Unhinged -- Reddit Stories -- FULL EPISODE

Two Hot Takes host, Morgan, is joined by guest co-hosts Justin and Lauren. This is exactly what Lauren wanted.. the wild stories.
THIS ONE GETS EMOTIONAL.. so excuse the raw edit and more of an inside look into our heart to heart true hard conversations. All reddit stories again on this one.. Lets just let them speak for themselves...
Show your support (much appreciated): / twohottakes
Full length Audio only episodes available on all podcast platforms!
Story links included below or read from screenshots:
/ mil_basically_kidnappe...
/ mil_basically_kidnappe...
/ aita_for_not_letting_m...
/ mil_basically_kidnappe...
/ aita_for_refusing_to_a...
/ aita_for_not_wanting_t...
/ aita_for_not_taking_my...
/ aita_for_cleaning_out_...

[@lyndsycarson8302]

The step-mom from the first story 100% just had a psychotic break. Like she isn’t lucid at all. They need to NEVER leave her alone with that baby because it could turn into a “if i can’t have the baby no one can” situation.

[@jennakrehbiel3562]

This was my thought too. Scary stuff. Just sent a thank you to my mom and my mother-in-law for being so great.

[@emilyjsweeney]

My thoughts exactly! She sounds very unwell and I hope they get her some help, it sounds like the plot to a Lifetime movie

[@ash-rb1qi]

I think so too. This obviously has caused some sort of mental spiral for her, and her behavior isn’t something that’s just going to go away with a stern talking-to from OP’s dad…

[@courtneybauman8795]

Exactly!!!

[@bonniewest8937]

From what step mom said about having a miscarriage and it ruining her marriage it sounds like after she miscarried there was so domestic abuse or because she miscarried she feels guilty and she feels like if she can "save her baby" she will have absolved herself of the guilt of losing her child.

[@aubreyrichardson8638]

My grandmother sat with me for hours when my parents were in the hospital with my sister. She knew that my sister died hours before my parents got home. She tucked me into bed and waited until my parents came home. That's when they told me so I could be surrounded by my full support system. That guy stole the children's support system from them during one of the most traumatizing times in their lives. He is more than an asshole, he is a monster.

[@sarwall_]

So sorry about your sister 😔 I lost my brother in a traumatic accident in November and cannot even fathom someone doing what this dad did. It’s sick and twisted. Hope you’re dealing with loss a little easier these days ♥️ I say dealing with because I know that there is no getting better or it going away. Losing a sibling is so so hard

[@heatherfowler3190]

When my dad passed very suddenly I was spending the night at my cousins with my friend and my gf for nye. That morning my cousins husband convinced me to stay there a little longer to wait for my other cousin so she could see me before she left to go out of state back to school. He made us breakfast and completely acted normal. Then my mom, brother, sister in law, and my cousin walked in crying. I knew as soon as I realized my dad wasn’t there that something was wrong. My cousins husband felt so bad that he knew what happened and I was in the dark. But he respected their wishes and helped keep me there until they could get there to tell me. He said it broke his heart that he couldn’t just tell me but he knew I needed my family there with me. It’s not hard to just respect someone’s wishes when it comes to their kids. I was 18 when this happened and he could’ve just told me but I’m so glad he didn’t.

[@dezie.]

First story - 3:50 second story - 18:53 story 3 - 29:09 4th story - 36:00 5th story - 49:00 6th story - 1:17:28 7th story - 1:38:16

[@ikilledaprostitute]

How is this not pinned 😭😂😭

[@onebihuman]

Legend

[@Junebugg14]

U a real one 🤞

[@abbyhopper09]

tyyyy

[@dunyasidd8569]

Thank you so much

[@celestesharp6120]

Morgan you combined two sayings: "Don't stir the pot," and "Don't rock the boat." You created your own.

[@chaparker3007]

Which is called a malaphor 😊

[@danastein8603]

I have a different take on the SIL who left the infant in the park. I think she was doing a drug deal in the park, got high there, lost the dog (or lied about that as a cover story), and while under the influence forgot the baby, and left/went shopping. They are SO lucky the baby wasn’t kidnapped and harmed. If I were the OP, I would’ve demanded a drug test on the spot, under threat of going to the police for abandonment.

[@TwoHotTakes]

Wow such an interesting take.. it really would fit!

[@walkingtowheeling]

I agree 100% with you. I work in a psychiatric hospital and so much of this was just screaming out to me.

[@daphneyventura2968]

Yes!! That's what I thought. She was doing something shady and used the park as the excuse. Could have even been cheating on the brother and forgot about the baby.

[@andrezzacoelho2874]

i was thinking smth like this (shady) but more “simple” i was thinking she was cheating or smth

[@Janesays4e2]

Yeah I agree - was thinking drug deal or mental illness. When the SIL called her a petty bitch - I decided it was likely drug deal or cheating? What I can’t figure out is why she disclosed if the baby was fine? I feel like she has to be covering for something else.

[@heatherkroll2828]

I think with the sperm one, people don’t freeze their sperm or eggs usually thinking “I want my parents to have and raise my baby some day” whether or not the wife knew what his wishes were if he passed.

[@veronicawilson7594]

My parents are abusive and controlling and would have a field day scapegoating my kids the way they did me. I'd rather adopt than even try to freeze my eggs out of fear they would end up with my narc mom

[@carissaclanton4150]

I think it’s so gross that they even asked. It’s such a selfish reason to have a child.

[@thatswitchk1d204]

@@carissaclanton4150 I personally think that there is no assholes here because yea the wife had lost her forever lover but on the other hand the parents have lost their kid and maybe they were scared op would throw it out or get rid of it I can see both sides and I really don’t think there is any assholes

[@tate_n]

Ironically, I’m that type of person 😅 but I didn’t freeze any eggs nor planning too; but I’m thinking about it time to time, just in case, as I’m the only daughter and me and my parents are rather young. But in that case scenario in my head I’d always have a will clearly stating the existence of those eggs and their *potential* purpose with clear instructions what-how-and what ifs. And the mention that those are just an option, but never an obligation and those can be equally donated to someone who might need it more then my parents. But situation in the story is completely different and your comment is on point - it’s not ok to take his sperm.

[@lilyblackburn8320]

Not only that but they didn’t take into account that the wife is mourning and probably isn’t ready to have a baby or think about it not even two weeks after her husband passed.

[@h2193]

The uncle telling the children their dad died triggered me. My adoptive dad passed away when I was 19, my baby sister was 13 (her bio father). I climbed into bed with my baby sister to spend time with her before her world was flipped upside down. Then a family friend came in and told her before our mom had a chance to tell her. My baby sister has a huge grudge against the family friend and this happened almost 11 years ago. This uncle violated those children and warped their memory of their dads passing for the rest of their lives. This man is disgusting.

[@NoneyaBusiness-gl3ez]

You are such a good older sibling.

[@Equestrian_girl_4lifer]

1:23:11 I was already so sad, when his Exuse was “ I couldn’t not tell them when they started talking about what they would do when they saw his dad” my heart broke at that. Tahts so unfair i cant belive that. Personally this is divorce worthy, after this I would have ZERO trust with him. OP gave CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS!! INSTRUCTIONS THAT SHOULD BE COMMON SENSE, he was way over the line, this is something for the mom to say

[@HappyNadia_S]

He should not need to be told not to discuss this with someone else's children. He's awful and it went bad. What did he expect. He is so awful. but he was told not to, I really thing this would make me call a divorce. And I think marriage should be forever.

[@ea9444]

My mom died when I was 19. I have 2 younger sisters and a younger brother (15F, 13M and 11F). I was with my oldest baby sis when I got the phone call, so I told her right away. I told my mom’s best friend trying to figure out how to tell my 2 youngest. I told her not to tell anyone before I tell her that the children know. Well, they found out ON A FACEBOOK POST from another friend of my mom « RIP so&so, we’ll miss you ». I saw red and all the other colors when they called me crying asking if it was real. That trauma will stay with us for ever. People are so entitled and stupid. I told those 2 women not to come to the funeral, and to never talk to us again because they disrespected my wishes and broke my brother’s and sister’s heart the worst way.

[@MosesMinds]

Divorce.

