of his life, he was in the merchant navy during WW2 and it was a source of pride. I did a school project on him and his ship. I had joined the Sea Cadets and he was my biggest supporter. He was my inspiration, my role model and a father figure to me. I had gone to see him one last time in the hospital. It was awful, my hero was almost gone. he was ready to see my nan again.. he died a day later. I still miss him.

[@Brizlebird]

The grief story prompted me to call my mum and tell her how much I love her. Thank you for reading the story and the reminder that we need to make the most of every day and ensure that those who we love know that beyond any doubt.

[@carolroberts4614]

I haven't got to that one yet, but I lost my mum suddenly at 19. Treasure your mums!

[@carolroberts4614]

And all loved ones!

[@robertbishop5158]

JFC if this isn't a wake up call to everyone hearing this you only have Is now you aren't promises any future Enjoy now with the ones you love

[@ginathecookie]

Good I lost mine 8 years ago, that's one regret I have. I don't normally encourage this but whoever you have a good relationship with be it family(blood or chosen), friends, etc. If you feel it; tell them you love them. Sincerely, verbally and seriously. Otherwise someday it may be too late. Edit: I have ptsd from it so I won't be checking this thread and I will be skipping the story also.

[@carolroberts4614]

Now I've read the story, it's more like when we lost my sister, except there was 8 months between her diagnosis( which took the doctors several months) and when she died. 8 dreadful months of pain , and in and out of hospital. 7 years on and I still can't get those times out of my head, even though I know she has no more pain.

[@beckabelle5927]

1st mistake was living together only being 2 years in especially after the first cheating incident.

[@AndyyWithAY]

Girl sort yourself out. You got into this ridiculous situation at 21. For EIGHT months he had an affair. Now he's cheating again. Leave him, take some time to self reflect, so you value yourself more in the future.

[@HackiePuffs]

How you feeling after the last update?? 🤣

[@jusminejustice2794]

@@HackiePuffs didn't he gave OP an STD?

[@strawberrycowxo]

But he wasnt actually cheating it was one of ops friends (no longer friends) trying to break them up

[@strawberrycowxo]

@@jusminejustice2794 yes

[@jusminejustice2794]

@@strawberrycowxo Just as I thought. That proves that he didn't learn anything at all from his last time he cheated, upset to hide it better.

[@josephbrown9665]

Op with the sick mother. I know that feeling. My father had stage four cancer. He was doing well until it got to the end where he was in so much pain. He was able to walk around with oxygen but not much and he was flying high on his painkillers. He came to the office in his house and he sat down and talked with me. He told me how proud of me he was and my kids were just beyond proud of how good I have done with them. He said that he taught me how to do it the wrong way so my wife and I did it the right way. I told him that they have gotten a couple but hurts for stuff that they have done but I told them that the one thing that I remember from my childhood was that I had to give respect to get my respect back. He said that they should all have dinner at his house tonight so I called my wife and told her to get the kids together so they could come to dads for dinner. I cooked steaks and they went swimming and I sat with him on the deck and just watched them. I knew he would not make it till morning so I told them to say goodbye and I would call them in the morning. My dad took a little extra pain medicine when we started watching a movie after the kids had left. I fell asleep in a few minutes when I started it. I woke up about 45 minutes later and he was having trouble breathing and he grabbed my hand when I went to call for a ambulance he said I love you son. You have it from here. He passed away 15 minutes later. Still missing him 12 years later.

[@iamalbertwesker2]

A cheater and a nice guy OP sure attracts weirdos lol

[@notacatnt]

Honestly Mark, hearing you read out stories like you did at the end and sharing your own is something else. I've listened to your videos for god knows how many years at this stage, and I remember trying to send a message to you when your father passed because you were so honest about it all and I felt strongly about it. I have a crippling fear of death, but stories like yours are comforting in a really weird way, especially in a world where we don't speak about these situations much. I know we're in a parasocial situation here, but in so many videos you say you don't want to ramble on about things you've experienced, you're hardly rambling. Experiences with bullying, growing up as you did, all of that is stuff you articulate so well. As much as I love hearing you read out Reddit stories, I'd absolutely listen to more personal content like at the end of this video as well. You're somebody with a lot to offer the world, whether that be reading the stories of Redditors, sharing the stories of your listeners, or telling us your own stories. Just food for thought as I sit here trying to sort out a billion things for university. (As an aside: Thank you for your content, I listened to it when studying for my A-levels and now I'm heading to my first-choice university. Had to travel a bit for exams, but it was nice having some of your videos to put on at the end of the day.)

