My Half-Brother DESTROYED Pictures Of My Late Mom, They Say I Ruined Their Family r/Relationships

[@cl5470]

Story 1: Dad lets all of this happen because while his wife and family are mad at OP, it takes the heat off of him being a lying cheating liar who lies and cheats.

[@sophies9274]

this is an absolutely tragic story, yes, but i'm not convinced this was some sort of intentional tactic by dad to "take the heat off" when it seems he could have just left his affair child to the foster system if he was that way minded?

[@elainec6687]

@@sophies9274 Fvck it, at least in the foster system there was a chance he would be treated well. He KNEW the poor kid was being mistreated under his roof, and didn't stop it!. That was a conscious choice - a streak of decisions that led to a grieving child being hurt more and more - and he continually chose not to protect his child from the consequences of his own selfishness. Putting a roof over OP's head doesn't absolve him of his failures. My anger isn't aimed at you obviously, sorry if it seemed so, the story hits a nerve. We're all only human, we all make mistakes, and no-one's perfect. But that "dad" isn't worthy of the title.

[@sophies9274]

@@elainec6687 well said (and not at all on any anger front!). i see a lot of very sad stuff about the foster system, but you're completely right there's every chance OP would have had a much happier existence in the circs. i don't think the father was being intentionally malicious here (nor trying to hide/take the heat off his affair, which was the point my original comment was aimed at given the dad could have just abandoned OP rather than taking him into his home), but it's undeniable he allowed immeasurable hurt to his child by not acting. i still can't get my head around what OP went through in this story tbh

[@jasonmims5057]

I got the feeling thats what was behind all of this. If he had disciplined the kids and told his wife to be nicer she probably would have killed him.

[@Russman67]

"I know my dad is trying. He really is." No, he really is not. Otherwise he would have owned up to what he had to do and set everybody in place. Instead he did what he needed to do to keep from getting his own head kicked in and left OP basically to take all the other beatings.

[@catT5236]

Agree 100%. He wouldn't have let his kid live in a hostile & abusive environment if he was trying. He would have moved out to look after OP on his own or called his friends himself. The fact that he's only shown up a couple of times to spend time with OP just seals it. The guy clearly wanted to pretend OP didn't exist prior to OPs mum dying & now he's going right back to that. What a POS. All he's TRYING to do is make his own life easier.

[@spacetofu5306]

​@@catT5236 especially when his friends took OP in and that looks bad on him

[@doggolovescheese1310]

Yeah he is just being an enabler of abuse...its horrific 😞 I would have kicked out my wife and son full stop

[@emo7636]

Yes this is exactly what I thought when I heard them say that their dad is 'really trying'. I just wanted to yell 'honey bun your dad could not try less if he intended to'. This father is nearly worthless. And his lousy wife deserves a big fat slap across her presumably hideous face for letting that poor kid sit in the pouring rain for 2 hours and knowing he's out there. Imagine thinking about how a year ago you were with your mother and you were so very loved, and now you're sitting alone in the pouring rain because the woman inside this house hates you so fiercely that she'd rather let a kid sit alone in the rain than be a decent person. Just despicable. That woman and her creature offspring will have a big dose of cosmic justice one day and I hope we get to hear about it.

[@TheFlowerchild712]

What made my blood boil is that the dad stood by and did nothing while his wife and adult son abused his minor son. Ripping up the photos was a crime and dad was like "I have no proof he did it"?! Then locking the boy outside in the cold rain. I'm glad he's out of that house. But J&B should consider a call to the authorities to report the abuse and neglect.

[@MasterBuilderDragon]

But… but his Dad is REALLY trying! /s

[@TsukiKageTora]

J and B should make a report for abuse and seeing as they are his guardians now, they should file a lawsuit against the household seeing as someone in the household destroyed OP’s mom’s stuff. Then when they win money to partially make up for the sedimental value, OP J and B can sit back and watch as S M and A fight about who is going to pay as one of them destroyed it and the cowardly dad just sitting back, “guys… guys we can’t fight, we’re a family, please stop, don’t fight”

[@fancyme.alter1311]

In the beginning the son said he hardly had seen his dad. For myself I was not surprised at the fact the dad took no action toward protecting his son. He clearly sounded as a man that did the least he could in hopes that it all just solves itself or goes away. The dad is really a piece of $hit and the son is a much better person for not knowing him while he was growing up.

[@stephanien6237]

What do you expect from a man who has so little morals that he cheated on his wife (the woman he made vows to) and got his affair partner pregnant, and then abandoned the child of that affair. He’s a piece of shit human being-you really can’t expect much more of someone so low down, can you? I’m surprised he has a “best friend” -why could a decent human being be friends with this POS and his even worse family?

[@stephanien6237]

@@MasterBuilderDragon 😂😂😂

[@artistwithawanderingeye908]

I just love when a family targets the product of an affair and not the person in the affair👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿

[@emerystheimmortal417]

I think it is much easier to attack the stranger than the person they love

[@locusxe1411]

@@emerystheimmortal417 he obviously didn’t love them much either if he had an affair

[@emerystheimmortal417]

@@locusxe1411 Oh I agree, but it is easier for the wife and kids to hate someone they have no emotional ties to than a person they love or loved

[@cl5470]

@@emerystheimmortal417 you have reading comprehension problems. The product of an affair is the child (OP), not the other woman.