[@twosleepycats]

Who loses a dog and then goes shopping when they can't find it? 😭

[@kittykat65]

It's called she Traded the dog for drugs or or she got her drugs got high lost a Doug forgot about the baby BUT THANK GOD HE AS IN GOD REMINDS HER AND MOST IMPORTANTLY HE GOD MADE SURE THAT THE BABY WAS OK.

[@Jaysennx3]

It’s literally only been 2 weeks since his passing, she could decide 5 years from now, completely out of nowhere that she wants to carry his baby and that’s her right. She literally just lost her husband I’m sure the last thing she wants right now it’s a literal constant reminder of him … give people time to grieve omg

[@abigailholm9226]

That is exactly what I was thinking! She has the right to keep it because that was their plan as a married couple to have kids. I think it is so wrong that his parents asked her, so soon after his death.

[@user-tz8de5kj6t]

She said it's not on the table tho. So now the people that cared about him the most are told I'm not gonna use it, but you're not gonna use it either. I'd be turning over in my grave pissed at the woman I married if she told my mother no.

[@Jaysennx3]

@@user-tz8de5kj6t people need time to grief … after 2 weeks I would still be balling my eyes out every second of everyday if i lost my husband !! you should be more pissed at your mom for even asking your WIFE a question like that right after you literally just got put in the ground 🥴 Pregnancy is not easy at all now imagine having to do all of that knowing that the baby you’re carrying will never meet their father or experience a relationship with them … I’m sure that’s not an easy thing to do. Would you rather your children be brought into the world by a stranger once you’re gone or by the woman you married that can actually tell your kids all the good things about you when she’s done grieving your loss?

[@del5807]

She would have been the one carrying his child if he would have survived, so yes, she is entirely in charge of the decision and the parents can get fucked.

[@iciajay6891]

@@user-tz8de5kj6t the mother does not have any legal standing. And she shouldn't either. The DNA does not belong to the mother.

[@lillylilium497]

About the kids going mute from the trauma: First off, the husband was an absolute a***, no excuses for his behavior. The kids, however, did not make this decision consciously. It's a psychological thing, likely stemming from the inability to find words for this situation (kids at this age often haven't built the vocabulary to express and name feelings and thoughts for extreme circumstances like this). These poor kids need therapy and logotherapy ASAP - the longer they don't speak the harder it will be to regain the ability. I'm not saying this as a professional, but as a person who lost their voice as a teenager due to trauma. It took me over a year to fully regain my voice (I couldn't even laugh out loud anymore or cry out when I was in pain). It's been over ten years since then and I still have some problems with certain sounds and speaking loudly for longer than half an hour is painful. I'm sending these kids and their mom all the strength I can. I hope they get all the help they need.

[@lillylilium497]

​@@aduckofsomesort unfortunately, it's a very misleading term for the uneducated. You can argue it's a subconscious choice but in the end, it's out of your control. It just means there is nothing wrong internally (like damaged vocal cords etc). But you can't "simply speak" because you suddenly choose otherwise.

[@tiryaclearsong421]

I've heard this also has to do with age regression associated with trauma. Skills other than language can be lost as well like toilet training, thumb sucking, and returning to sleeping with parents after the child has been independently sleeping for awhile. I experience selective mutism at times (associated with past trauma and current stress). It is a wild experience. My brain and voice are reaching for familiar words in a familiar place only for nothing to be there. This usually triggers a panic attack which makes it so much more fun. I wish healing on those kids.

[@alienmissy4836]

@@aduckofsomesort I have selective mutism and ever since I learned what 'selective' means (idk how old I was but when I was really small and just barely knew I had a diagnose at all, they were just two random words with no meaning to me😂)I've hated the name. I normally just refer to it as mutism now, sometimes SM, unless I'm talking about it with someone that I've never talked with about that. I've met so many people who thought it was a choice and who tried to pressure me/guilting me into talking with them, which just makes it worse. I've heard some people call it elective mutism.. but that's just the same but without the S. Elective still means its optional 🤦🏻‍♀️😂

[@oliviafeil7284]

The ONLY thing I could think of to justify the way the husband decided to behave is if the kids ask him if their dad was going to be ok and the husband didn’t want to lie to them. That’s the only thing I could think of but again he went directly against the mothers and the wife’s wishes and nothing about that is ok. I hope those kids and their mother are doing well now.

[@Zombiesfromjupiter]

absolutely. it can happen due to trauma or ptsd for kids to become suddenly nonverbal, especially kids on the spectrum (if they werent already). may be uncommon but DEFINITELY need professional help, thats absolutely not just a kid being silly...

[@phoeberainier]

Re: freezer sperm story. I love how optimistic Lauren is but there’s no guarantees the baby would be loved. I wouldn’t want to be born into that situation it sounds so alienating and could give the kid a complex.

[@hannahwilson9628]

Agree, Lauren is very optimistic in a couple episodes that everyone will be happy once the kid is born and that is not always the case unfortunately.

[@lm6754]

​@@hannahwilson9628 This. Having children adds stress (even if its good stress). It doesn't make things better. Having children can be wonderful, but if you already have a stressful situation, like mourning the loss of a son, having a child will NOT help alleviate that stress and pain. I don't think the parents thought this through and are just so desperate to have a piece of their son that they aren't thinking about the impact it would have on a child. If they need a distraction from their grief, and can adequately care for it, they could adopt a pet to care for instead.

[@paigiegreeff6608]

Yeah and they could be wanting to treat the child as if he was the father. The fact that theyre asking about this so soon makes me thing they just want to kind of get their son back. Replace the hole he left.

[@alexnoelle5423]

@@paigiegreeff6608 The first thing I thought of was “what if it’s a girl and she looks nothing like her dad/their son” I can’t help but fear she might’ve grown up mistreated in some way if that were the case. Imagine the pressure of having to be someone’s son 2.0… that’s horrible pressure. There’s no way they wouldn’t helicopter parent the child in fear of losing them too.

[@YuyuHakurei]

If the parents died too the family probably wouldn't treat them like a real kid either. They'd treat them like the test tube baby that they are. So they would not feel like they need to even take them in and they would probably end up in a foster home anyway. Law and Moralities are not always separate either. Law is made off of morality to some degree and this is an example of that happening. The choice was left with the person most morally correct to make the decision. It is more obvious when Law is made without morality and like 80% of those are old laws that shouldn't apply anymore made in like the 1800s.

[@Nedread]

I HATE how she was given a lesser sentence because of her "standing within the community". She kidnapped a baby. She. Kidnapped. A. Baby. Edit: changed 'stole' to 'kidnapped'

[@kkilljoy3588]

This had to be somewhere in the south in the Bible Belt or somewhere backwards and crazy like that…. I’ve had a couple friends that moved from Southern California to another state while married, and then later got divorced in that other state, and I was SHOCKED at how archaic and insane the divorce and/or child custody laws were or the stuff that was allowed into evidence in the hearings. Things that would never be allowed here and seemed bonkers to me. It’s another world in some other states when it comes to the legal system. People might move for lower taxes etc but maaaaaaaan be careful what you are getting yourself into…..bc ya I can’t imagine my outrage if someone was let off easy after KIDNAPPING my baby bc basically people thought they were mostly nice (I think what that prob means is she said hello a lot, dressed nicely, and always went to church imho).

[@marianatraductoraargentina]

she didnt "steal" a baby cos babies are not things. She k1dn4pped one.

[@cameronbethell6223]

@@kkilljoy3588as someone who just escaped from arkansas to washington state, i stand by this 1,000%. YES. it’s crazy in the south.

[@katewamsley9560]

immediately knew it was a crazy religious lady, "community standing" only confirmed it. the drugs the old lady complained about were probably standard birthing rxs

[@allanamaya6103]

@@marianatraductoraargentinasame thing 🤦🏻‍♀️

[@mkiing1618]

I am LIVING for the trios honestly. I need another episode with Morgan, Lauren & Alejandra AGAIN.

[@akotuitupou7672]

Call it the M.A.L. Treatment! 😂 I’d love that

[@paolamachuca7104]

Yes!! I miss Alejandra and I love when they’re all together 🥺!

[@katn6979]

Justin punching the air rn

[@andrezzacoelho2874]

i need all four of them HAHAHAH

[@KelseyMabery]

Would you consider putting time stamps for each story?