[@colleencook382]

I can only imagine how difficult that last story was for you to read. Big mama bear hugs to you Mark and the OP.

[@ellybubbs9114]

I feel like a broken record, but I understand everything OP said in story 2. I'm on month 5 of my grief journey, and people talking openly about it has been so priceless in my healing process. Thank you for being here, Mark. I didn't expect it, but this channel has been integral to my acceptance of life moving forward. Parasocial or not, you make a difference! 💛🦋 P.S. the other drivers think we're insane, obviously! But you got a good laugh out of me, thanks again!

[@Mewse1203]

Grief story: That story is heartbreaking. I'm so sorry OP. In a lot of respects, I'm glad my dad went from a quick heart attack. Seeing him on pain for a long time would have been horrible.

[@emilypayton2070]

Mark I could hear the emotion in your voice while you read that. As someone who has had similar experiences with my own parents and dealt with it in my own way - stories like these help work through the journey of grief. Especially as someone, like myself, who is seen as someone who deals with grief in a weird way. Thanks for this one.

[@wolfwhistlewoowoo6297]

Mark, you are such a joy to listen to. I especially appreciate your courage and openness to share your own personal life experiences and your perspective. Thank you so much for your time ♡♡♡♡

[@dianajohnson7337]

Oh my goodness the grief story got me so much, so many similarities with the loss of my mother almost 5 years ago. There are still times when the phone rings and I think, "Mom must need to go to the store."

[@juliamiller2299]

Story 2. As soon as I heard the symptoms, I knew exactly what her mom's disease was since the exact same thing happened to my late husband, and he lasted 6 weeks after the diagnosis. It was horrible watching him die in a hospice and I was also there for him when he died. I feel for OP as pancreatic cancer is usually a death sentence and it acts all too quickly, giving you so little time with your loved one and watching them quickly die in front of you. After his death, there were many times in our home, that I would suddenly feel chilled to the bone and I was covered with goosebumps on my skin. This would happen to me daily, until after I moved out, and it stopped occurring.

[@KatzMcKatz]

Yeah, same for me. My mom only lived a month after diagnosis. I stayed with her almost 24/7 that month only leaving to eat and a hour or two at a time to go shower. It broke me. She was a sweet, kind person. I don't think I'll ever be truly happy again. At least now it has decreased to being just a constant background sadness.

[@DarkAngel65989]

Fuck, I start crying as Mark started reading the second story, thinking of my dad

[@ryanBEA-loveislovegetoverit]

the last story have me crying like a baby

[@desertgirl8647]

The story about grief hit very close to home. I lost my best friend in life, my mommy on June 29th 2022. I miss her so much! When she was in the ER, the nurse put the phone to her ear and told her, Carman is on the phone. She said hi Carman and I said hi mama. She was already critical but she managed to speak out to me. She passed the next day. I still want to call her and tell her a joke, a funny story or just to tell her I love her. ❤️ 😥

[@PrincessAfrica3]

Im so sorry 😢 God bless you my dear and a big hug💛

[@desertgirl8647]

@@PrincessAfrica3 thank you.

[@D-Dollie]

The story of grief…oh wow. This made me cry! Reminding me of my own dad’s passing seven years ago from cancer. I can’t believe it has been seven years. Feels like just yesterday when I was holding his hand as he took his last breath! It is still hard for me to talk about his final moment! I don’t know if it will ever be easy!

[@lisakaz35]

The hidden number aspect seems sus. Could go either way. I'd ask that other person to prove it and have the guts to ID him/her self.

[@syreetabrown8801]

The last story about the mom with cancer has me just bawling. I'm so sorry about your mom. My family just had the service for my dad who passed from COVID-19 in 2020 and I'm still very raw. This reminded me to look for signs of my dad too. That he's still around and watching over us. Much love to you and your family. I'm so glad you're finding some peace with the situation. She's with you every day.

[@novakane701]

I could hear your tears in your voice, Mark. I too shed some tears. I miss my parents every day, regardless of how much time has passed.

[@wishmom100]

The grief story was beautiful , raw and truly touched my heart. I thank OP for sharing her experience because it WILL definitely help people, even if they aren't aware of it.

[@cheyennetrumbos]

Jesus Christ, that grief story. Fuck me, I'm crying...