[@jackspring7709]

They are judgemental AHs - but also cowards.

[@juanhaines7295]

Story 1 I've heard this one. Can't believe they all blame op for what happened and not the dad. At least the sister genuinely apologized.

[@lovinglifebutnotonearth3909]

I can understand the wife though. She was utterly betrayed. And the OP isn't her responsibility

[@locusxe1411]

@@lovinglifebutnotonearth3909 I can’t. I get the husband cheated but the child had nothing to do with it. I couldn’t see myself doing that to a grieving child. But if you can then that’s you

[@Erinia13]

@@lovinglifebutnotonearth3909 Her feelings are valid and she got no responsibility towards OP, however that doesn't give her the right to mistreat and abuse a grieving minor that's innocent of any wrong doing. She should take it up to her husband, you know the POS that broke his vows, the one at fault. Frankly I find men and women like this pathetic, separate, go scorch earth and divorce, get therapy, reconcile if you want idgaf just don't take it out on kids whom are blameless on adult drama.

[@Daydream_N]

@@lovinglifebutnotonearth3909 she can be upset with her husband then, but that does not justify child abuse

[@technicaldifficulties368]

@@lovinglifebutnotonearth3909 Hell no. That is a child. The only truly innocent party in this mess. If you can abuse a child then you need therapy. That's insane.

[@KE-hr4sb]

S1: Your dad is NOT trying, honey. HE had the affair, yet he doesn't take responsibility for the hate his family is showering on YOU. He's telling them to stop...but not enforcing it. He is being a shit father. Move out, I don't want this to turn into an "I'm ending myself because I can't take this anymore" post. You poor thing. I want to hug you and adopt you.

[@gorkemaykut5230]

I live by the motto of treat everyone like they are holding a gun I don't know how can someone abuse someone to the point they would want to kill themselves, at that point what's stopping them to bring you to the other side as well I hope op finds a way to live their life happy after all

[@kristinecollier8113]

J and B...Thank you for stepping up! They saw a child who needed help, and knew the whole situation from day one and didn't like it. They are heroes in my eyes. Swooped in like angels and flew away with him to safety.

[@asherikamichaela8425]

Ikr! Legends, the both of them! I hope OP is able to stay with them, maybe even have them adopt him if the three want that. That boy deserves to be in a loving home and it sounds like they are willing and able to provide that for him.

[@crystalice3057]

This had me fucking sobbing. So much pain in this story. The poor kid didn't do anything to deserve all of that hatred and anger, yet an entire family decided to just be so cruel and heartless toward him, a child who just lost his mother. Their feelings, though understandable to a certain degree, were completely misplaced. They're allowed to be mad at their father, they're allowed to feel betrayed, etc, but for the love of God, why would they turn on the poor kid? Dad's friends are the only good people in this story (besides OP) and thank goodness they had the extra space for him. I wonder if they had been considering adopting before he came along? They seem like they could be good parental figures for OP if things stay as they are now. How fortunate that they found each other in this tragedy

[@Undomaranel]

This happens because it's easier to hate the one who threw off the balance, the new face, the replacement, instead of blaming the one who they still "love" and don't want to believe did that to them. The same phenomena happens in band and sports, anywhere tryouts happen that push people out of positions, or even with new teachers and such. It's about familiarity and proving/ showing your allegiance to those uou consider "family" by attacking the "misfit". It's not healthy, nor is it fair, but it's a natural and animalistic instinct.

[@Broeckchen]

I can even understand not being able to *embrace* the OP. Like... that's fine. Be reserved, be distant, that much is fair. But actively harming him? Nope nope nope, no excuse for that ever.

[@amberleeannalee1999]

Same❤just thinking of this happening to my daughter or ANYONES beautiful baby. I just can’t with people

[@lunahix4815]

I remember this story. It's very heartbreaking... The fact that OP's friends cared more about OP than OP's actual dad. Jesus.

[@tristank8076]

Op's dad's friends to be clear

[@icantchange.youtubesaysine7338]

Oh… My heart. This is so horrible. I want to cry for OP. That’s his mum!

[@yesi112]

I get the feeling that deep down the real reason the dad didn't stand up for the OP was because he knew they were take their anger out on OP when it would be on him. It really telling that the minute OP left the dad marriage is now falling apart.

[@pezchef7577]

I'm in agreement. daddy dearest is a schmuck failure of a parent and a failure of a husband. it sucks that OP has to find out through this torturous experience of living with a jaded wife and groomed angry children. dad failed thoroughly.

[@middaydraws3379]

S1: I feel so sorry for OP. He's done nothing wrong and no one seems to want to actually help him. 5:15 sounds like they're blaming OP for the actions of the brother in some way and didn't pay attention to the story. OP had stated they share a room. Edit: His dad needs to get his shit together and take accountability for his own cheating. He's letting an innocent kid take the blame for his actions because he wants to keep his family.