[@4dcab]

Yeah! Sometimes the first story isn’t my jam but I’m interested in the next ones. But without time stamps it’s too much work so I just turn the whole thing off 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@BeingMeXOX]

@@4dcab too much work to just skip 😂😂

[@ellierenee4786]

@@BeingMeXOX bc you dont know when it ends

[@andrezzacoelho2874]

YESS

[@kaya5173]

This would be soooo helpful Sometimes when I don’t have to much time I’ll watch the shorter ones with one story and then I have to skip lol It’s a lot of work when I’m trying to do my makeup or homework

[@ireneortigoza3244]

From experience (because the parent asked me to break the news) it’s extremely hard to tell a CHILD that their parent has passed. You can prepare yourself as much as you want, but its not easy, especially seeing their change on expression when the news comes out, it’s heartbreaking! So the dude 100% did it with hurtful intentions to those children.

[@katyj6058]

Thank you for being sane. I was five, my mother told me, and I screamed until I was hoarse and kept asking when he was coming back. If she hadn’t been there??? I would’ve been a fucking flight risk.

[@chelseadarnell250]

3:52 my stepmom tried to walk out of my home with “her baby” 18:56 the time my mom kidnapped our newborn 29:08 (not in depth) MIL basically kidnapped my baby 32:04 AITA for refusing to attend my brothers wedding after my SIL left my 2 month old on a park bench? I’ll update more later once I finish the ep!

[@chelseadarnell250]

49:03 AITA For not wanting to give my late husband’s sperm to his parents 1:17:30 AITA for not taking my husband to my BILs funeral after he went against my sisters wishes? 1:38:20 AITA for cleaning out the fridge without telling my husband?

[@EggBear]

I'm here for updated time stamps 😂

[@jimfahey2329]

Not all heroes wear capes!

[@MeggsterCrayola]

Thank you!

[@jordanmchighlander9365]

I gave this a thumbs up so hopefully more people see it.

[@lyly1913]

The story about the lady leaving the baby on a park bench for 2 hours is absolutely ridiculous like how do you leave a baby outside by themselves for 45 min to chase a dog and then LEAVE the park to go SHOPPING without either dog OR baby ???

[@astridsanchez9924]

Honestly HOW ???? I have so many questions/thoughts I feel like shes hiding something or she was on something or under the influence. But also how is a baby left in the park for 2 hours and nobody reports it ??? I feel like she might be lying why I don’t know (sister in law is lying not op )

[@sassy_sister1359]

Yes! But what's really weird is that the lady was walking the dog and holding a baby carrier, didn't put the baby in a stroller, to be able to put her on a bench and forget her there. That just seems extremely fishy and weird, I've never once heard of anyone choosing to walk a dog while simultaneously holding a baby carrier. And, if the parents didn't leave her with a stroller, why would she feel comfortable doing that? For the dog to be able to get out of the lady's grasp, I'm assuming it's not a small dog so this just seems even more strange to me that she would risk dropping the baby carrier especially when it's not her baby.

[@summerperlson7787]

@@sassy_sister1359 I didn’t even think of this, so true!

[@breanawilliams5459]

Also this baby is two months old like that's not "I sat this baby up on a bench" this is a baby that can't even lift their own head, babies like that have to be changed every 3 hours and need to be fed almost just as much

[@ChickenOfAwesome]

I was definitely thinking that. I wonder if maybe she was actually at the park to fuel a drug/drink problem - hence forgetting a baby and wandering aimlessly for a couple of hours and then making up a weird story on the fly because of shame or fear that someone had seen the lone baby before she got back and called the police. And the defensiveness when seeing consequences for an issue that might still be happening.

[@ludmilamaiolini6811]

The husband who told his nephews of their father’s death disrespected his sister in law’s wishes by telling her kids, and now he wants to disrespect her wishes again by attending the funeral. He hasn’t taken responsibility nor learned to be considerate of other people’s feelings

[@betwixttales]

This was my exact reaction. You piss on the mother's wishes, and your reation is to piss on them again? Hell no. He needs to stay far away.

[@addybaby7510]

@@betwixttales literally divorce his ass

[@melanievictoria2541]

@@addybaby7510 yes divorce. that's the only solution imo!! he's absolutely horrible.

[@TiredNout]

@@betwixttales and then act like the victim because he can’t go to the “family event”. Like bitch this is not a barbecue!!

[@AngelBrittanyXO]

Even if that wasn’t in her wishes I wouldn’t have done it because that’s not the kind of thing you tell two small children alone four and six are basically STILL toddlers

[@r4.v3n]

I lost my dad when I was 9. 15 years later, i still constantly replay in my head the moment my mom told me he died, and she did it the best way she could. Still, that is basically the most intense moment of my life, and i will probably never not feel an avalanche of pain and dread whenever i think of it. I feel devasted for those kids, what that guy did is unforgivable.

[@thequarkchronicles2486]

Late to the party, but that husband telling the kids about their dad.. holy crap. My sister & I were the same ages when our father died (4 & 6 y.o.), I still remember our mom pulling us into a quiet back room & explaining that we couldn't see Dad anymore because he went to heaven. Kids @ that age are still learning the alphabet, they can barely wrap their minds around the concept of death/dying. It's confusing and scary, & in our case, the only thing that helped us was our mom hugging us & telling us we were gonna be okay. I'm trying to imagine if an uncle had just blurted it out to us in the middle of a normal breakfast, probably phrasing it bluntly because he didn't carefully plan out how to break the news. They were probably so scared, and their mom wasn't there to protect or comfort them, and that's on the uncle. That feeling of unsafety will probably follow those kids for life--I wouldn't have been able to talk afterwards either. Absolutely despicable, this guy fucked up so very very badly.

[@littlemissladybird13]

If you find out your baby is missing you can absolutely get lifelong PTSD from that trauma, even if you get your baby back that same day safe and sound. That moment of seeing your child gone and having no way to reason those emotions down (your child isn’t hiding/hasn’t walked away etc) leaves an imprint on the brain. Absolutely horrific

[@katrinascarlet5637]

I went missing when I was 5ish, police didn’t find me for hours. My mom never recovered from that. I’m married and states away but she still checks the family app to make sure I got home okay.

[@triciaboo1204]

@@katrinascarlet5637 samee! I walked away in atlanta international airport at around 4. The couldn't find me for an hour or so since i found a lovely old couple to sit and color with who didn't hear the intercom calling for a missing child. My mom still talks about it while shaking and I am 29 now so 100% it scared her for life. Heck even your kid staying hidden and not answering to you calling for them in the house puts a pit in your stomach, i ran all the way out to the main road searching for the 2 year old who fell asleep behind the couch 😆(even though my logical helicopter brain knew i would have heard the doors and alarms if she would have slipped out)

[@Fallenfromgrace1990]

You should do some "lets not meet" stories. Those can get messed up.

[@veesky3652]

Yes, some of those stories are CRAZY. I a 100% agree you should react to those. 👏

[@Jonesatk]

What is that?

[@monicaherrera2224]

@@Jonesatk usually people in the talking stage of dating that catch the biggest red flags

[@Jonesatk]

@@monicaherrera2224 okay thank you!

[@nichellejnolan]

Oh I agree, I'd love to see them tackle stories from there

[@jadlad9666]

for the husband's sperm story, my takeaway is that the grandparents absolutely have the wrong reasons for wanting a grandkid. people place way too much emphasis on having kids to "validate" a relationship, like it's not enough to have to mutual respect and connection between the people involved. having kids just to keep a bloodline going is a terrible reason, it places way too high of a burden on those kids. I think grief is really clouding their judgement and they really don't have the wife or the potential kid's best interests at heart, let alone their late son's

[@caffeinatedkatie4696]

Yeah it seems like they want a replacement. Imagine being that kid and growing up constantly being compared to your Dad, a Dad you didn't even get to meet. And bloodlines...don't even get me started on bloodlines

[@pandora9630]

I think it’s also very questionable to go out of your way to bring a child into this world to be born an orphan. Although the kid will have their grandparents. They’ll become their grandparents carer by the time they get into high school. And it’ll be very unlikely they’ll be lucky enough to be there for major life events later in life like their marriage.