[@ApatheticallyPleasing]

Yeah, it was very well written and detailed it feels like you're going through it with them, even if you haven't experienced that yet.

[@jessereyna6662]

Damn Mark, I could hear it in your voice. Right now I have two family members on and off fighting cancer. It’s painful to watch, I can’t imagine how they feel, not the physical pain but the mental pain. #FuckCancer

[@Boundwithflame23]

I concur with that sentiment. Cancer can go pound sand.

[@XxTayC94xX]

S2: the butterflies being a symbol of her mom still being around made me think of a lovely quote from Mr. Inbetween "you don't ever die, you just change form. We're all just matter"

[@madisonl3401]

My best friend died suddenly in 2019. She was 30 years old. We released butterflies at her celebration of life ceremony. When I’m having a hard day and really miss her, she sends me a beautiful huge Monarch butterfly. I know she is still with me giving me support and love.

[@bellarose-au]

The woman who described her grief for her mother, that's the best way I've ever heard grief described over time. It doesn't really go, just... isn't at the surface as much. After hearing how hard it's been for some to bring up funeral arrangements with parents who are at end of life stage, I am thankful to my parents for discussing their final wishes openly, honestly, clearly and regularly with us since we were young. We know it will still be hard on us all, but we also won't need to have those conversations at the most difficult of times.

[@theschnauz2138]

The grief story really resonated with me. My dad died of the same cancer and only a few weeks after he was diagnosed. Even the raspy final breaths were the same. The op’s post was beautifully written.

[@GMAMEC]

Thank you for sharing the story about grief. So many people are unaware of the process and have difficulties understanding certain feelings. It’s so important that we cease every moment with love, compassion, and patience. It’s my hope that this story helps people who are grieving. ♥️

[@WhtAbtBob10]

Story 1: That relationship is toxic af and sounds miserable. Neither of them are doing any favors to the other by not breaking up.

[@YukikoSnowLeopardess]

S2: I know the feeling for OP, when our loved ones leave us a "sign" that they are still with us. I lost my older brother almost 16 years ago to fatal sepsis, and one night I finally had the courage to go through the living room where he died in front of my eyes, as I went into the kitchen to get a drink, this was about 4AM back then as I was an all-nighter then. When I walked by his ashes, he had this little plastic rose that would blink red-blue lights, and when I went by his ashes the first time it was off, but when I went back a second time, it was turned on. My parents were asleep upstairs so I knew it wasn't them. The ones we lost, are forever with us, in our minds, our hearts and our spirits, they are never forgotten, but forever missed. I hope you and your Dad are doing better these days. Hopefully one day, cancer can rot in hell.

[@CodenameTurtle]

Story 2: So beautiful and sorrowful. It brought me to tears. Grief is always horrible.

[@kristybrown4146]

The grief story really got me. I was with my mom when she breathed her last after an 8 month battle with Leukemia. I was with her at her diagnosis and tried to stay with her throughout. She was stoic just as the mother in this story. And the night she passed, I held her hand and told her it was OK to let go and that I love her.

[@madelinerintoul7457]

Thank you Mark for sharing the second story and for being so open about your own story. I’m currently going through my own grief journey, and knowing that it’s a shared experience helps a lot. Western society doesn’t talk about grief and death enough, and I’m very appreciative right now of the people who speak up. Love to all

[@maxinemyers9215]

So sorry for your loss💐You had the most wonderful mother and I wish you peace in your grief 🙏💙🙏

[@tinak2576]

Our mom left signs she was nearby for months after passing. Ten years gone and I’ll never recover from her loss. I’m so grateful she was surrounded by all of us in her final moments. ❤

[@loridetweiler1345]

Hey Mark! Love what you do! Just wanted to share my take on grief. I lost my daughter at 5 months old. She spent her whole short life in the hospital. Not your typical happy ending but we did have SO many wonderful memories as well as the sad ones. Grief is like the ocean. Sometimes it's peaceful and calm, even beautiful. At times it's rough and stormy snd can even knock you off your feet by surprise. But it's always there.

[@KimPantoja]

Ugh that second story hit so close to home. My mom got cancer and like 2 weeks later she was gone. I took care of her that whole time and watching her leave was the hardest thing in the world. I didn't have any time to grieve because I had been helping take care of my grandma (her mom) at the time and I was so scared for her because I have only seen her this sad one other time and it was when her son passed. So this story just brought back all the emotions. It's been 12-13 yrs and I'm still not over it. She was my best friend and it sucks she is gone.