[@pippo17173]

The family are door mats themselves. Like they seem to forget they don't need a cheating dad to be happy. I hate victim blaming but they are not victims, their just losers.

[@AngelaVEdwards]

I'm so glad dad has the friend and his husband because without them, this person's story would be so much worse. Bless those two men for what they did for OP.

[@badkitty4922]

@@AngelaVEdwards J and B, the friend and his hubby, are better men and positive father figures/role models than OP's own bio dad, who clearly cares more about his "real family" than being a good father to OP who, if it weren't for his dad's own betrayals to his wife and kids, wouldn't exist/be stuck in this insane, traumatic, and blatantly abusive situation to begin with. Some people just absolutely SUCK.

[@amberleeannalee1999]

Yeah and brother was 18 an adult

[@carterr7045]

Three Witches mistreat us after we helped them move into their apartment, we decided to take revenge … kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpLXqGRjqtmgaqs

[@cocopuffs1124]

I’ve heard this story before but the most recent update with his half-sister reaching out after “realizing” how badly she, her mom, and her brother treated op I seriously have no words. I’m glad she can see now but for me I would’ve been fucking fuming. I seriously hope the best for OP.

[@stirrednotshaken4823]

Just sad that it took her seeing a Reddit post to understand how awful they all are! I guess getting bashed by strangers is eye opening? 🤦🏼‍♀️

[@technicaldifficulties368]

That family is scum. Absolute scum. I could understand being angry. I could understand being cold. But the amount of fuckery they put this kid through I hope they're all miserable together forever. 🤬

[@tallyp.7643]

Ah yeah. Nothing can wake a kid up better than 14,000 random people on the internet consoling OP and slamming the shitty actions of the family. Kinda makes 'em think a bit.

[@amalielk]

She was young and was following the lead of the adults in her life during a tumultuous time. It might have taken a reddit post to open her eyes, but it would have been easy to disregard/ignore all of it and stay in the bubble with her family. Instead, she reevaluated the situation and her own actions, then reached out to OP. It's a lesson in compassion, understanding, blame and empathy, and she'll likely be a lot more conscious of it going forward. Her moment of 'enlightenment' might be what prevents her from growing up to be exactly like her mother.

[@sleepyearth]

@@stirrednotshaken4823 She's also younger than OP. If OP is a child, she's more of a child than OP.

[@jbgra2566]

I remember this story! Wasn't aware there was third update. The dad's friend totally rock for supporting OP and giving him space to breathe. I hope OP heals with time and comes out much stronger.

[@luvondarox]

I know it might sound crass, but I kind of love it when a post gets so big that it catches an instigators attention and they get that social smackdown as they realize what absolute trash they've been.

[@ruthbeamish8849]

But significantly, it was the younger of the 2 half siblings who made the connection. only 14/ 15 . Not the older boy or his mama . Unfortunately father is the person responsible for the mess !!!

[@HackiePuffs]

This poor kid having no choice but to deal with their abuse and when they finally snap they gaslight them into thinking that they’re the problem. That’s a common abuser tactic they push your buttons to try and get a rise out of you so when you eventually snap they can blame you for something. This dad has failed his child shame on him.. Edit: this poor kid feeling like he doesn’t deserve help because J and B “barely know him” and feeling like he’d be ungrateful for leaving a toxic environment I’m so happy that he’s out of there he deserves so much better than the step family..

[@Sakuraqueen]

It brought me to tears!! I just wanted to hug OP tight to my heart!! Wow, his dad is a spineless man!!

[@OZARKMOON1960]

Everyone in this young man's life failed him, except for his mom and his dad's friends. What a shame that dad never really stood up for him, but dad's marriage imploding was his own damn fault. It is terrible that the step-family took out their anger about the affair on OP instead of the dad seems to have turned -- at least with the step-mom -- toward dad, since he's moved out. OP is far better off with people who truly give a fuck and are going to take care of him. Blessings on that couple for stepping up. Hope OP goes on to do good things in life.

[@tallyp.7643]

That's the thing that got me most--people who AREN'T family were more concerned with OP and willing to help than his sperm donor. Makes me wonder how awesome the BFF and partner are and why the hell they're friends with the jellyfish of a "dad".

[@amandadeziraearagon2950]

Mark what blows me away is that YOU have been part of my life for like 3 or 4 years! Ever since Daddy Cringe ❤️ I've been with you for a roller coaster of a ride for both of us. We've both lost our fathers and I didn't feel so alone since I had you. Your pain and journey has truly helped me ❤️❤️❤️ Mark your an Amazing human being who is loved and appreciated by so many 💯❤️ thanks for all you do Mark, thanks for taking time out of YOUR DAY to make us videos 😍

[@MarkNarrations]

Aww mate you got me tearing up over here. It certainly has been a ride right? An absolute pleasure Amanda, thank you for continuing to be here and just being awesome in general. Much love mate! ❤️

[@LunaMane]

All I have to say is OP's father better put his name on the organ recipient registry now - because he sure as hell has no right to call up OP if and when he needs a kidney or liver.

