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MIL And Her Daughter Abandon A Kid, MIL Shows Up 25 Years Later, Saying He Has To Take Care Of Her
Man in pajamas comforting young boy on bed, illustrating absent grandma trying to reconnect after 25 years concept

MIL And Her Daughter Abandon A Kid, MIL Shows Up 25 Years Later, Saying He Has To Take Care Of Her

Interview With Expert

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As a naive little kid, I always felt that all parents naturally loved their children. Later, I realized that some do it just because they legally have to, while some don’t love them at all. This honestly made me thank my lucky stars that I grew up in such a caring home. 

Even the original poster’s (OP) son grew up in a loving home all because of his dad, despite his mother abandoning him. However, 25 years later, the evil past came knocking at their door in the guise of his grandma. Read on to see what he did!

More info: Reddit

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    Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with two parents who love them more than anything

    Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

    The poster became a single dad when his wife left him with a newborn, and he suspects his mother-in-law brainwashed her

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    Image credits: RichardBmn

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    Image credits: Getty Images / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

    Apparently, she was too young at 24 to have a baby, but he was 21—yet he decided to stay to take care of their son

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    Image credits: RichardBmn

    Image credits: Casey Tucker / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

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    He hoped that someday his wife would realize her mistake and return, but that never happened, and eventually, they stopped talking about her

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    Image credits: RichardBmn

    Image credits: Kampus Production / Pexels (not the actual photo)

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    However, after 25 years, his mother-in-law suddenly showed up, acting all affectionate and as if she had never abandoned her grandkid

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    Image credits: RichardBmn

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    Image credits: grustock / Freepik (not the actual photo)

    She got immediately offended when the poster’s son didn’t treat her like a grandmother, as grandkids are “supposed” to

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    Image credits: RichardBmn

    Instead, he threw her out of the house, and she left, cursing the poster for raising a “rude and impolite boy”

    Today, we dive into quite an old story that will leave you confused and questioning family relationships. It all started when Reddit user RichardBmn and his wife became pregnant when he was just 21 years old and she was 24. After their baby was born, she realized that she was too young to be a mom and abandoned their son with OP.

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    He always suspected that his mother-in-law had some influence on this decision, as she kept saying her daughter was too young during the pregnancy. However, unlike her, he decided to stay and take care of the baby that he loved so much. He mentions that there were a few people who helped him a lot, but he always hoped that his wife would return. Sadly, that never happened.

    Growing up, his son used to ask about his mom, but after realizing that she would never return, they both forgot about her. Until one day, when OP’s mother-in-law came knocking on the door 25 years later, and he was just shocked. She even acted like she never left and had always been there for the poster’s son, like a loving grandma.

    She was offended when he didn’t treat her with affection. But granny had no sensible answer when her grandson asked why she had abandoned him. Apparently, she returned because grandkids are supposed to look after their grandparents. Ugh, the audacity! She even rubbed in the fact that her daughter had moved on from her “mistake” and now has a husband and two kids.

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    God alone knows what she expected out of this, but the grandson had heard enough and immediately asked her to leave. She left; however, she didn’t go quietly. The poor poster had to hear what an “impolite and rude boy” he raised, and netizens were just aghast!

    Image credits: Pablo Merchán Montes / Unsplash (not the actual photo)

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    It’s insane to think that this woman felt she could latch on to her grandson 25 whole years after she and her daughter had abandoned him. To better understand the impact abandonment has on kids, Bored Panda reached out to Eden Lobo, a counselor and psychology professor. 

    She said that when one parent walks away at birth, and a child is raised by the other, it can definitely affect the child, but it’s not all doom and gloom. “What really matters is how the single parent shows up for them. Kids might feel confused, sad, or even wonder if they did something wrong (they didn’t).”

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    “As they grow up, they might have questions about their identity or struggle a bit with trust or self-esteem, especially if they don’t understand why the other parent left. But here’s the good news: with a loving, supportive parent who’s consistent and honest with them, kids can absolutely grow up to be strong, happy, and confident,” she added.

