Story That Starts With Husband’s Weird And False Belief That Wife Is Pregnant Ends With His Death

When getting married, the husband and wife promise to love each other “in sickness and in health”. Unfortunately, none of us know when the time of sickness may come, and sometimes, it comes in the most confusing, unexpected ways.

For this couple, everything started when the husband began falsely insisting that his wife was pregnant. Rattled by his strange behavior, she didn’t know what to make of it. As the mystery knots in this story untangled, it became clear that a more sinister health condition was behind his erratic behavior. And it all led to an inevitable but heartbreaking conclusion.

We reached out to a certified loss and empowerment coach, Amanda McKoy Flanagan, LMSW. She is also a writing coach, energy healer, and motivational speaker, the author of the award-winning inspirational memoir Trust Yourself to Be All In: Safe to Love and Let Go, and host of the Sol Rising podcast.

She kindly agreed to tell Bored Panda more about anticipatory grief, whether anger is a natural part of grieving, and why it’s best to feel and ‘make friends’ with that anger during the grieving process.

More info: Amanda McKoy Flanagan | Facebook | Instagram

A husband started insisting his wife was pregnant out of nowhere

Man explaining with concern while woman listens with worried expression representing heartbreaking cancer diagnosis discussion

Image credits: Image generated by Bored Panda using chatGPT

At first, she didn’t think much of it, but she grew more and more uncomfortable as he wouldn’t stop

Text excerpt showing a woman explaining her husband’s pregnancy assumptions leading to a worrying and confusing situation.

Text discussing a husband’s pregnancy assumptions that lead to a surprising and heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Man’s pregnancy assumptions lead to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis, capturing emotions in a difficult medical journey.

Pregnancy assumptions lead to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis as a man shares emotional impact on his family.

Text excerpt about pregnancy assumptions and a man’s reaction, highlighting heartbreaking cancer diagnosis concerns.

Woman lying awake in bed at night, looking distressed and worried about a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Image credits: blackNull (not the actual photo)

Text excerpt about a man’s pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis discussion.

Text excerpt expressing fear about partner’s behavior amid pregnancy assumptions and a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Text excerpt showing a person expressing confusion over a husband's pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Text message expressing concern and confusion about husband’s health leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Young woman lying in bed at night, looking at her phone with a sad expression, reflecting on a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)

Grieving person expressing gratitude while coping with husband's cancer diagnosis after pregnancy assumptions.

Text excerpt about a husband's kindness leading to concerns of a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis and pregnancy assumptions.

Text message about contacting parents and scheduling a doctor appointment after husband’s pregnancy assumption leads to cancer diagnosis.

Image credits: hrowRA_LosingMind

People were speculating whether the husband was just manipulating her or if something more serious was going on

Comment discussing dangerous delusions and manipulation related to husband’s pregnancy assumptions and cancer diagnosis fears.

Reddit thread discussing a man’s pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis and emotional support.

Man’s pregnancy assumptions in online discussion reveal a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis and struggles with his husband’s health.

Online forum discussion urging sharing about a man’s pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Screenshot of an online forum discussing a man’s pregnancy assumptions revealing a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Man’s pregnancy assumptions in a Reddit conversation lead to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis discussion.

Comment text on a forum discussing a man’s pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Screenshot of an online comment advising to check birth control methods like IUD or implant amid heartbreaking cancer diagnosis assumptions.

Comment thread discussing pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis and related personal experiences.

Comment reading psychiatric delusion with warning about danger, relating to husband’s pregnancy assumptions and cancer diagnosis.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment discussing a man’s pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Comment warning about danger and disbelief around pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Screenshot of a Reddit conversation about a man’s pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis update.

A few days later, the couple got into a huge fight and ended up staying with their parents

Woman crying while man comforts her, illustrating the emotional impact of a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)

Text update about a husband’s pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis discussion.

Text about a man’s pregnancy assumptions causing worry and leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Text excerpt discussing a man’s pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis and doctor visit offer.

Man’s pregnancy assumptions lead to heartbreaking cancer diagnosis as tensions rise and hurtful accusations are made.

Alt text: Emotional excerpt depicting fear and confusion related to husband's health and a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Worried woman looking away with distressed expression while man stands blurred in the background, highlighting cancer diagnosis emotions.

Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)

Text excerpt about worsening situation and lack of permanent harm, related to man's pregnancy assumptions and cancer diagnosis.

Text excerpt about a man’s pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis and family reactions.

Text excerpt from a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis story, highlighting a husband’s pregnancy assumptions and family concerns.

Text excerpt showing a man’s pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis and his refusal to get checked.

Text expressing worry and confusion about a husband's condition leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Text expressing gratitude for replies and concern about safety, related to man's pregnancy assumptions and cancer diagnosis.

Image credits: ThrowRA_LosingMind

Commenters were glad both of them were safe, but urged the woman to convince her husband to get checked out by a medical professional

Reddit user shares emotional story where man’s pregnancy assumptions lead to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis discussion.