[@caffeinatedkatie4696]

@Pandora hell my grandparent's died when I was (at oldest) 8

[@lm6754]

​@@caffeinatedkatie4696 mine died young (mid 50s, early 60s). No one expected my grandfather to have a heart attack and die before paramedics could even get there. I cannot imagine how awful it would have been if they were my only parental figures.

[@caffeinatedkatie4696]

@LM I can tell you from personal experience, yeah, it sucks.

[@rainaamber]

They actually created a whole thing called “forgotten baby syndrome” because it’s so common to be over worked and stressed because of having a new baby that you literally forget you have a baby and leave it in the car and it dies.

[@purplevisions3182]

It's easy to write those people off as bad parents, or malicious in wanting to hurt their baby, but the truth is no one can imagine that situation until it happens to them. It is very sad, and I pray for those baby's and their families. (not saying ur post is saying they're bad parents either) I do think there is a grey area for these specific situations

[@alexandriawest7830]

Where as yes, that’s definitely a thing for some. But that is NOT the case of that woman. It wasn’t her baby. She wasnt sleep deprived and overworked as the parents would be. She left that baby out of pure ignorance. Or, out of spitefulness and jealousy.

[@carrissa8867]

​@@alexandriawest7830 I was thinking that that's only applicable to parents not babysitters

[@CrystalRuizEnriquez]

​@@carrissa8867and maybe not just parents but 24/7 caretakers. But not someone that was looking after the baby for a little while

[@YuyuHakurei]

Might not be a real thing period. Sounds like some stupid thing doctors made up so that bad parenting can be forgiven which would end up killing or kidnapping their kid. I don't think it should exist at all because it gives an avenue for free abortions. If you aren't held accountable for the full responsibility then that is exactly what it's going to become and might have been used in that way thousands of times already. Now I'm not pro life at all, but this might be a bit too far in the fucked up category. There are quite a few bogus abnormalities like this that are made with no real thought put into them because some karen pushed for it. That said this definitely doesn't apply to this case because it was a part time babysitter. Now she could have forgotten because she's probably not used to having a baby for 24/7, but those are responsibility issues. I wouldn't trust someone to go out to the park with your kid so soon after being a babysitter either. It's a skill like any other you need to get better at. It is hard to corral kids and not forget the babies in the park when you are not practiced. I wouldn't let them leave the house until at least like 3 months in where it's somewhat mechanical by that point.

[@briannaciancio6302]

I was nine when my dad was murdered. The thing I have resented the most about the healing process was that someone outside of my direct family (ie not our mom) told us. Our first reaction was disbelief and then anger. It should have been our mom with our family. Not any other way. The guy is the biggest asshole ever IMO

[@briannaciancio6302]

Also, I can tell you every detail of the day my dad died. So can my younger brother. These kids will remember this and be triggered by it forever

[@tailacampbell5641]

I was 4 nearly 5 when my mum was murdered, there were police coming in and out of the house and family. My uncles wife told me but she’s a psychologist and we’re really close. (Dad wasn’t in the country) but sometimes I wish my ‘family’ had taken the time to tell me. I’m sorry what you went through. 😔🖤

[@soulchildtiff]

Exactly, I lost my dad at 7 and my mom, grandma, & grandpa were there to tell us. It was still hard, but I can’t imagine someone outside of that telling me that my dad died.

[@lais.v.m]

I'm so sorry for your loss; I completely agree, this guy is a complete asshole. My cousin in law passed away when her daughter was 11 and having to tell a child her mom was dead was hell. I was 16 and her grandma (my aunt) brought her to my house so I could distract her (we talked and watched movies) while they could figure out what happened to my cousin in law (we knew she really passed but not what was the cause). We live in a really small town and her school mates kept texting her "I'm sorry for your loss" and "I'm sure your mom is with the Lord" and she told me because she thought it was a prank, her dad was out of town handling pressing legal issues reguarding his wife's death so, when the texts kept coming and adults starting messaging and calling her, me, my other cousin and my mom had to tell her; holdind that little girl while she hugged me and cried, knowing that was the worst day of her life and she couldn't see her mom or be with her dad or grandma was just heartbreaking. I can't believe anyone would willingly put themselves in this position especially after being told not to say anything. Even after her dad and both grandmas asked for us to tell my little cousin, it stll felt wrong for her not to be able to be with any of them while her life turned upside down.

[@ADetailedHouse]

I am so sorry for your loss: this is just awful 😢

[@Duckduckobtusegoose]

The weirdest thing about the olive story to me is that pickled olives do not need to be refrigerated as long as they aren’t in direct sunlight. One of the main reasons people pickle things(besides for taste) is to preserve them for longer

[@kelsieswatek9910]

For the story about the uncle telling the kids their dad passed, he is such an asshole. My dad passed away 6 years ago, and I still remember that day and how I found out. That is so traumatizing for those poor children. He's a grown ass man, he could have shown restraint. I'm glad the wife stood by her sister and didn't let him go. He obviously doesn't respect the family

[@dramaqueen465]

Yeah the day my dad died sticks with me to this day. I was in my early 20s so thankfully he was around a lot longer than those poor childrens’ father but holy crap what is wrong with that man. As an auntie myself I wouldn’t even want to be the one to break the news because it would break my heart to tell them

[@CateyKinz101]

“Stir the boat” is actually a great example of a malaphor (a mixing of two idioms) and I’ll be using it from now on😅

[@GreenFrog224]

The uncle telling his nephews that their dad died is so fucked up. My dad died when I was 7 and that night my cousin was looking after my brother and I. That memory of my mam coming home and bringing my brother and I down stairs to break the news is literally scarred into my brain. I cannot imagine what it would have been like if my cousin suddenly decided to break the news to us instead and I didnt have my mam there to give me a hug

[@mtgsk5180]

I'm tearing up in the break room reading your comment. I'm so sorry for what happened, you deserved longer moments with your dad. Im sure you still struggle with it but I hope your burden gets lighter as the years have passed ❤

[@GreenFrog224]

@@mtgsk5180 thank you for your kind words ❤️

[@Regina_Phalange32]

Literally, same. My dad passed when I was 7 and I remember everything about my mom & dads sister sitting my brother & I down to tell us. Cannot fathom anyone else telling me my dad was gone forever. Absolutely heartbreaking.

[@sophier6504]

With the story about the husband telling the kids their dad died: it seems like he went on a power trip. He craved the power of playing god in the lives of those kids, and then turned it around and played the victim to make himself seem like a regular person who made a mistake. He was cruel. I’d be curious to see if there were other warning signs or behaviors previous this incident.

[@marythewinter]

I would have lost it, both if it was my husband and brother-in-law. This trauma could have been prevented, the way you tell children is KEY. I'm not sure if I could still be with a guy like that....

[@abigailsandoval2632]

Literally…. It’s not like he was kid who couldn’t hold their tongue …

[@gabrielleseals-cook9511]

To me it seems like the mom felt like she just had to be the one to tell it. Its not gonna hurt any less no matter who says it.

[@fare9683]

i was 8 and my sister was 6 years old when our parents divorced. we didn't know actually, everyone told us that our father was going on a work trip and will come to see us time to time. mom told him that she wanted to slowly tell us with a psychologist present and not to tell us immediately. i know this might sound a little over the top but at that time divorcing was still a little bit taboo where i live, esp. in children's eyes bc of news etc. i don't know if it was his first time visiting us or the second, he just told us while we were eating lunch. i remember it so clearly, how my sister was crying, how i was trying to stay strong to show her that i am there for her, i remember his face, the grass, what we were eating, the sky. i will never forget that day.

[@BethWrefordPitts]

The way that they’re discussing it in the KZbin vid, may have in a way blown it up and mixing in their opinions too might have muddied the story. I don’t reckon it was a “power trip”. Yes it was wrong to go against the mothers wishes but It may have been a matter of; a man, who has most likely watched these children grow up and become the people they are and the bond they have with their dad, watching these children have breakfast and genuinely being excited about things they wanted to do with their dad that day or week, he could’ve made a decision, yes a questionable decision, to take that fuck ton of pressure and guilt off of his SIL and tell the children himself so she wouldn’t have to, in his own way protecting her. That must’ve been so hard and heartbreaking to watch knowing that their dad wouldn’t be coming home - and his paternal instincts may have kicked in etc to a point. I doubt he just said it so flippantly, like they’re describing it in the video. Kids those ages ask a fuck ton of questions, he could’ve been bombarded by questions about where their mum and dad are, why he was there, where their aunt is, what’s for lunch, when their parents are getting home, why’s mummy at the hospital with auntie, where’s daddy, is mummy and daddy ok etc - he could’ve just been sitting with them and answering these questions…it happens etc.