    Prof. Lobo believes that the key is having a stable, caring environment and maybe some extra support, like therapy or close family and friends. She also stressed that kids don’t need a “perfect” family; rather, they just need to feel loved, safe, and valued. She also added that in the story, the poster had done exactly that, and it clearly showed in his son.

    Our expert also spoke about the harmful impact it can have on a person when someone who has abandoned them suddenly shows up. However, she believes that, in this case, it was necessary, as the man saw what kind of a person his grandma was and would never again think of reconnecting with her. 

    Prof. Lobo also said that what might truly hurt the man is knowing that his mom had “moved on” and had a family of her own. Even netizens felt that the evil granny was just rubbing this hurt in OP and his son’s faces. I’m really glad he kicked her out—aren’t you, too? Let us know in the comments!

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    Netizens couldn’t believe the audacity of the lady and didn’t shy away from calling her names for her “grandma entitlement”

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    Rutuja Dumbre

    Rutuja Dumbre

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    Hey, am Rutuja! A storyteller at heart and a writer at Bored Panda. I have a strange love for words, and I mostly survive on coffee which is the driving force behind my writing. I enjoy working on articles that purely entertain our readers. When am not writing or trekking, you can find me staying up late and watching all the matches of Football Club Barcelona!

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    Rutuja Dumbre

    Rutuja Dumbre

    Writer, BoredPanda staff

    Hey, am Rutuja! A storyteller at heart and a writer at Bored Panda. I have a strange love for words, and I mostly survive on coffee which is the driving force behind my writing. I enjoy working on articles that purely entertain our readers. When am not writing or trekking, you can find me staying up late and watching all the matches of Football Club Barcelona!

    Rūta Zumbrickaitė

    Rūta Zumbrickaitė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Read more »

    Hi! Here at Panda's I'm responsible for Photo Editing and all of the things surrounding it. I love finding great, moody or even dramatic photos to fit the story. Besides that, I'm a proud owner of 3 cats with the silliest names and a bazillion plants<3You can find me at a makeup counter with headphones swatching all of the sparkly eyeshadows

    Read less »

    Rūta Zumbrickaitė

    Rūta Zumbrickaitė

    Author, BoredPanda staff

    Hi! Here at Panda's I'm responsible for Photo Editing and all of the things surrounding it. I love finding great, moody or even dramatic photos to fit the story. Besides that, I'm a proud owner of 3 cats with the silliest names and a bazillion plants<3You can find me at a makeup counter with headphones swatching all of the sparkly eyeshadows

    What do you think ?
    Rafael
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder if this isn't fictional, but then I remember humans, and yeah, that tracks.

    Jenna Kay
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My ex-husband thought he wanted to be a father. He disappeared when I was around 4 months pregnant. I was 21 and still in university. He terminated his custodial rights, and our marriage, right after my daughter was born. I told my daughter the truth - he wasn't ready to be a dad, he never knew her so it had nothing to do with who she was as a person. When I married again, she was told the truth - this man wanted to be her daddy, he loved me and he loved her and he wanted to be ours. She draws a strict line between father and dad - father is biological, daddy is love.

    Load More Replies...
    Tonyah Mcanelly
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like it was a blessing in disguise that the mom left her son with the dad and not abandon or strung along with the mom in her single escapades. It is a really sad story but I applaud the father for raising him to be a confident young man who knows how to stick up for himself. You cant just show up on some ones doorstep and expect things to be OK especially after you have been told you're not wanted

    g90814
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd have asked her if there was any family history of mental illness... just to be aware, of course!

    Julia H
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pretty sure that's a yes. Mom and MIL

    Load More Replies...
    meeeeeeeeeeee
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I'd actually just spit in that woman's face if that were me. Good for him for having restraint.

    Moira
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What the... I just read...? Is beautiful at least, see how well grown and sensible is the son, sticking to his wellbeing instead of appraise a completely random crazy lady. For some people that may be such a shock they could have been dragged along, but he handle it amazing!

    Annabelle
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My reaction, too! I gasped out loud when I read the bit about, That's why I'm here! Wh- Whaaaat?? Seems she ran off everyone in her life and made her next attempt with this poor young man. Just wow.

