4 real-life stories about parents who left their kids homeless & begged them for a favor years later

Most parents would give their entire world for the well-being of their children, but sadly, not every child gets to live in a loving home and experience affection, care, and love. Some are neglected and even abused by those who are supposed to provide for them and treat them as jewels.

Four people took to Reddit to tell their life stories and share how beside the injustice and the horrible treatment by their parents they still managed to stand on their feet and turn their lives around. As of their moms and dads, they got what they deserved at the end.

Read their stories below.

Father Needs Son’s Help after Bringing Him up in an Abusive Childhood

In 2019, an individual who identified as Asian turned to Reddit’s “AITA” forum to share a narrative. Recounting his upbringing, the man revealed that his father’s treatment during his childhood was marked by being frequently kicked out of his home.

Shutterstock

The family’s financial struggles led them to reside in a subpar townhouse in an unfavorable part of town. Following the common stereotype associated with Asian fathers, the narrator’s dad exhibited extreme strictness regarding academic performance.

If the original poster (OP) received a grade below 70, was tardy to class, or failed to adhere to a curfew, his father’s response was consistent: eviction from the house. Despite his pleas and appeals, he would find himself relegated outdoors with only a sleeping bag, regardless of the weather conditions — rain or snow.

Shutterstock

This pattern continued until the age of 16 when a friend extended the courtesy of allowing OP to stay overnight. Each time he was expelled, he would eventually return, apologize, and be permitted to re-enter the home, with him revealing: “[My father] kicked me out at 18 and I didn’t come back home.”

Instead, he opted to stay with a friend and engaged in consistent employment to finance his education. From that day onward, he stopped communicating with his father. Finally, at the age of 29, he found marital bliss with a child on the way.

OP’s mother passed away at the time—a poignant event that brought about a series of unexpected encounters. Amid the atmosphere of mourning and reflection, his father made an appearance at his son’s home, bearing the weight of past grievances. It appeared to be an attempt at reconciliation for the turbulent upbringing that had marked OP’s formative years.

Shutterstock

Despite initial perceptions of genuineness, a lingering skepticism arose because OP’s dad had faced his own share of hardships. The closure of his convenience store seven years prior and the deterioration of his pension painted a complex backdrop to the situation.

In a moment that demanded honesty and clarity, the Redditor took the initiative to question his father’s motives for his visit. With a tone of desperation, his dad admitted his intentions—he sought a place to stay. OP, perhaps burdened by a mix of emotions from the past and the present, retreated momentarily into the house.

Upon returning, a sleeping bag was flung unceremoniously onto the lawn—an act loaded with the history of past rejections and a symbol of his dad’s actions. An essential facet of the narrative was inadvertently omitted in the initial retelling. Over time, the father had sought to make amends through sporadic financial offerings sent via mail.

These modest sums, accumulating to around $1500, remained tucked away in the recesses of OP’s closet, which he intended to return at his mother’s funeral reception. Upon the passing of his mother, his wife and friends reacted to his decision.

A Woman Bad-Mouthed Her Future DIL, Only to Realize the Next Day She Was Talking About Me — Story of the Day

I thought I was helping a sharp-tongued customer pick a gift for her son’s girlfriend. But our clash became deeply personal when she came to dinner as my BF’s mother.

The morning light painted the shop windows in soft, golden hues, catching on the frost that had crept up overnight. Inside, the air was warm and rich with the scent of cinnamon and pine. The shelves sparkled with handcrafted treasures—delicate ornaments, carved wooden toys, and intricately decorated candles.

Every day, I sold gifts or helped people choose the perfect present to light up a loved one’s face. People often wandered by, peering through the glass, and their smiles gave me a small rush of pride.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

The familiar chime of the doorbell broke my thoughts. I turned, expecting another friendly face.

The woman’s heels clicked sharply against the wooden floor as she entered, her every movement deliberate, as if choreographed. Her jewelry glittered in a way that felt more commanding than beautiful.

“Good morning,” I offered with my usual warmth.

She barely nodded, her lips forming a polite but strained smile. “I’m looking for a gift. For my son’s girlfriend. We’re meeting tomorrow.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Of course,” I replied, gesturing to a nearby shelf. “We have some lovely…”

“Not those.” She waved a manicured hand dismissively before I could finish. “Too rustic.”

I blinked but kept my tone steady. “How about this?” I reached for a hand-painted jewelry box. “It’s handmade, and the details…”

“Too expensive,” she said sharply, cutting me off again. “For someone who hasn’t yet proven herself worthy? I don’t think so.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

The comment stung more than it should have, but I masked it with a small nod.

“Perhaps a scarf then?” I suggested, holding up a soft woolen one. “It’s practical and elegant…”

“Not her style,” she said, her voice tinged with impatience. Her eyes flicked over me briefly as if she were assessing more than just the shop. “Is this all you have? I thought these little places were supposed to be unique.”

“Every item here is chosen with care,” I said evenly. “I’m sure we can find something.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

She sighed, glancing at her watch.

“I’ll come back later, maybe,” she muttered, though the dismissal in her tone made it clear she wouldn’t.

Without another word, she left, the door shutting behind her with a definitive jingle.