[@nikkiwhray1598]

I feel so bad for the kid in the 1st story. I wonder if the Dad's family knew about the affair / OP's existence before his mother died. I find it hard to believe they would be so angry about an affair that is almost 2 decades old.

[@cl5470]

It doesn't excuse treating the kid badly. This is why you shouldn't stay with cheaters. The wife is just as guilty now because she is using the cheating as an excuse to abuse OP. All the adults here are AHs.

[@jerrystauffer2351]

I does sound like they found out when he showed up

[@tallyp.7643]

I think it's more the fact that the walking, talking, breathing reminder of it was suddenly in their house (if they knew in advance). Then of course, if things weren't really resolved (with dad's placating tendencies, rug-sweeping probably took place), all those feelings were front and center again.

[@sophies9274]

13:37 apparently op was a secret until it "had to come out" which i read as being "when mom died and i was otherwise going into foster care". this one's bloody tough, poor kid

[@reneeweinheimer7519]

Exactly, I picked up on that too. That's why I'm loathe to label the family as abusive or bad people. It's just that objectively speaking we prioritize death as worse than betrayal. Look at from their side. Their family just had a sixteen year old nuke dropped into their home and are immediately expected to prioritize the pain of a stranger over their own because death trumps betrayal? Especially when the person who died is one half of the creator of the nuke? Now look at the 18yr old brother who not only has to deal with all that but has no personal space of his own to escape to because he has to share. So he gets irrational and violates privacy because his privacy was violated with an unwanted roommate and he finds pictures of the happy smiling woman who's decisions made the hell his family are in right now. I don't think the brother ripped up those pictures to hurt OP. I think he ripped them up to express his own pain and rage at the absolute clusterfu€k his home life has suddenly become.

[@LadyJoolree]

"I wanted him to fight for me...He just let me go like I was nothing." Oooof, I felt that!

[@kellyhandrick7235]

This one just broke my heart. That poor baby. I'm so glad that he found a safe home

[@littlestrawberryfaery]

Only after she read the comments calling them all out about their horrible behavior did she feel bad… She wasn’t actually sorry it was the pressure of them being called out…

[@bernardtayson2642]

Agreed.

[@MakiPcr]

She's 14, she was probably hurt for her father's betrayal and loved her mom so she wanted to take her mom's side. It's perfectly reasonable that she didn't understand the full extent of her actions. I know it's a cliche, but kids are dumb, and because of that, they deserve the opportunity to learn

[@littlestrawberryfaery]

@@MakiPcr then she should have taken it out on her father lol

[@MakiPcr]

@@littlestrawberryfaery Of course, but it seems like she was taking her mother's lead and taking it on the brother and not the person who actually deserves it; plus she probably loves her dad. Doesn't mean she's not at fault, but she has the right to realize see the error of her ways and course correct

[@sleepyearth]

@@littlestrawberryfaery You forgot she's a kid like OP. In fact she's even younger than OP. You're actually expecting alot from the youngest in the family but nothing from the rest. Says alot about you. lol.

[@low-keydrama1260]

I heard this story. Dad sucks for cheating and not trying to be there for his child. His wife and children suck for taking their issues with the dad and OP’s mom on OP who didn’t do anything, but be born. OP didn’t ask to exist or for his dad to cheat on his family. Before anyone says anything, yes the Dad’s family are hurting because of his cheating, but that is no excuse to take it out on OP who is innocent in all this. Especially S, the dad’s wife, who is a freaking grown adult. She should know better than to act like this and treat a minor like this.

[@Digitalfairy]

Darn right!

[@stirrednotshaken4823]

Yep…leaves a child out in the rain for an hour and a half! What was she hoping would happen when he got sick with pneumonia…that he would die and she would be rid of him? Stupid, heartless woman! Ask her how upset and mad she would be, if another woman did the same things they are doing, to her children. Guarantee she would be pissed, but wouldn’t admit she is wrong!!

[@technicaldifficulties368]

They lose any sympathy by treating a grieving child like a piece of dog shit they accidentally took into the house on their shoe. It's unfathomable.

[@BurningheartofSILVER]

S is truly evil, like to the fucking core. It makes me so mad! At first I was trying to sympathize with her, because it’s gotta be so hard to have found out your husband cheated and fathered a child, then years later being forced to remember all of that hurt AND have to take in that kid. HOWEVER, that is absolutely no excuse to then torture and abuse that grieving child. She left him locked out in the fucking rain for heaven’s sake! This kids that literally had nothing to do with the cheating, he didn’t ask to be born. If you’re that upset about the situation, divorce your fucking husband! At least you have a choice to leave the situation, OP had no option until his Dad’s friends came along. That makes it even worse! Like instead of processing her valid emotions of anger properly, she decided to take it all out on this vulnerable kid, because at the end of the day, he couldn’t do anything about it. He just had to take it! Oooooo I am still so mad about this story even a year later! Fuck S, fuck OP’s Dad, fuck M, but no fucks to A since she did apologize and she’s also the youngest involved, but she should still feel shame for the way she treated OP.