    Load More Replies...
    Beth Wheeler
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tell that entitled old b***h to go back to her entitled b***h daughter and her family to take care of her. The son did exactly the right thing!

    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is an old story. But it's still nice to hear about caring parents.

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't blame the mother for not being able to love her child - that just happens (and society is, in general, way more forgiving when the father decides to run away). But not in such a way. You can stay out of a child's life and still have a little contact, make sure the child knows you did this for a reason. Likewise, we need to stop behaving as if not wanting a child means was the same as hating the child. To realise that one wouldn't be good for the child's development and leave can be the greatest act of love. Imagine if Josef Fritzl had noticed his perverse wished and decided to stay out of his daughter's life forever.

    Claire Bartlett
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My opinion is that this is story written by AI.

    Southie
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ai narrated story. Has all the signs

    MaryRice
    Community Member
    8 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    How Many Time You Lost This Droid Chance... If you wana get a reasonable profits thru computer and if you have a dependable internet connection then you definitely ought to be able to recognize how you're making your earnings via pc.This is quite simple to understand simply vist my website.......w­w­w­.­b­e­s­t­.­w­o­r­k­4­3­.­c­o­m­

    Rafael
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I wonder if this isn't fictional, but then I remember humans, and yeah, that tracks.

    Jenna Kay
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My ex-husband thought he wanted to be a father. He disappeared when I was around 4 months pregnant. I was 21 and still in university. He terminated his custodial rights, and our marriage, right after my daughter was born. I told my daughter the truth - he wasn't ready to be a dad, he never knew her so it had nothing to do with who she was as a person. When I married again, she was told the truth - this man wanted to be her daddy, he loved me and he loved her and he wanted to be ours. She draws a strict line between father and dad - father is biological, daddy is love.

    Load More Replies...
    Tonyah Mcanelly
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I feel like it was a blessing in disguise that the mom left her son with the dad and not abandon or strung along with the mom in her single escapades. It is a really sad story but I applaud the father for raising him to be a confident young man who knows how to stick up for himself. You cant just show up on some ones doorstep and expect things to be OK especially after you have been told you're not wanted

    g90814
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'd have asked her if there was any family history of mental illness... just to be aware, of course!

    Julia H
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pretty sure that's a yes. Mom and MIL

    Load More Replies...
    meeeeeeeeeeee
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think I'd actually just spit in that woman's face if that were me. Good for him for having restraint.

    Moira
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What the... I just read...? Is beautiful at least, see how well grown and sensible is the son, sticking to his wellbeing instead of appraise a completely random crazy lady. For some people that may be such a shock they could have been dragged along, but he handle it amazing!

    Annabelle
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My reaction, too! I gasped out loud when I read the bit about, That's why I'm here! Wh- Whaaaat?? Seems she ran off everyone in her life and made her next attempt with this poor young man. Just wow.

    Load More Replies...
    Beth Wheeler
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Tell that entitled old b***h to go back to her entitled b***h daughter and her family to take care of her. The son did exactly the right thing!

    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This is an old story. But it's still nice to hear about caring parents.

    Earonn -
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I don't blame the mother for not being able to love her child - that just happens (and society is, in general, way more forgiving when the father decides to run away). But not in such a way. You can stay out of a child's life and still have a little contact, make sure the child knows you did this for a reason. Likewise, we need to stop behaving as if not wanting a child means was the same as hating the child. To realise that one wouldn't be good for the child's development and leave can be the greatest act of love. Imagine if Josef Fritzl had noticed his perverse wished and decided to stay out of his daughter's life forever.

    Claire Bartlett
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My opinion is that this is story written by AI.

    Southie
    Community Member
    8 months ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    ai narrated story. Has all the signs

    MaryRice
    Community Member
    8 months ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    How Many Time You Lost This Droid Chance... If you wana get a reasonable profits thru computer and if you have a dependable internet connection then you definitely ought to be able to recognize how you're making your earnings via pc.This is quite simple to understand simply vist my website.......w­w­w­.­b­e­s­t­.­w­o­r­k­4­3­.­c­o­m­

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