[@ampelidiousMind]

As a birth mom this episode made me CRY SM. Thank you so much for reaching out to Erin, her story touched my heart in a way I think only birth moms can understand. I wanted to be a mom so badly but I was young and homeless and had nobody to help me. I miss him every single day.

[@2024happiness_]

This made me so sad. More power to you ong 🤍

[@emrolfe1969]

I was almost 5 when I was told my dad died, and it's my strongest core memory. I can recall every detail down to where we were standing and who was there. I can't imagine it being done on a whim without my mom there.

[@msrustyspatula8679]

Kids apparently can't regulate their own body temperatures until at least 18 months (1.5 yrs) so being alone on a bench for 2 hours could have killed that infant, who knows

[@basicscandimom1220]

The parents of the dead husband are... kind of crazy? Imagine being that child being brought up in the constant shadow of their late father. In the words of doctor Phill ‘A child should never be born with a job’. It’s not like the husband’s parents would want any baby - they only want his and to me that’s the wrong reasoning. Also are they going to raise the child? So the kid may lose their caretakers when they’re 10 or 20? Also if they use an egg donor the kid will now know neither of their parents. A huge no!

[@claudiarodrigues4965]

I 100% agree with you but I don't want to judge them to harshly. Maybe they're just crazy with grief and haven't thought it through and after a while they'll realise this is not the best for anyone. We can hope at least!

[@basicscandimom1220]

@@claudiarodrigues4965 You’re right - calling them crazy is a bit harsh. But they’re acting crazy, maybe with grief? I hope they come to their senses

[@TheElleification]

Grief has several stages and people think and do irrational things when they're suffering.

[@ChickenOfAwesome]

Yeah, I feel like it was really inconsiderate and weird of them to jump straight from "Well if you don't _know_ that you want to have his baby 2 weeks after his death then give it to us so we can use it." instead of "well it lasts a few years, you have time to think, but if it turns out you don't want it would you _consider_ giving it to us?". Like, grief or not, that's a hell of a question to spring on a newly widowed person and essentially put her on the spot. The fact they don't seem to have had a discussion about what would happen to the sperm before he died, makes me think that either his death was really unexpected and they literally never thought about it, or that maybe it was a case of not necessarily knowing that they even _wanted_ kids, but being presented with a 'keep your options open because you might not have the ability later'.

[@veronicastimpson659]

They also suggested having a family member being the surrogate. That's DNA incest and can cause a range of problems

[@laceking9973]

My dad passed away last year and my sister and I found out hours later and I was completely side swiped by the whole situation. Every time I'd close my eyes I would just picture him sitting up out of bed laughing like it all was just a joke, like a terrible nightmare that I just woke up from. It hurt so much to have to keep telling myself that he was actually gone and thinking anything else was just hurting me more, but I am 24 and not a child. Those children did not deserve that, that could lead to very terrible mental illnesses for the rest of their lives! I hope she divorces him, if he can't respect the people in his family enough to not say anything then he doesn't deserve to be apart of it.

[@racquelfagan7763]

The story with the box in the fridge is giving me serial killer vibes. The fact the he won’t even let her look in the box

[@mary-janereallynotsarah684]

I kept thinking about Se7en, Brad Pitt yelling "Whaaat's in the boooox!?"

[@hannahg.8572]

I know I‘m late here, but my first thought was… is he fucking those olives? No, that can’t be right… is he fucking his friend?

[@shelbybabcock8779]

If it’s just a rage-bait post, then it’s working really well. I want to grab OP by the shoulders and say “What are you doing?! Open the box!”

[@sarahpollock5872]

OP acting like we are the weird ones for wanting to know what’s in the box and thinking that keeping a box for a friend in the fridge isn’t strange, is honestly annoying. Pretending the olive story is true for a sec, if all the olives needed were to be kept in the fridge why wouldn’t the friend just keep them in their own fridge….

[@DJ-cm8xj]

Also metal and acid don’t mix. There’s no pickled olives in that box lol

[@eileengalindo4949]

When my father passed, for years I didn’t want to talk about him. When my mother would speak on his passing I’d just nod my head. But I wouldn’t allow my thoughts to go father into memories. It wasn’t until a random day walking into her house and seeing a photo on the table that I broke down. I didn’t cry because he was dead, I cried because I almost forgot what he looked like. I promised myself that I would think on him because losing his memory was worse than losing his body here on Earth. Seeing your father does bring me joy. Thank you.

[@paigevillarrial5615]

So sorry for your loss.I can somewhat relate to this.My husband lost his mom when he was 11.I lived with him when we were still dating along with his dad,his niece,and his sister(until she passed away).We had to move and so we were going through the things in his sisters room and he found a box of pictures of his mom and he refused to look in the box.He had me look at them to confirm that’s what they were and they went into our storage and he still can’t look at them.I know it’s hard.💔

[@saffrondougall2731]

I'm so sorry for your lose

[@kimmyhickey2595]

Im currently in that stage of grief. My dad died in 2021, 9 days after my daughter's 1st birthday & my 21st birthday. I got the news from my mom, who immediately made the situation about herself. She called me when she was at home living 5 minutes from me, couldn't even comfort me or even go as far as to say "I'm sorry for your loss". I feel like she's a major reason for why I, still to this day, I can't stand to have a conversation about him. Thinking back to good memories makes me sad. My parents got divorced when I was 10 and he moved 12 hours away, so I didn't have a chance to spend time with him. Our relationship got better when I became an adult and my mom stopped controlling how often I could talk to him, but I still scarcely saw him. He only met my daughter once when she was 2 months old, he got to hold her a handful of times and my newborn son will never meet him. And I think that hurts the most. When he's brought up, I feel like it's a slap to the face, especially if my kids are around. Because I shouldn't have to revisit the trauma every time I have to explain who he was and why he's significant to me, and they shouldn't feel grief over never having been able to meet him. If anyone had been there to help me through the grief process, I don't think I'd be so angry about it. Those poor kids and their mother are gonna be scarred for life. I only hope that they got some help so they'd be able to better process things. That moment shouldn't have been stolen from them.

[@kidmindi]

Late to the party here, but in reference to the story about potential grandparent wanting their dead son's frozen sperm...I was adopted by my paternal grandparents after my biological father died in a car accident (birth mom peaced out). I was expected to be a replacement for my dead father. He played clarinet in school, so I was forced to. He was by all accounts a great person, and I was always compared (not favorably) to him. It sucked being raised by parents much older than my friend's parents. My mom was "too tired" for things like sleep overs. Also by the time I was in my 30s, (my grandparents were both in their 40s when they adopted me) both of my parents were dead, and so my kids and I have no family. A child should NEVER be a replacement for their dead parent. I was a year old when my birth father died...it was enough of a mind f*ck. I cannot imagine knowing I was CREATED as a replacement. Oh and for the record, I wondered as much about my bio dad as I did my bio mom. The difference is, I actually got to meet my bio mom, and I will never get that chance with my bio father. I will ALWAYS have that hole in my heart where he should be.

[@tanyakopel]

I feel like for the story of the 2 moth year old left in the park we must remember Hanlon's Razor: "Never attribute to malice that which can be adequately explained by stupidity."

[@Khaos-dp2lv]

No, this is malice. Stop

[@Tink00]

According to my parents, I went mute as a preteen for a while after a trauma. The truth is, I dissociated. I wasn't just mute - I lost time, and myself. It took a lot of therapy and hard work to reach a point where reminders of that trauma don't cause me to dissociate immediately. As far as I'm concerned, that man abused those kids, and he should NEVER be near them, ever again.

[@sleepwell950]

I’m so sorry for what you went through, I too experienced a great trauma as a preteen (losing my mom) and I didn’t talk for a year. He really did abused those kids and I hope they’re doing better now and getting the counseling they need ❤

[@cherylcorbett5829]

The wife from the secret box story is literally the perfect spouse for an actual serial killer because they can tell her whatever and she’ll believe it! 😫 OPEN THE DANG BOX!!!!!