[@MasterBuilderDragon]

I don’t care if the dad’s family is hurting. After everything they did, F them all.

[@PlasticBluVentRabbit]

Lemme get this straight OP is an affair baby, who’s only “crime” to the main family was being born Their mom DIED Dad takes them in to keep OP out of the foster system Main family is obviously treating OP badly, Dad at least attempts to stop some of it Someone goes so far as to destroy OP’s stuff to the point they gotta carry the important things in a bag with them at all times And somehow there’s still some salt when OP wants to live elsewhere Why’s it always the product of the affair getting treated bad, and not the person that actually had the affair

[@Allenluvable]

This is so sad. All the blame should be on the father for having the affair. Not the son. Thank god J and B stepped in. I hope OP takes all the time he needs to recover from this traumatic time in his life.

[@littlepeeper9223]

I am an almost 40-year-old man and was close to tears after this story.

[@LadyEllesmere]

Go no contact with that family, the fact that the family punished op and not the father. Is gross af

[@ZombieMinion1992]

Sounds like after op wasn’t around to be a punching bag they finally turned their sights on the actual person deserving it, the dad, since he is renting an apartment and not getting a hotel it sounds like his wife got tired of having a cheater around.

[@Broeckchen]

The family blaming OP for ruining the family seems to be what, eventually, fully ruined the family. Great job. 10/10. I'm so glad OP was picked up by some sensible people who give him the love and care he deserves!

[@hvymax]

Your Dad agreeing to let you leave was him recognizing the best solution available.

[@jackspring7709]

Stories like this boil my blood. I hope OP gets away from these savages as soon as he can and when they come crawling to him after they all turn on each other (and they will!) he tells them to take a hike. If it was me I'd make them all pay dearly for that, but that's just me.

[@brandygiovinazzi3460]

I know it's not much but I really hope OP realizes how proud his Mom must still be of him for how well he's gotten through these hard times even while I'm sure she hurts for all the pain he went through. I'd also like to say that I agree with Mark's take on OP being a wonderful person. His mother definitely raised him well and gave him a wonderful foundation to work off of and grow on throughout his life. I wish I could give him a big hug and tell him all of this just to be sure he knows it and has that validation for himself and his Mom. What a wonderful legacy for his Mom to have left behind on this world he is.

[@JohnSears1970]

As someone who has lost both parents, one at 26, and the other at 31 [26 and 21 years ago, respectively] I can say with certainity that the grief never quite goes away. It just changes. You learn to live with it, because you have to. But that hole never quite fills.

[@icedragonbreath]

I remember this one. I wondered what would happen to the dad after they didn't have OP to misdirect their hatred to. Now we know. They actually have to direct it at the right person.

[@tabithadearth7507]

J and B are amazing people with beautiful hearts. Thank you both for being real men and taking care of OP.

[@srg24601]

Oh please. The sister isn't sorry; she's upset people online are aware of what kind of people her family are. I'm not saying I expect a 14 year old to stand up to her entire family and be a hero, that's hard even for an adult, but to act like she *suddenly* realized it might be a dick move to contribute to an abusive environment is bs. If her apology had been her admitting she knew it was wrong but had a bunch of anger she was misplacing or something else that acknowledged her participation it'd be one thing, but she's acting like it's all her mother and brother.

[@nuttmare9438]

I'm so relieved and happy for OP for getting the hell away from that toxic family. I hope he has a great life now and can succeed and put that awful situation behind him. Thank God his dad's friends stepped in and helped. I shudder to think of him staying with that family till 18

[@melissawittman]

The dad didn't even offer to get OP into therapy to deal with his grief. That was my first thought. It breaks my heart that it took strangers to provide simple kindness to someone that has lost the most important person in their life.

[@Weirdandwonderfull19]

This story made me tearful and sad. I want to rescue OP and have them live with me, where they will be safe. I'm so glad they have a safe space to stay with good and caring people. That "family" though..... I understand that Stepmum and half siblings are dealing with a big shock and lifechange, but their behaviour is absolutely atrocious. That Stepmum should know better. Imagine treating a scared and grieving teenager like that, a kid a similar age to her own bio kids. OP just lost everything, is living in a strange place with strange people, and instead of trying to approach with empathy or compassion, they bully him! I wouldn't let that stepmum look after my dog, let alone a grieving and scared kid. Horrible woman and her kids are just as bad. The father is pathetic and needed to step up and take responsibility, which he failed to do. I hope OP manages to stay with that amazing couple and doesn't go back to that trash pile of a family. Imagine ripping up someones pictures of their mum, what a vile and disgusting person. At 18 he should know that's not how you treat someone. Ugh what a rotten bunch of people. So devastated for OP 😭😭

[@WitchThorn]

J and B are Angels for stepping in!

[@linkinlady06]

Man J and B are amazing human beings for stepping up and taking in OP because this whole story has had me angry the whole time until the update, I seriously hope things are better in his life now ❤

[@BritInvLvr]

I’m a tough old bird but this story brought tears to my eyes.