[@EveryDayALittleDeath]

The last story. Thank you for reading it Mark, and thank you OP, if you see this, for sharing it with us. My mom passed nearly two months ago and I haven't been able to cry. I've wanted to but it just wouldn't happen. I often can't cry even when I want to due to past trauma. I'm sobbing as I write this. I miss her so much. But I think I really needed to hear this story. I'm not ready to do it yet, but maybe someday I can share my grief story on the subreddit and someone will see it and it will help them. Thank you so much Mark and OP. Much love

[@ukchanak]

The story of grief also is a great reminder to get multiple opinions from doctors; that cancer could have been found early and things might have been different

[@nuyabuisness7526]

I hope to go out even half as contented as that mother. She knew she was mortal and was happy to able to go with no regrets.

[@madisonl3401]

Oh my gods I was not ready for that story….. I’m bawling. I’m so sorry for OP

[@Buff_Helpy]

Sunday marknarrations video Count Dooku:"I've been looking forward to this."

[@helenlewis2510]

2nd story I remember a couple years back my mom was sick and we thought she was actually dying because it was something she had been going to the doctors for over a year and no one could figure out what was wrong but she couldn’t keep food down and she was in constant pain. It took a year and my family all thought that she was actually dying for the doctors to figure out she had celiac disease and we were very lucky that it wasn’t something that was actually killing her but it sucks that it took a year for them to figure that out.

[@brandi5126]

My dad died 8 years ago and I still grieve. It sucks, but you just learn to live with the pain.

[@deettekearns9092]

I can relate to the OP who knows her mom is around. My dad passed in 2014 and he has come to me many times since. I am always surprised when folks say a beloved friend or relative who has passed has never made contact. A big hug to those of you grieving.

[@kristinecollier8113]

Her story of grief broke me, but I'm glad you read it and I'm so happy she wrote it. I never got along with my dad, but I have and still do grieve 21 years later. It's the worst emotion.

[@brokenrabbit8817]

2nd Story Op Thank you for sharring with us! I Have Not lost my parents yet but lost my brother 20+ years ago. My Brothers death was due to un natural causes and unfortunate for my family we may truly never have answer and details let alone any justice for my brothers death. I was angry for many years that followed in till I realized I was holding on to him and not letting him move on. My point in writing this was to say thank you for taking the time to write this and share with us your journey I Think sharing and expressing ones emotions about something like this crucial regardless of where you are in the stages of grief. I am sending you Light Love and positive vibrations

[@breannaweiss8447]

Ugly crying down the road to a random song my dad loved is something I hadn't thought I'd share. But yeah, sometimes an old favourite song that he used to belt at my mom is enough to bring them back, just a little. Now I'm ugly crying to your video, thanks Mark!

[@anndownsouth5070]

To the OP of the grief story : thank you for writing and sharing your story with us. Any one that has lost someone especially a parent can relate and you have explained grief very well. Next month it will be 8 years since my mum died and I still miss her a lot, but in my case I remember her when there are beautiful big clouds and I always think:I hope she gets a chance to jump in the clouds. Also the moment you said your mum had back pain I knew it was cancer. It happened to a neighbor up the street from me. And the progression was also very fast. It went from :she has cancer, but she can be treated to she has cancer but it doesn't look to good, to she is terminal in a matter of a few weeks. Strongs to you and everyone that has walked this road. The pain gets bareable but never really leaves us. 💖🌈💐

[@junecleaver4099]

I can only imagine that reading that lady's story of grief was hard for you and/ or bought up a lot of emotions . Thank you for always sharing your own stories, emotions and vulnerability with us. I , for one appreciate it and that's why yours is one of my favourite channels.I hope you are having a great , sending love from Australia to you and Poppy ❤

[@Greenwren]

That grief story hits hard, I did this twice in 6 years first for my mom and recently my dad. This second time I felt like I won't survive this loss but of course I will. It's been 4 months now. PS: I also ugly cry in the car at least once a week.

[@gcarr1089]

Last story - I believe the spirit of the ones that pass do leave us small clues they are there to make us smile.