[@alleyj826]

100% severed fingers in that box

[@13579bribri]

Did she open the box ?

[@AngelBrittanyXO]

@@alleyj826 I raise you a human heart.

[@allie1327]

There’s eyeballs in the box 📦

[@LaughingOverSpilledTea]

…… i think it was steroids. they need to be refrigerated and makes sense that a buddy would keep it for another buddy if one lives in a place he can’t secretly keep it refrigerated. also u would need to be careful if it is in a metal box because steroids come in glass containers. i am 75% sure that was in the box 📦

[@nicolereadstarot]

Losing the baby situation: I'm so confused that she forgot. I get how parents can forget because of sleep deprivation for months but this chick was just babysitting for an hour or two. Also you have to remember that these stories are always from op perspective. She honestly could be bringing it up constantly and sister has probably apologized just as much and is sick of constantly apologizing about her mistake so she got mad and pety

[@rebecculousrk]

I’m about thirty years older than any of you three. Your conversation about the parents who wanted the sperm of their deceased son gave me an interesting moment that has forced me to recognize that prior to this, I had pretty low expectations for, or opinions of, young people’s moral sense, or personal ethical standards. Or maybe emotional intelligence. There was a moment when I found myself agreeing with one you, and thinking that what had just been said was astute, and well stated. The funny thing is that I hadn’t noticed that I have become that older person looking down at younger people. 😂 So I apologize for underestimating your wisdom, just because you’re young and pretty. I’m going to be thinking about that.❤

[@hcf4kd1992]

Anyone, old or young, can be "wise" or emotionally intelligent. There are plenty of older people who just aren't, unfortunately. All the hard knocks in the world seem to have taught them nothing, and they give the worst advice or are so sour and want the worst for people and are very ungenerous. Got to be in the right mindframe to have good advice to give, and I think anyone can come by that

[@katelyn8444]

@@hcf4kd1992 wow, it’s funny that you’re doing the exact same thing OP was apologizing for, except you’re ageist against older people. The difference being you have zero self awareness.

[@rachelcrepeault7617]

​@fleshlight1992 I'm reading your very emotionally insightful comment but keep getting stuck on your username 😂😅

[@thotimusprimeofficial273]

The thing about the parents wanting the sperm to create grandchildren is that they’re both in their 60’s. The average person dies in their mid 70’s. Knowing people who had older parents that passed early in their childhood. They end up missing milestones like marriage, graduation ect. That’s the whole point of having a child to see it flourish, bring a child into this world for your own gratification and then dying is just selfish. Imagine only existing to be a therapy tool?

[@disc0-zi337]

This. I was born when my grandma was about in her mid-late 70's to early 80s and I wish I had more time with her, I wish she could be able to see me graduate. My grandpa was already dead by then ( He was born in 1901. ) Having older grandparents and older parents isn't great. I'm the youngest of 4. I don't know if my mother will live long enough to see me marry and have kids.

[@maddiev4862]

Exactly.. you’re brought into the world as a way for the parents to cope with grief? Like seriously. He did not consent to anything except having kids with his wife. No matter what he may have wanted the only consensual agreement was with his wife. Nothing else should matter and legally doesn’t.

[@terryhogan327]

My grandmother died at 100, my mom is now 97, I will be 75 in January.......my SIL told one of the other SILs to watch out, cause the women in my family live for freakin ever!

[@Autumn_Victoria]

I know this story is old now but also are they raising this child as a grandchild or their child? Because that is a very strange position to put any child in. Not to mention I believe they’re being very strictly compared to their son who had passed.

[@zoelynn7563]

The kids going mute isn’t a choice. I suffered severe trauma as a small child and couldn’t really talk until I was in sixth grade. I just couldn’t. No developmental delays I graduated high school top of my class. My brain couldn’t process what to say after what happened.

[@yea0000]

going mute is also a trauma response for some people when dealing with confrontation or a difficult conversation or anything else that could have triggered their ptsd. it definitely isn’t a choice. for me it happens rarely but when it does it feels like my throat is closing up and like if i dare say a word something rly bad will happen even if i know in the moment i’m actually safe. it’s frustrating to deal with, takes all of my energy to make myself speak in those moments. im sorry you suffered your trauma & wish u the best going forward. curious about what it was like for you if your cool with sharing.

[@tabitas.2719]

@@yea0000 Yes! I'm grateful that, at least with my husband, I can resort to writing in those situations to take less energy and it's helped me tremendously (and it now happens less)! :)

[@yea0000]

@@tabitas.2719 that’s good to hear, i always run into this communication problem with partners bc i have such difficulty getting words out sometimes. but that sounds like a good solution 😇 thx! happy for u too

[@danrobinson9459]

Such a great podcast. I watch this at home when doing chores and such, only to find myself and my husband yelling out opinions as if y’all could hear. Love it!

[@alexyo3822]

My dad died almost three years ago, I found out over a phone call and I still often think about it often I can clearly picture where I was standing the smells, everything. I can't imagine being that young and finding out like that

[@abigailsandoval2632]

It’s so refreshing that the dad always reprimanded the wife instead of his daughter

[@IndigoYouTube]

I would not talk to the sister in law who left the baby in a bench. She could’ve died. I wouldn’t trust her ever again.

[@marythewinter]

right!? How is her brother not seeing that?

[@lavendermoon9491]

@@marythewinter they better use protection and not bring their own kiddo into the world 😳

[@pienutbutter..]

@@lavendermoon9491 that's where my mind went.. if my partner did that, I'd never trust them with any child, let alone my own (I mean realistically I'd leavr them but you get me)

[@sintaliaariella4895]

In regards to the adoption spin, I wasn't adopted but I grew up without either of my parents in a family that refused to tell me anything about them. It was extremely hard for me growing up in that situation. Especially because the people who raised me were awful and made me believe that everything about that situation was my fault. Just before my birthday a few years ago my bio mom came back into the picture, she made it very clear that I was loved and wanted. In the process of getting to know her it became clear she was the mother I needed growing up. We now have a rock solid relationship

[@jennyj8729]

How this podcast doesn’t have over a million subscribers I cannot comprehend. Im addicted to listening and it makes my days so awesome 🥰🥰

[@caralynaufiero913]

Morgan your podcast is the only one I listen to. The structure keeps this podcast fresh and different every week. So glad I found this recently and pissed I’ve already heard them all more than once lol

[@mads4615]

Yasss I thought I was the only one rewatching

[@magrathea23]

I am adopted and I 100% agree with everyhting Erin said. The grandparents are incredibly selfish for wanting to bring a child into the world and put him in that position just for their grief. They should open a foundation in their son’s name if they want to honor him - what they’re trying to do is just cruel. I feel so bad for the wife.

[@amylynnsgraphics]

Agreed, I am selfish and would NOT give those selfish grandparents my husband's sperm, it would really bother me that another woman was carrying his child even if he was gone and therefore they didn't do anything together to conceive the child, it would still give me the ick! And it's not a matter of the parents loving him so much they want to hold onto him, this goes beyond that, I think they're sick and this is sort of an enmeshment. If OP decided she was not going to use the sperm and get pregnant herself if he wasn't going to help raise the child due to his death, then she needs to find a way to safely and healthily dispose of the sperm so nobody else can use it for their own selfish gain.

[@audreyledon207]

I forget so much on an everyday basis due to bad ADHD nothing seems to work. I have two kids I have never in their lives forgotten them any where. Not at school not at home not in store not in a car. Never. I can't understand someone ever forgetting a child ever. And the “i t was different from my regular routine” doesn't fly those days I'm even more art to what is going on.

[@ItsaMeMollio]

The sister-in-law who left the baby on the park bench, it sounds to me like she has a drug problem and she sold the dog and then left the baby to go do drugs for two hours

[@maddygrace5095]

the husband telling those 2 kids about the death of their father RIGHT AFTER they were talking about all the fun things they we're gonna do when they saw him again??? the news itself was traumatic enough, but for him to drag them down from such a high and hopeful point to possibly the worst feeling they will ever feel by DELIBERATELY telling them about their father's death was downright malicious and completely inexcusable - and will likely affect those children and the people around them for life.