[@DFullerLisa]

This was one of the saddest stories I've ever listened to from reddit. The first one was the jealous gf/wife can't remember who ripped up all the deceased moms pictures and threw out all of her stuff. It's not his fault that he's the affair kid it's his dad's fault and he needs to control his damn family.

[@CrussoFang]

“My dad is trying” Is he? Is he really? Because he’s not even doing the bare minimum

[@onepieceisking5493]

At least the half sister actually had the decency to apologize and actually feel bad about her family's actions to op. Reading the comments was probably a slap in her face and woke her to reality, that her family is being cruel to the wrong person. She may have tried to talk to them about their actions but I wouldn't be surprised if they got pissed at her and might see her as a traitor. That's probably when the "dad" got involved and had a talk with his wife, also hopefully about how she and her son have treated op.

[@notconvincedgranny6573]

I'm 66. I still miss my mom and dad, and I had them in my life long enough for them to meet their great-grandkids. You don't get over it, you just on with it, and live in a way that would make them as proud of you as you were of them.

[@pandamoniumtwo21]

You know what i would've asked the step-mom when she left OP out in the rain? If she's saying she couldn't hear because she was on a phone call. I'd be like "okay show me the call log, there better be a call that lasted a VERY long time for me to even begin believing you"

[@artygirl66]

That entire family is a walking pile of garbage. Thank god the dad has an awesome best friend who saved OP from those monsters. Also good on the step sister for at least apologizing.

[@Hayzelle]

Poor baby. I’m so glad someone stepped in. I’m curious if his dad had hinted at it to his best friend and that’s why J&B were so conveniently available to take OP in? Whatever the reason, it doesn’t matter. I’m just glad OP is safe, healthy, and getting therapy. Talk about the epitome of an evil stepmother.

[@j.graham8068]

What a horrific family. The kids were bad enough, but they are just kids and it's hard to blame them too much, but the mother! She is an adult. She encouraged her kids to treat OP like crap. She left him out in the rain for hours! She is a monster. Blaming and punishing an innocent child for her husband's bad behavior. OP has my full empathy and I wish him the best. So glad he had good people willing to look out for him.

[@dinobotsc2017]

I feel so sad and sorry for what losing your photos, I’m sister did the same to all my fathers. It just will get better but hope you can get out of there soon

[@MarionHogan-m5i]

My heart is sore for the young boy who lost his mother and was so badly treated by his step family. So glad his Dad has decent friends

[@flawfuljinx]

It's like everyone just assumes that if affair children weren't born then the partners have no fault? I'm convinced that they only blew up that OP "ruined" the family because they would've sweeped everything under the rug to play happy family again once OP's mom passed away. I'm so glad OP was able to get out to a safe place and neither family has to interact with each other. Props to the half-sister for actually apologising for her mistakes at least.

[@asherikamichaela8425]

OP's sperm donor is selfish and cowardly af. Like... damn. Glad A is starting to see the light. And J and B are absolute heroes for taking in a kid they barely knew and giving him the home, love and support he deserves. And look, I get the anger. Cheating hurts. But they're putting it all on the wrong person. OP is the result of an affair, but he isn't the cause. Nobody can help who their parents are.

[@cynthiaholland13]

I feel so sorry for the op. I also can't imagine finding out that your spouse cheated and had a child and that child is going to come live with you today

[@elizabethellis5952]

Joined this channel a few months ago and you seem like such a lovely person, your empathy for the OPs is so nice

[@kb1073]

Listening to the 1st story made me think of all the times people back up the family members when they treat an affair child poorly. If OP's stepmother wrote a Reddit post people would be encouraging her. People never think about what it does to the child. Now we see what the hostility and neglect does to someone who is literally not to blame for their existence

[@oakenshadow6763]

That father can go to hell. He ruined this kids life. Glad OP finally got away. J and B are amazing people. I'm glad the half sister saw the post and realized what she did.

[@damien678]

Half-sis better fight for OP to her mum and siblings if she means that apology

[@amberleeannalee1999]

NTG all I did was cry when I heard about Ops fathers friends. I could feel the pain and the relief OP felt moving out. Op should stay away from his half family they are not good people neither is the father

[@shannonbullock2202]

OP's dad and family are VERY LUCKY OP is a teen boy and not girl. I was an evil witch of a teen lol. I went straight for the jugular of anyone treating my poorly. I would've taunted dads family when he wasn't around, "now I understand why dad found my mom and why he loved and appreciated her kind heart so much." I would've lied out the ass just to make sure they feel worse than they're trying to make me feel. Seriously...they are soooo lucky. I would've blown up that family within 1month and blew kisses at the wife and kids as they left

[@rowdysgirlalways]

It's been 11 and 12 years since my Mom and Dad passed and I still miss them. It gets kind of easier. I remember the good times. There were a lot of good times. Just remember the love and how blessed you are to have had him for your father.