[@rirmgigs]

Wow that’s an emotional one there mark 🥺

[@CarinaCoffee]

That grief story! When you read that Christmas for grandpa story I did share my own granddad's quick decline over a 6 month period and how he never got to see his beloved flowers bloom once more (which he told me he knew this as a fact - that he wouldn't see them bloom again - during a Skype call a few weeks before he died. He too wanted it to end). And how it hounded me that I never got to properly say goodbye to him before he died. This whole grief is a living, breathing, dynamic thing is so true! One day I see sunflowers and am saddened to tears, on other days I can see my granddad comply with my demand to stand in front of his sunflowers in his garden so my childhood self could check if they'd surpassed him in height in front of my mind's eye and smile about it. That one part about the dying breath, my best friend was in the hospital when her dad died, he too didn't beat the cancer and this reminded me so much about how she lay there with her head on his chest, listening to him draw his last breath, his heart taking its last beating. She says the same, on one hand it's so hard to be there, on the other hand she was glad he wasn't alone. When my nan died last autumn I was seeing the end coming. She had been declining over the years, she was almost 91! And part of me had prepared for the news of her death since she was like 83. Especially the last 2 years, she was in so much pain, so on the one hand you don't want to loose your loved one, on the other you don't want them to suffer anymore. Thanks to the vaccines I got to see her like 2 weeks before she died (because of 'rona I only got to video chat when my family visited her in the care home). She had been sent to the hospital prior to the visit and the pics my dad had sent in the family group chat, you don't understand, she looked so bad, her cheeks so sunken in, mouth open, I thought she was dead! My mum later told me, she had thought the same and we agreed my dad was an idiot to sent such a shocking pic without prior warning (he send the pics first and then explained that nan was in the hospital). Anyway, I knew we were running out of time, so I went to visit my family and we drove to see my nan together. It was hard, she was so unresponsive, in so much pain, but I sat there for 1½ hours holding and stroking her hand, talking to her when I trusted myself not to cry. Everytime I stopped stroking her she opened her eyes, or made some movement that let me to believe she knew I was there. And even though she couldn't talk to me, I'm glad we got this human interaction before she died. When she did I was so emotionless. I thought to myself it couldn't be shock, since I was prepared for it ever since my dad sent that pic, maybe it was grief? Maybe it was shock afterall, I did hope she'd make it to her 91st birthday on New Year's Day, after all she had hung on so long already... I felt so wrong for feeling such a lack of emotion. I was glad she wasn't in pain any longer, but it wasn't like I felt relief. It was just so weird. I think I really started to grief at her funeral, after I finally lost it and started crying once I saw my mum crying. I suddenly wasn't ready to say goodbye when it was my time to put the flowers onto her urn in the ground, but my mum couldn't do it on her own, she was so heartbroken. And I was so confused about my mum being so sad. This was her MIL. My other grandma is a looney narcissist who was abusive to her children, my mum taking the brunt of it. That day I learned how much of a surrogate mum my nan was to her. I was so surprised. Don't get me wrong, they always seemed to get along fine, besides some little drama I know about that my dad's family had over how to raise kids, but I didn't know the depth of love my mum had for her. Covid had already made me long to see my family and friends more (I'm an introvert I actually need my alone time a lot, so this was surprising to me, because I actually did manage the lockdowns and social distancing rather well because of it), but after that I realised there was still so much more that needed to be said and thus I've been spending more time with my family again, visiting them more often and we plan to keep this up. We even have a game plan on how to arrange everyone's holiday schedule next year, now that everyone's working full time jobs and no one works Saturdays anymore (my mum and than I did for years, so that always made it harder to visit) so that we can meet up every 6 to 8 weeks. Honestly, going on hikes with my mum and brother these last few months have been some of my happiest memories in the last couple of years. I've been through a decade of loss where my grandparents generation has died one after the other, all the siblings and even the spouses, there's only like 3 people left, all people we're not close to, so it really feels like that generation is all gone. I hope I have a few years until I need to go through this again and I know I'll need my younger brother there with me when my mum dies, because I know that one will break me really badly. But until then I live my life, with very few bursts of grief now and again, hoping to make many more memories. Thankfully with all these deaths in the family we've already talked about what we want for our funerals and have documents for power of attorney when we should come into a a situation where we can't make decisions for ourselves anymore. It's so important to talk about this, because it minimises stress for the people left behind. Thanks Waffle Gang for letting me rant all of this and a virtual hug 🫂 to anyone that needs it right now.

[@smarieisme8009]

As horribly difficult of a situation as terminal cancer can be, there is a tiny gift hidden in there. A tiny gift that turns into a very huge gift. Its horrible to have to watch the person you love so much fade away like that but you also get the chance to tell them exactly how you feel. What they have meant to you and that you love them. I think it helps with the grieving process.