[@Jordan-bm8lp]

Morgan’s dad is a national treasure

[@brittanynorfleet1777]

For the story of the forgotten infant, she probably had to admit it due to the sunburn on the baby. If you're taking care of a baby, you would probably take her inside before it got bad enough to go to a hospital

[@gabriellehoadley7221]

This was the best episode 😭 i loved this, you 3, are seriously awesome to listen to together! You are all just so real and I enjoyed listening to you guys while at work.❤

[@mallow5623]

I am forever scarred by the way I was told they were going to take my dad off life support by my two abusers rather than my mother. Hours later when my sister came to comfort my brother and I, they threw her out after a screaming match because she was in such disbelief that they felt they had the right to deliver that news. I feel awful for those kids and I hope to God they get the help they deserve.

[@SaraSindi95]

I will be wondering about that fucking box forever......

[@alexisostrum1633]

I know I am 5 months late to this, but I totally agree with going mute and shutting down when trauma occurs at a young age. I had trauma occur when I was very young and I remember I stopped talking for the longest time because I didn't understand nor know how to deal with what had happened. Those poor children did not deserve to be told without their mother being there, it is a terrible situation and quite sickening to even think someone could be so heartless and think that is okay.

[@CamRob_56]

The story about the kids learning about their dad’s death reminded me of my father‘s death in late 2020. While it wasn’t “spoiled” intentionally, I did learn about it before my mom wanted me to. Back then my dad had been fighting with cancer third or fourth stage since July that year. It was pretty serious but to be honest he lied about how bad it was. I think it’s not scare my younger sister who I was living with and was just 17. He even got on my older brothers case for telling my sister and I that he could die “any day now” so I would say we were the most surprised since he had been downplaying it to us and hyping up some experimental treatments. Are used to work one of those Amazon fulfillment jobs from like 8 PM to 4 AM and on that night my mama called me at like 1 AM telling me she needs me to come home. She wouldn’t tell me why but unbeknownst to her I had heard my sister in the background say “Don’t tell him on the phone.” and my The way she said it I could tell she had been crying. Now my first thought was that our dog had gotten hurt or died or something happened. But that thought was quickly squashed before I even left the building. I thought it doesn’t make sense at all for our dog to have gotten out of the house at 1 AM for any reason. As soon as I got in the car, I realized that my dad must’ve passed and that was probably the worst moment 40 minutes of my life because I couldn’t just sit there I had to drive 30 to 40 minutes on the way home just crying, being frustrated, sad and angry. I’m so glad my drive wasn’t any longer because I was not in the best position to drive. I was banging on the steering wheel I was squeezing it hard. I even took time to park on the side of a street on the way home and scream some more. I came in the house crying and my mom and sister were so surprised they asked me how’d I know. I told them that I heard my sister crying on the phone and we all just hugged and cried on the floor for like five minutes before we got up and went upstairs and sat down. I don’t know how related this was to me finding out about my dad‘s death while at the Amazon warehouse but eventually after trying to throw myself into work and that not working I just gave up working there. I would drive there and sit in the parking lot for hours just sitting there. Sorry for the trauma dump but I just really felt like sharing this since I haven’t really talked much about that experience in the story just reminded me. Sorry for any spelling errors or grammatical stuff I’m on mobile and I’m also using text to speech I tried to fix stuff but you know.

[@rcte4472]

I remember the day I found out my mother died. My aunt didn’t have my dad’s number so called my phone early in the morning but she refused to tell me and made me give my phone to my dad so she could inform him so that he could tell me. I already knew by the sound of her voice but it wasn’t real until he told me. I remember every second of that day and I am immensely appreciative that my aunt stayed strong while I begged and begged her to just tell me before I gave the phone to my dad. It needed to come from my dad.

[@z-524]

Aw, Morgan crying makes me feel so sad. Also, on the adoption one: I am adopted, and I knew from a very young age because I’m a different race/skin tone than my adoptive parents. I don’t think you’re completely right on the idea that it’s the same, but you’re extremely correct on the feeling of desire to get to know your past family. I have one photo, of my foster brother saying goodbye to me. He’s crying in it, and I’m just 4months old and smiling. Every time I see it, its ‘why is he crying? Did he love me? Will he miss me? DOES he miss me? Does he even know what my new name is?’ There is a feeling of loss, because i miss him. I dont even remember his name, but i miss him so much. And having a child only for a bloodline only for it to maybe be adopted/fostered, or raised by someone else? Grandparents are the assholes. What if that child has a photo of his parents? Is it going to be ‘Did they not love me? Where are they? Do they miss me? Did they even want me?’ To the widow, NTA.

[@SG-mk3pm]

I just found your podcast and love it. You are really lovely people with good hearts. Made my day finding out about your content.

[@Halliebery]

Just subbed. So glad I found you!!!

[@Jordan-bm8lp]

WHAT???? TWO FULL EPISODES IN A WEEK????? THANK YOU MORGAN FOR BLESSING MY DAY!!!!!!

[@TheSMarie42]

I lost my husband to cancer about a month ago. He was 33 and we have 2 small children together and I'm so glad I have our boys as a reason to get out of bed every day and to still have a piece of him for myself and his family to hold onto. That being said, if we hadn't had kids yet, I would never choose to be a single mom or let someone take his sperm to raise a mini him.

[@TwoHotTakes]

So sorry for your loss, and hope you're hanging in there okay. Thank you for sharing ❤️

[@user-sl3po6tk4w]

Leaving pizza out for DAYS?? Nah man I don't wanna end up on the chubbyemu channel

[@tessiegesch8677]

1:28:54 if I was in his situation, I would have taken them to go get ice cream, go out for breakfast, go to the park, have done everything in my power to make these kids feel safe feel happy. Thinking about the amount of pain that is coming up I would have done everything to extend that moment of not knowing for them

[@tessiegesch8677]

My grandfather died when I was 7? And I can remember the exact expression on my dads face when he told us. The pajamas he had on, the way he crouched down, the way he teared up. I have such strong memories of this one moment and it is a defining moment in my life.

[@IdeaPants365]

Having someone call a child "theirs" is usually a term of endearment, but when it comes from a narcissist or a crazy person then it becomes gross

[@purplevisions3182]

I agree. My mother calls my kid "grandmas baby" and I don't take it in a bad way, because she knows it's my kid. But it's her only grandchild. And if she does something that I don't agree with with my kid, and I tell her that it was an issue, she is very apologetic and does not do it again, or asks before hand. It's not always malicious or wanting to have someone else's baby as your own.

[@carrissa8867]

​@purplevisions many grandparents would say my grand baby but I've never heard them say my baby there's definitely a difference in my opinion

[@kolnore2504]

Weird thought: Black truffles are illegal in the US and need to be refrigerated constantly and kept in a container. They also have them in Italy. Edit: The black truffle goes for ~$900 a pound and an Italian white truffle goes for ~$3000

[@zoeinkerman969]

Well this is a good theory

[@lizi1516]

thats why im too poor to even think of tasting truffles in my life ... but pickled olives are much easier to keep from what i think :') he sure doesnt have olives in that box

[@wanderinglines5965]

This is a great theory. I was wondering if maybe the guy has some kind of, like, illegal frog eggs or something in the box? Exotic pet smuggling has people hiding animals in places they definitely shouldn't be. Idk what live critter could handle being kept in a fridge, though, so my next thought was maybe eggs of some sort?