[@carolroberts4614]

I lost my mum at 19, and I'm 69 now, and I still feel the hurt!

[@benc3462]

The dad is not OPs family they are relatives nothing more. J and B are amazing hope they get elevated to that slot.

[@angerydestroyer]

The father failed massively they can see op is hurting yet barely done anything Im genuinely disappointed in him especially when he just says no evidence on the photos when one:op wouldn't destroy them two: the other kid was there I'm so mad for op

[@hannahoo8919]

I am so glad he got out and is living with this couple. It will be hard now that he has a chance to truly grieve and deal with the abuse, but there is now hope and genuine support.

[@EarlBaldbear]

This is one of the saddest stories I've heard here. What a spineless worm Dad is, and how horrid the step-mother and the half-brother are. And, yes, why is Step-Mom mad at an innocent child and not at her husband? In any case, I am glad that the OP has found a home where he is loved and safe. He should stay there, and tell his father, etc. to f---- off.

[@Jo-razz]

👍✌️ Seriously I am happy he found kind hearted people. That means alot to have a healthy Environment to heal. Side-note- I think he will realize that you don't have to be blood related to have family. I think he found his new family.

[@maddy4362]

Hey Mark, thank you for being so open about your journey with grief. I am so sorry you’ve had to experience the losses you have, but your openness about it makes me less terrified for my future losses. Obviously I still never want them to happen, but at least I know I’ll survive it. Thank you

[@zachf748]

Reading that story made my blood boil for OP. And his dad is just as despicable as the step brothers.

[@jenniferbenedict2223]

I'm like just listening while playing Diablo 3 (need that puppy!) and I'm tearing up on this story. I lost my mom when I was 15 and my dad re-married a little more than a year later. Every time I hear stories like this I am so damn thankful my step-mom is nice.

[@sockruhtease]

The fact that the sister apologized have me a little hope that there are some people who can change for good. The dad though, needs a lot of work

[@Rjeda30]

Seen this story on multiple sites and it gets more utterly infuriating every time I hear it. How do you allow your child to take the blame for your actions? Any woman who would abuse a defenseless child who also just lost his only parent, is trash. Thank the lord for the friend and his partner. But that good guy needs to reevaluate his friendships.

[@madhatter3994]

J and B are amazing guys! they are doing everything op's father should have and absolutely failed to do. I wanted to hug this kid so much. He's not responsible that his sperm donor had an affair. His wife and kids were horrible and the sperm donor didn't do anything! My husband died 7 years ago and if anything of his that belonged to my son was destroyed i would be livid i don't care who. Then for his dad to just accept that he wants to move out AND NOT KNOW WHY!!! WTF My heart was breaking for this kid.

[@nikkihorn3852]

I really hope op's life starts to dramatically improve and they never have to speak to their awful "family" again.

[@DarkCrystalSage]

I seriously doubt A is truly sorry. She's old enough to know that the behavior her family has been showing to OP is wrong and now that the post blew up she's sorry? Yeah no, she's only sorry that the family's been essentially called out. Something tells me J and B are also letting people know how "Father of the Year" and "Family' Are treating OP.

[@tegantalks9612]

Honestly as a mom I do not know how I would handle this situation. To me cheating is a deal breaker, so I probably would have broken up with my husband when I found out he had an affair. But I don’t know how I would feel about an affair child. In the back of my mind I would know that it’s not the child’s fault but I feel like I would also still feel resentment. This would definitely be a situation where I would be going to therapy and having the children in therapy too so they can figure out their feelings. Thankfully my husband is a good guy who also hates cheating so I doubt this is something that will come up.

[@Kelsey1442]

Foster care would probably be better than living in that environment

[@briant7134]

OP’s father is the epitome of cowardice. He should have been standing up for OP, and telling his family that their pain is his fault’s not OP’s. Instead of protecting his child, he did the bare minimum and was fine with OP taking the hits. Absolutely disgusting. Glad OP is finding some peace, but damn does the father deserve all the scorn and pain that’s coming to him.

[@safespacebear]

Story 1: it's not his fault but it's completely understandable why the kids and the wife reject him. It's an insult that he's in their home. All that anger should be directed at the father tho and not the kid

[@vSpade]

Glad OP found a healthy environment to heal. It was never going to work out, and the stepmom is just a normal woman. Not too many have the heart to coexist with their husband’s affair child even if the anger is misplaced. Ultimately, this nightmare is a machination of the father’s making. This is why you don’t have affairs. Look at the damage it has wrought and his many lives were effected.

[@lilyfrostheart3491]

@Gi Gi Yeah sure blame the woman who's being forced to accept the product of her husband's affair and have the same child be brought in very own home too, her safe place. It's fine, im sure it wouldn't give her the reminder of the times his husband had an affair. Can i ask just who the hell are you to decide who can she forgive and not forgive and what right do you have to impose on that? You're acting like she wanted that child in her home when it was implied it was only the father's decision to take the child in.

[@rebeccacarlson5314]

This is one of the hardiest stories I’ve heard!!! This brought me to tears!!! His father or should I say “ sperm donor” should MAN UP!!! Put his foot down and say” I know what I did was wrong BUT!!! The life of my son, my child isn’t!”