[@srg24601]

The grief story definately brought back some memories. Not just for my own loss but of my time in the hospital. One of my duties was taking palative care patients to private rooms to pass away and it could get tough. There were a lot of patients that were clearly in pain who would hold on until their family came then die almost as soon as they came through the door. I always felt like those patients had the better deal than the ones who were alone though. There are a few patients that I can still remember clearly. Mostly ones who didn't have anyone, were scared, and would start crying and yelling for someone to be with them. I wasn't a nurse and had to be on the move between units and patients constantly, so our dept was timed down to the minute and if our boss thought we spent too long with one person without a good excuse we'd be punished and/or not get an end of year bonus. It would stress me out because if someone was dying and begging me to stay until their family arrived I always wanted to but I also knew that the boss was watching the trackers on our phones and if I stayed too long he'd call me and threaten me with a write up. I only worked that job while I had custody of my siblings so it always felt like the choice was abandon this person to die alone and feel like a heartless monster, or stay and keep them company but then explain to the kids why I couldn't pay for our groceries. I'm glad op was able to see their mom that final time. It had to have been a painful thing to see, but it's better than if she had been alone.

[@jofip9199]

The grief story got me so bad. My grandpa died recently and my depression was really bad so I couldn’t bring myself to visit him for most of the year. He died in July and I had covid so I couldn’t even go to the funeral. I still can’t bring myself to cry. On Sunday the girl that helps my grandmother, who is a sweetheart, told me my grandpa asked for me a week prior of him passing and that really got me, I feel really guilty and selfish I don’t even know gore to grieve this

[@Josku2411]

Oop early and currently pondering if i should test out my quill again on new paper..or paint my closet door or just do some light digital art after my hardwork for the past few days cleaning

[@carolsimpson4422]

I vote for the quill- the smell of paint might give you a headache,and so could staring at a computer screen lol so the quill seems like the healthiest option 🙂

[@Josku2411]

@@carolsimpson4422 To note i do have rather odorless acryllic paints because i knew i'd be using them indoors but yeah perhaps giving the quill a chance again would be nice

[@dopaminedrought395]

The way I am sobbing at the last story. It makes me think of my own parents who are in their 60s and how much I love them. I don't know what I'll do when they will no longer be here, but I guess I will have to find out one day :( My condolences to everyone who has lost a loved one

[@nhilda1898]

Mark!! How dare you! I was not prepared for the second story. 😭😭 I'm listening at work and its so hard not to cry

[@Unnecessary_Potato]

Losing a parent never feels real. Especially when they pass when you're young. But even if you're an adult it still always feels so surreal. If you think grief truly leaves a person you've never truly grieved.

[@Jessidafennecfox]

Oh boy last one hit me I was texting my mom while listening, it made me recall my grandmother passing in January. It is all good tears.

[@Insideranon]

Story 2 hits hard... It's so hard to watch the life leave someone... watch them lose the will to stay with us... And we know it's killing them because they want to stay here along side us... but they know they cant....

[@singingwordwright148]

Your story of your dad makes me very grateful I live in a place with a Death with Dignity Act on the books, which allows for physician-assisted self-unaliving when a terminal patient (who is still cognizant enough to make such decisions) has reached the point where all lingering on will bring them and their loved ones is pain. I'm sorry for your loss, both the commenter who submitted the story, and Mark.

[@Pastel_Dreams]

2nd Story: I've been in a weird headspace lately, dealing with how sudden death can truly be and the aftermath that it leaves for the people who's loved one was taken away. The sorrow, anger, and numbness that seeps from the hole that they left. Being plauged with questions of "what could have been." So it's nice to hear from someone that is still going through the most difficult part of processing this greif and how they're able to keep going forward.

[@jlp2061]

This was a hard post to hear but appreciated. My husband died in January. It was so hard. I could go into so much more that would tie in and go beyond above. Im thankful he was not in pain after many consecutive surgeries in a month

[@cats1900]

The death of my family remains my #1 fear. thank you for always being willing to share some of what has to be the most painful moments.

[@CelticShrew]

Oof the story of grief hit me hard, trying not to sob on the bus. I lost my muscles to cancer when I was 11 (36 years ago) and the grief has distance but it's never entirely gone.

[@ArcanineEspeon]

The second story made me turn to the ashes on the shelf behind me. Hey, baby boy. These people are making me cry, baby boy.