Reddit conversation discussing a man’s pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Online forum conversation showing concern and support following a man’s pregnancy assumptions leading to cancer diagnosis.

Text comment discussing mental illness and the importance of seeking medical help for a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Man's pregnancy assumptions lead to heartbreaking cancer diagnosis, highlighting struggles with husband's declining health.

Comment text discussing a grandmother's schizophrenia and experiences with hospitalization and medication refusals.

Screenshot of a Reddit comment suggesting brain scan and therapist for a man with symptoms, hinting at tumor diagnosis.

Screenshot of an online comment discussing tumor and evaluation, reflecting a man's pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Man with concerned expression discussing pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Finally, the family convinced the husband to see a doctor

Reddit conversation discussing a man’s pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Text post about a man in the hospital with a medical issue, relating to cancer diagnosis and pregnancy assumptions.

Then the real reason for his strange behavior was revealed: a brain tumor

Doctor examining breast cancer scans on computer monitors, highlighting heartbreaking cancer diagnosis and pregnancy assumptions.

Image credits: EyeEm (not the actual photo)

Text update showing a man’s pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis and ongoing emotional struggle.

Text on white background describing a brain tumour diagnosis and pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Text excerpt discussing a medical team's efforts on a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis linked to man’s pregnancy assumptions.

Text expressing a woman’s emotional struggle as her husband faces a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis after pregnancy assumptions.

Text expressing love and fear as a husband’s pregnancy assumptions lead to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis update.

Image credits: ThrowRA_LosingMind

Commenters met the update with an outpouring of support: “Sending internet hugs”

Screenshot of a Reddit conversation discussing a husband’s pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Reddit comments expressing sympathy and support over a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis and pregnancy assumptions.

Comment discussing symptoms, brain tumors, and treatment advice related to husband’s cancer diagnosis and pregnancy assumptions.

Reddit conversation discussing a man’s confused state amid a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis after pregnancy assumptions.

Reddit discussion about a man’s cancer diagnosis after pregnancy assumptions and challenges with tumor removal and recovery.

Reddit conversation showing support for a man’s pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

The wife also clarified the exact diagnosis

Screenshot of an online conversation about a man’s pregnancy assumptions and his heartbreaking cancer diagnosis with glioblastoma.

Comment text expressing hope for a strong plan and acknowledging the difficulty of a man's heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Reddit comment offering positive vibes and hope for a full recovery from a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Screenshot of a heartfelt Reddit comment about a man’s pregnancy assumptions leading to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

After the news, the wife shared how heartbroken she was for their robbed future together

Worried woman lying on couch, deep in thought, reflecting on husband's pregnancy assumptions and cancer diagnosis.

Image credits freepik (not the actual photo)

Woman expressing anger and heartbreak over her husband's brain tumour diagnosis after pregnancy assumptions lead to cancer discovery.

Text passage expressing emotional turmoil about a husband's sickness with assumptions and a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Text expressing heartbreak and disbelief over a husband's terminal cancer diagnosis after pregnancy assumptions.

Emotional text about a man's pregnancy assumptions turning into a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis story.

Image credits: hrowRA_LosingMind

Man’s pregnancy assumptions lead to heartbreaking cancer diagnosis, highlighting anticipatory grief and emotional pain of impending loss.

Six weeks after her original post, the wife revealed that her husband’s condition was critical

Woman crying with tears streaming, comforted by her husband, reflecting a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis moment.

Image credits: freepik (not the actual photo)

The wife was experiencing what’s called ‘anticipatory grief’

The news about the woman’s husband’s brain tumor came out of nowhere. What began as a story of confusion and possible manipulation soon turned into a heartbreaking one. The author bravely documented her journey in posts across different subreddits, and after the initial shock of the diagnosis.

As some of the commenters already explained, what she was experiencing was anticipatory grief. Instead of regular grief, this type of bereavement is about what’s yet to come. Grief coach Amanda McKoy Flanagan tells Bored Panda that anticipatory grief can surface in lots of ways.

“Most of us are living with some form of it, whether we are aware of its manifestation or not and whether the threat of loss is real or perceived,” she notes. McKoy Flanagan says the following are four of the most common situations in which we may experience it:

• When a physical death is imminent;
• When fear of future loss exists without a medical determination;
• When a significant change might be coming to a relationship with a living person (e.g., divorce);
• Or when our hopes for a relationship with a parent, child, spouse, or friend get squashed.

“Any major change on the horizon creates anticipatory grief and may present similarly to bereavement,” the grief coach points out.

“Emotions such as anxiety, confusion, frustration, irritability, depression, disorientation, absent-mindedness, despair, and anger are typical with this kind of grief, and are often heightened if one has suffered a previous traumatic loss as fresh loss inevitably kicks up old grief.”

Man sitting alone looking worried, illustrating a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis linked to pregnancy assumptions.

Text post with a heartfelt message about stepping away from social media, reflecting on support amid a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Text reading about wanting to comfort family and friends amid a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Text excerpt describing a man’s worsening cancer diagnosis and family's heartbreaking decision to stop treatment.