[@isabelaramos7922]

Might be some kind of illegal bug maybe putting them/it in the fridge would put it to sleep or maybe some kind of illegal cut of meat or food like shark fin or something

[@gabrielaguillen3485]

So update looked at the reddit for the box one person was saying it could be methadone since it is SOMETIMES kept in the fridge. It also could be in liquid form and if so it can pass through hands so that's why he could have wanted her not to touch in addition to hiding his addiction. Also the reason for him looking at it quickly would be him using it occasionally. The post cited his roommate doing the exact same thing with a metal box and clinics around his area. imo seems very possible and sad for the couple if true

[@Morbidglitter]

For me when it comes to the grandparents asking for the sperm; if I had just lost my husband and my in laws were asking for my dead husbands sperm two weeks after he died I could not IMAGINE handing over what was supposed to be my future with my husband. I would be devastated to know I gave away my one chance to have my husbands children and know that someone out there is living the life I was supposed to have. That thought is absolutely heart breaking. If I were her, I would tell the in laws no and ABSOLUTELY NO for asking two weeks after their son died. However, I would keep the sperm because a year or two down the line once the worst of the grief has passed and the pain isn’t as bad and I can think more clearly about it I might reconsider being able to raise and cherish a piece of my husband. The wife is the only one who would be able to give that child the life closest to the life it was supposed to have and the life the husband would’ve wanted the child to have. This is absolutely the hardest post I’ve heard on Reddit and I’ve been on AITA for years. Enough so that I actually commented lol ETA- about adoption I feel like the main difference is the birth parents chose to have the baby and then put the baby up for adoption. However this is a choice about conceiving that life to begin with. While you can’t change that someone got pregnant and decided to give the baby up you can decide about conceiving in the first place. There is no moral debate over whether or not the child would be grateful for a chance of life if there is no life to begin with.

[@jottenmiller]

This metal box story keeps coming up everywhere and i just desperately want OP to find out what’s in it

[@batmansuenos]

idk but what freaky thing is in the box?

[@PrismCasillica]

At this point I'm convinced it's something radioactive or people parts.

[@lydiamoorer5934]

Idk what’s in it but definitely not olives

[@ambrosiaboehm211]

I'm listening to this and I had to pause after she said she checks on her dad breathing. I lost both my dad and my brother very suddenly and it was very traumatic for me. I still check my mother and brothers breathing to make sure they're okay. I thought it was just me but its very comforting to know someone else had gone through this kind of thinking

[@TwoHotTakes]

Glad I’m not alone ❤️ so sorry for your losses

[@krazat]

I do the same with my dog :/

[@hannahlanthier1283]

It breaks my heart that those kids didn’t have their mom when they found out about their dad😭 Also I don’t know why he’s blaming his wife and gaslighting her for “excluding” him from the funeral but it’s not her choice if he’s allowed to go or not!

[@HemlocktheCryptid]

The first half of this episode I was crying and hearing y’all cry too made me feel like I was sitting in a room with besties. And the second half had me ROLLING with laughter! “There’s drugs in the couch? Put that in the fridge!”

[@victoriatrevino1833]

With the story about the husband telling the kids about their dad passing, I think it's important to note that before he told them he said they were excitedly talking about their dad. So I think that definitely plays a factor in why they went mute they are traumatized.

[@Quaquelly]

About the kids who stopped talking after being told by someone that their dad died: could it be that they were super loud (as kids are sometimes), he got annoyed and tried to make them shut-up by hurting them and tell them the news? And this is why they stopped talking because he tried to shut them up with bad news so talking is associated with something negative? It’s so sad...

[@PrismCasillica]

I think it's probably that. Those kids might blame themselves instead of their a-hole uncle.

[@Eli_MMancil]

That was my thought exactly, was he so frustrated with them that to shut them up he just blurted it out to maybe get them to stop talking in the moment from shock?

[@SummaryJudgement]

enjoying the content! ty!

[@andrearubio8110]

Been following you guys since the beginning love you guys so much

[@sophier6504]

OH THE OLIVE JAR ONE!! Definitely drugs or something like that... I read that story to my mom and she said “WHY DIDNT THE WOMAN OPEN THE DAMN BOX!??”

[@Lilangee25]

When my brother passed away everyone was at my house when I got home from school that day. Everyone was crying and I didn’t understand. I repeatedly asked EVERYONE (about 15 people) why they were here and why were they crying and NO ONE answered me. My mom pulled me to her bedroom and told me and I balled in her arms. Everyone there respected that it wasn’t their place to tell me without anyone saying a word while I was desperately looking for answers. I wouldn’t have had it any other way 💕 He’s a piece of shit.

[@gg-op9kc]

The woman that "forgot the baby"and then in rage said "I wish your baby really got kidnaped" - sounds like she has uncontrolled rage outbursts and maybe she just left the baby and went shopping bc she got irritated with the baby, then calmed down after and realised what she did and repented...she sounds like she can loose control when the situation gets heated

[@caffeinatedkatie4696]

There is SO much to unpack with every single one of them

[@Queen535]

The issue with anonymous people is yes they can troll and spread hate, however in many countries where freedom of speech is not a thing, people need to be anonymous to protect themselves, and if American social media companies start to remove this option people will lose a really important way of communicating about corruption and oppression, it’s a tough subject in my opinion

[@deannavan8710]

The story about the box of "olives" is literally the plot of the Spongebob episode where Patrick has a piece of string in the box and Spongebob spends the whole episode trying to figure out what's in the box (an embarrassing photo of Spongebob from a Christmas party).

[@tiryaclearsong421]

I'm going to laugh if the box actually just has olives.

[@heezypeasy8611]

Lmao I remember that episode 🤣

[@sekirk]

The story about those kids losing their father, and the comment about the guy babysitting his friends daughter. My god, instant tears. I can't imagine being on either side of that,

[@hollyholfeld]

Omg lol. I'm watching this, I looked away for 2 seconds and hear Lauren say "hi holly" when your dog came up 😂😂😂. I was like wtf can she see me!

[@jessicaevans7451]

It's a narcissist thing my mom calls my daughter her baby and enjoys when people mistake her for the mother.

[@lavendermoon9491]

That’s honestly scary

[@sammielove1005]

My grandmother use to do that when i was young thankfully i caught on quickly for a child so everytime someone mistook her as my mother i would correct them and say no thats my grandomother.

[@caffeinatedkatie4696]

That's so gross and I'm sorry you have a Monster In Law

[@caffeinatedkatie4696]

@@sammielove1005 lmao called out

[@berinkeskinsoy4142]

Lmao is it just me or would a psycho episode be so cool

[@nikitagabrielle9733]

not just you loll

[@Fallenfromgrace1990]

I have some stories of my ex that would fit under the category of "psycho." 😂

[@jettalaventure976]

Yesss omg. Like crime series kind of stuff or the psychotic Reddit stories?? Both would be amazing lol

[@xavieralove3438]

They should go on the narcissistic abuse subreddit

[@idkimjustdarkfudgelol6896]

Oh thank God I reread this comment. I missed the word episode and my face was 😮

[@greengrapesarebetterthanpu94]

About the story with the dude who told the kids about their dead dad, what hit me was when they went silent from trauma. I have two little cousins who are both in elementary school now but when they were really young, their dad was financially abusive to their mother, then one day abandoned the family. The older of my two little cousins was 4 at the time, I think, and he completely stopped talking. Ever since then he’s been going to speech therapy, had trouble in school because of it and gotten a little behind academically. He’s talking so much more now but he’s noticeably behind where he should be with his words because of that situation. It makes me so unimaginably angry when this happens to kids because they shouldn’t deal with stuff like that so young. But Ik my little cousins were lucky in some sense, because their mother always supported them, was always there for them, our whole family surrounded them in comfort and love. And I NEVER mention their dad around them, it truly never crosses my mind. When I found out what their dad did, I said NOTHING to my little cousins, I was simply there for them. That’s all you need, and should do in these kinds of situations. Doing anything else is just sickening.

[@WriterGirl719]

So glad I finally found the "What's in the box?" story. I've been hearing references to it in later episodes and was so curious! I was laughing my a off during that discussion

[@nikitagabrielle9733]

Just wanna say I love this podcast and these people sm 🥺

[@berinkeskinsoy4142]

Sameeee they’re incredible

[@Birdiee93x]

It’s not admirable for telling the parents you left their child alone in a park for 2 hours…come on. She was hoping the baby would get taken she probably only told the parents because if she had a sunburn, a scratch something she’d have to come clean.

[@evazigarovich1904]

I absolutely love this podcast and love the hot takes! This episode particularly struck a chord with me, because I am adopted. I cannot speak on behalf of other adopted people, but I personally have no desire to know my birth parents. It's not because I resent them or anything, but I don't see them as my parents. Yes, they gave me life, but they weren't present for all of my milestones and had no part in my life. The only thing I would want to tell them is thank you, because they gave me an opportunity to have the life I do now. :)

[@cassiafitz1125]

I like that this channel seems to look at the mental health aspect of these stories. I only watched a few episodes but it is refreshing to hear another way of seeing these