[@Taesarra]

Cancer and grief are simultaneously two of the worst things any person can experience -- it so horribly effects both the person with the diagnosis by attacking their body, but also by having to watch their loved ones watch them deteriorate and eventually lose the battle; and then those left behind have to deal with the hole in their hearts and their lives where that person used to be. My dad lost his long, long fight against cancer after it took over almost his entire body back in 2015 -- he didn't want to give up no matter how it hurt, he fought until his body couldn't do it anymore, but because of his endurance and strength, he was able to give my mom, siblings, and I precious precious memories to hold onto and priceless lessons to grow with. My one regret is that I didn't spend more time with him because of an awful situation I had gotten myself into, but Dad was one of the biggest influences that helped me gain the strength to finally leave and start living my life. I can't help but hope and pray he watches over my family and I and finds peace knowing that we're all growing and moving on from the initial pain and doing our best with what we have now. We'll never stop loving him, we'll never stop missing him, but it starts to hurt less over time. And if nothing else, we get to joke that he was legitimately too stubborn to die. He had gotten an estimated life expectancy of 6 months with his initial diagnosis and he went on to live almost 20 more years and his patient number is in medical documents as one of the longest surviving cases of melanoma and his fight helped provide so much research for doctors to help future patients.

[@tiffinyanderson4403]

We lost my 15 year old niece 9 months after she was diagnosed with Stage IV non Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A few weeks after she passed I was outside with our youngest son who was only 3. I heard him talking to something looking up in the air. I grabbed my phone and started recording it. When I played it back you can clearly hear him saying over and over “I miss you”,” I love you”, “ don’t go” and then finally “bye bye”. After that I was woken up by the baby monitor of him talking to someone in the night. All I can say is it brought such a mixed bag of emotions. Now when we see rainbows, find a perfect sand dollar or just see something special we quietly thank my niece. Thank you for sharing the young woman’s story.

[@PurpleHeartsOnFire]

Of course she went back to the guy who gave her an STI. How embarrassing for her, I’d rather be alone. Especially since she might get cancer from him

[@jusaminit]

Thank you for sharing your journey of grief I needed to hear this is my own mom has just died a few months ago and my husband is in hospital with a brain bleed and fighting for his life

[@smalllightbulb3492]

The 2nd story made me cry. I lost my dad many years ago when he was just 55 and I was a teenager. Now I'm middle aged and getting closer to his age. Lately it's been hitting home how young he was. I still miss him. When I got married, when my children were born. Seeing my oldest son growing up as his spitting image....Tonight I'm missing him again, the fact we never got to say goodbye, that I've been alive longer without him than with him...

[@RavenMacy]

I was fine with the last post till the part about wanting the pain to end , then my own tears started. I have my own life-limiting sickness at this struck me about how it affects those around me , it sucks 😐 but how it has hurt my loved ones is the sharpest pain of all 💔

[@keishar560]

I'm at the gym FIGHTING the tears back at the last story...I hope OP knows her mother will forever be with her 🥺

[@rain1676]

Hugs

[@MSW.1991]

Story 2 had me balling I am so sorry for your loss OP.

[@Zaddy-Lu]

My firstborn died May 9th 2002. The grief is still with me, but it's a dull ache of longing now, instead of sharp, overwhelming sorrow

[@maryaguisanda8529]

The last story reminds me of the belief in the Philippines that when someone dies and you see a butterfly, it is the person who died coming to visit the family. And also whispering to the dying person that they can let go and rest now.

[@daisychain5087]

The grief story had me in tears, and my gut wrenched up in knots. I won't go into my personal connection, just that I'm connected to her story in a constellation of ways, _being_ and _not being_ many of the "characters" within her tale. There was one line she wrote however, with which I passionately disagree. The story absolutely is one which is about her mother as an individual, and which centers upon her mother's individual journey to death. Remembering and honoring that, IMO, is part of fulfilling that stated goal to treat one's mother with greater kindness, empathy, care, love and thoughtful attention, even if it is after death. And for those of us who are blessed to still have our parents in our lives, irrespective of how difficult and fraught those relationships may be (save for those which are abusive to the point that one must be NC, of course), it's a perfect reminder to fulfill this goal NOW, while they're here, and to, in overcoming our selfishness, weakness and other immorality in order to offer the genuine love, patience, understanding, and listening we should - could hopefully even facilitate a tiny bit of healing between us, which might in turn, foster more...