Text of a heartfelt message expressing conflicting emotions about a husband's terminal illness and a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Text saying I’m sorry this isn’t a better update. Wish you all the best, related to heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Image credits: ThrowRA_LosingMind

“This woman is not angry at her husband for being ill, she is afraid he is going to die,” loss and empowerment coach says

The wife in the story details how angry she felt at her husband for getting sick and leaving her alone. McKoy Flanagan says that anger is a very natural part of grief. “I say ‘part,’ not ‘stage,’ because contrary to popular belief, there are no stages of grief,” she also notes.

The classic five stages of grief—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—were established by Elizabeth Kübler-Ross. But McKoy Flanagan points out that she was referring to preparing for your own death, not someone else’s.

Still, anger is an emotion a lot of grieving people feel. McKoy Flanagan tells us that it’s also uncontrollable: “It may come and go at will.” Yet she emphasizes fear as the emotion we should be paying attention to.

“Anger is a symptom of fear,” she explains. “If you are angry, the pressing question you should ask yourself is, ‘What am I afraid of?’ This woman is not angry at her husband for being ill, she is afraid he is going to die. We succumb to anger because it is easier to default to than fear.”

“It provides protection, a righteous ego-boost, whereas fear makes us vulnerable, another frightening emotional state to be in: fear on top of fear. Anger also makes us feel in control when we feel helpless. Anger makes us feel safe,” the grief coach explains.

Commenters stood by the woman, sharing similar stories about grief and loss

Screenshot of an online discussion about grief and anger related to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis and pregnancy assumptions.

User comments expressing grief and support after a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis following pregnancy assumptions.

Comment discussing stages of grief and emotional impact after a husband’s cancer diagnosis following pregnancy assumptions.

About a month later, the woman shared the news of her husband’s passing

Mourning family gathers at outdoor funeral, reflecting on heartbreaking cancer diagnosis and pregnancy assumptions.

Image credits: pressmaster ( not the actual photo)

Text on a plain white background reading He passed on the 16th. We had his funeral shortly after, relating to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Thank you message on white background expressing gratitude and well wishes following a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Image credits: ThrowRA_LosingMind

Women often suppress anger, but the grief coach says to “Just let it be. Feel it.”

The wife in this story also admits she feels shame about being angry. McKoy Flanagan says that it might be because women are often conditioned to suppress anger since “Good girls don’t get angry.”

“Women are sweet, kind, and accommodating,” she says. “In a man’s world, an angry woman is a form of rebellion, a message of resistance, a challenge to the current structures.”

“This prevailing ideology that has kept girls and women suppressed and voiceless bleeds into the grief space, and shame is the tool used to keep us in check, to keep us calm, quiet, and compliant.”

The grief coach notes how, for many women, being angry is off-limits. “If we expressed anger as children, our feelings were often invalidated, and shame is a close cousin to invalidation. As a result of this conditioning, our internal policewomen heap shame on ourselves for feeling this very natural emotion, and we keep this secret to ourselves, compounding our shame.”

There’s also a strong message in society to “Never speak ill of the [passed].” Even if we’re angry at a loved one who has passed or is about to pass, we’re not allowed to express the anger and frustration we may feel towards them.

“Some of us have bridged a faulty connection between feeling angry about a death to being angry with a person for dying,” McKoy Flanagan says. “You can feel angry about your loss without blaming someone for the situation.”

“In fact, it’s healthy to feel anger without seeking a place to put it. Just let it be. Feel it. Make friends with your anger without shame or judgment. Then let it go.”

Four months after that, she came back to share how she’s coping with the loss of her husband

Text update on screen with a personal message reflecting uncertainty, related to a man's pregnancy assumptions and cancer diagnosis.

Text excerpt with heartfelt words about coping with grief and support, relating to husband's dying and cancer diagnosis.

Text excerpt showing a personal reflection on coping with a husband’s cancer diagnosis and family sadness.

Text excerpt about caring for a dog offering comfort and focus amid a husband's heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Young woman hugging a happy husky dog outdoors, illustrating the heartbreaking cancer diagnosis involving husband's condition.

Image credits: senivpetro (not the actual photo)

Text excerpt from a personal story about grief and coping, relating to a man’s pregnancy assumptions and cancer diagnosis.

Text excerpt showing a personal story mentioning therapy resistance and challenges related to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis.

Man’s pregnancy assumptions lead to a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis, showing emotional struggle and feeling lighter after hardship.

Text on a white background expressing gratitude and healing after a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis related to a man's pregnancy assumptions.

Image credits: ThrowRA_LosingMind

Reddit support message offering grief and therapy advice after a heartbreaking cancer diagnosis and pregnancy assumptions.

Poll Question

Total votes ·

Thanks! Check out the results:

Total votes ·

Newsletter

Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls

Subscribe

By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.

Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!

Anyone can write on Bored Panda. Start writing!

Follow Bored Panda on Google News!

Follow us on Flipboard.com/@boredpanda!