[@shybiscket]

Wish Op would fire back viciously. "No wonder my dad cheated on you, cow"

[@staticshock1806]

Mark I don’t know how long ago your father passed away, but I’m praying that you and as well as the OP find peace.

[@MarkNarrations]

Thank you Static, my Father passed away March last year due to mesothelioma. It was incredibly sad but I'm glad he's at peace

[@staticshock1806]

@@MarkNarrations I’m sorry to hear that. Lost my grandpa this year it’s rough, but all we can do is cherish the time we had.

[@cynthiaholland13]

The lesson I learned: never have an affair. It's not worth it. A little bit of pleasure for a short period of time ruined a lot of lives and hurt a lot of people, including the cheater and the OP

[@krishaunafisher]

The anniversary of my grandfather's death is coming up in a few days and my heart still aches when that day comes around each year. Although we weren't close i wish he could have met my boyfriend. I'm glad he was there for my high school graduation but that was the last time I saw him and it still hurts to look at my grad pics knowing that it was the last time I'll ever hear his voice or see his face. But I think back and I remember how happy and proud of me he was and that I'm happy that he was there for me. He and my mom didn't get along and she told him "if you want to be a grandpa you can't treat her like you treated me" and ever since he kept that promise.

[@itazuranakisu]

The window for the dad to start taking full responsibility with a chance of having a small relationship/connection to OP is fast closing. Hopefully he’s reflecting in that apartment and feels like crap. The wife can be mad about the affair and that he was endangering her life with unprotected sex but she and her son had no right to behave like AHs to OP. At least the sister supposedly has some remorse but the tone of the household was set by her mother and father.

[@star3catcherSEQUEL]

Story 1: A bunch of adults acting like a bunch of damn, selfish babies (OP's dad, OP's stepmom, OP's grandparents, and yes, even OP's mom) and an innocent child suffering for it.

[@aussieginger1960]

Ops Mum is dead?!

[@star3catcherSEQUEL]

@@aussieginger1960 OP's mom cheated with a married man before she died and helped create the situation.

[@roelthas]

Having an affair is already awful but bringing children under those circumstances is just nasty and cruel, they just end up being everyone else's punching bag.

[@alicewilloughby4318]

9:00 - Those tanking grades OP mentioned could have a bad effect on the rest of his life! He should absolutely move in with the friend and husband! Yes, it IS worth it!

[@mifphilip]

the 1 year anniversary of the death of a loved one is always the hardest. my grandfather was more of a mess that day than the day of my grandmothers actual death. he said "there is no longer any day i from the last year i can think back to and remember what we did that day, since this day was the first without her." (rough translation)

[@macylouwho1187]

With my traumatic background, I want to save all of these kids because I know how it feels and it sucks so much. That comment from the mom who wanted to hug him completely echoed how I felt listening to this. I was tearing up the whole time. It makes me go into tiger mom mode, and the rage I felt at how that woman treated that child-it’s all I can do to not turn to violence myself when things like this happen because to me someone needs to smack that horrible witch. So your husband cheated, put that anger where it BELONGS, not on an innocent kid who didn’t ask to be born into this sh-tty situation. If you can’t take it, kick him to the curb like HE deserves. Have him and the child move into his own place. She did that AFTER she ran the kid off? Why not before she ruined his young life more? He’s not to blame for what both of his parents did. That was THEIR sin, not his. And this is the price of being a cheat and a liar, people. You eventually get caught-and your life implodes and usually you lose your spouse/family. And to the women who choose to go after a married man with a family-let this be a warning to you. They usually don’t leave their family…they leave YOU. And oftentimes leave you holding the baby that they fathered but won’t have anything to do with raising. You’ll be alone with it, doing all the work yourself and you’ll have no one to blame but your own bad decision making and life choices. Plenty of unmarried men out there. GO FIND ONE.

[@digit5465]

Im ngl, it feels a little bittersweet that the sister felt some sympathy for OP. Proves that shes more mature than the mom and the brother in some ways. I hope OP can heal

[@tinak2576]

The Dad went back to ignoring he ever had a son. Status quo. Loser.

[@troymeyers54]

Tell dad to stop trying to play the good guy when he's not. Tell him he caused this mess in the first place with his affair, and he needs to tell his brats to place the blame on him and not you.

[@JayeEllis]

It does not matter what you 'deserve,' though it is certainly better than what you are enduring. Take these guys up of their kindness, and let yourself have people in your life who care again. Maybe they will become family to you in time, but for now, they are offering a safe place. TAKE IT!

[@moaahlgren5193]

I love spending some of my time here with you Mark-

[@delmarhi]

Stories like this make you want to take that trip and handle it for the poor kid. People like that need immediate and extreme punishment to learn that is not how you treat anyone.

[@BigE1986]

i lost my father when I was 18 a year later i had a complete emotional break down and just cried hard. harder than i did at any point prior. 18 years later and its still a process. the process has changed but its still a process