The joy that had filled the shop earlier seemed to dim. I had dealt with difficult customers before. But something about that woman left a sour taste in my mouth.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

The next evening, I smoothed the front of my dress, checking my reflection one last time. That night was supposed to be a quiet dinner with my boyfriend Ethan, a chance to unwind after a long week.

As we arrived at the candlelit bistro, Ethan leaned in and whispered, “Oh, by the way, my Mom, Margaret, is joining us. She’s excited to meet you.”

My panic prickled at the edges. “What?”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“She’s already here,” Ethan said, gesturing toward the corner. “I didn’t tell you earlier because I didn’t want you to overthink it. Relax, she’s going to love you. Trust me.”

I managed a tight smile, but my nerves coiled tighter with every step. When we reached the table, my heart sank completely.

Margaret. It was her! The woman from the shop. Her sharp gaze met mine, and I saw a flicker of recognition before she quickly masked it with a polite smile.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“Mom, this is Grace,” Ethan said warmly. “Grace, my mom, Margaret.”

“Hello,” I said, extending my hand. Her grip was firm but brief, her polished nails catching the low light.

“Grace,” she repeated, her tone neutral, “Ethan’s mentioned you. It’s nice to put a face to the name.”

As we sat down, Margaret immediately took charge of the conversation, her voice smooth and authoritative.

“Ethan, did I tell you about the holiday charity gala coming up?” Margaret began, her eyes sparkling with the kind of enthusiasm that came naturally when she spoke about herself.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“That’s incredible, Mom,” Ethan said, glancing at me with a smile. “She’s always got so much going on. Isn’t that impressive, Grace? Mom’s pretty amazing at juggling it all.”

“It sounds like a lot of work,” I said politely, though Margaret’s focus was already elsewhere.

“Oh, it is. The guest list alone has been a nightmare. Such a headache, but what can you do? These events practically run on connections.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Ethan didn’t miss a beat, turning the conversation back toward me. “You know, Grace has been really busy too. She’s incredible at helping people find the perfect gifts.”

Margaret’s lips curled into a faintly amused smile. “Well, that’s certainly a skill. Perhaps something to chat about another time.”

Ethan squeezed my hand briefly under the table, offering silent reassurance, but I couldn’t shake the feeling of being out of place. When Ethan left to pay the bill, Margaret turned to me, her polite mask slipping.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“I’m going to be honest,” she began. “You seem nice, but I don’t see you fitting into Ethan’s life long-term. He needs someone who can complement his ambitions. Do you understand what I’m saying?”

I swallowed hard, willing myself not to react. There was no point in arguing.

Instead, I met her gaze and nodded politely. Ethan returned moments later, oblivious to the tension, and I plastered on a smile, wishing desperately for the night to end.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

A few days later, I was surprised to find an envelope slipped under my apartment door. Inside was an invitation to Margaret’s charity fair, accompanied by a neatly written note:

Grace, it would be helpful if you could come by a day early to assist with preparations. Margaret.

I stared at it for a long moment, unsure what to make of the gesture. Was this an olive branch, or just another test? Ethan, of course, saw it as a positive sign.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“It’s a great opportunity for her to see how amazing you are,” he said, his eyes filled with encouragement. “Just be yourself. She’ll come around.”

I wasn’t so convinced, but I agreed to go. If nothing else, I thought, it was a chance to support Ethan.

***

When I arrived the next day, the venue was buzzing with activity, though “chaotic” might have been a better word. People in sleek coats and bright scarves darted around, shouting instructions or carrying decorations.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Margaret stood in the center, directing it all like a conductor of an unruly orchestra. “Grace, you’re here. There’s plenty to do.”

She gestured toward a table where two women sat sipping champagne, surrounded by half-unpacked boxes of decorations. They didn’t notice the glitter they were spilling onto the white tablecloths.

“Start with the tables, will you? My friends, Linda and Carol, will help you.” Margaret said, barely glancing at me. “The spills are a disaster, and that glitter is everywhere. It needs to look perfect for tomorrow.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

As I grabbed a cloth to clean up the mess, Linda glanced at me with a smirk.

“Oh, bless you for doing this. Margaret’s got such a keen eye. Everything has to be just so,” she said, giggling as she clinked glasses with Carol.

I swallowed my pride and focused on the work. No matter how deliberate that felt, I reminded myself I was there for Ethan and the cause.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

The evening dragged on, and Margaret’s usual poise began to crack. Her phone rang, and she answered it briskly. But suddenly, she lowered the phone, her face pale and tense.

“What’s wrong?” Linda asked, noticing Margaret’s unusual stillness.

Margaret sank onto a nearby sofa, pressing her fingers to her temples.

“The Christmas souvenirs… They’ve been delayed. There’s nothing to sell tomorrow.”

Panic rippled through the room. For the first time, I saw Margaret’s armor falter.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I hesitated, then stepped forward. “I can help.”

“Help? How? You can’t just fix this, Grace.” Her words were biting, but I could hear the fear beneath them.

“I’ll figure something out,” I replied, keeping my voice steady.

Her doubt stung, but I didn’t let it deter me. Something had to be done, and I knew I could do it.

***

That night, the shop door creaked softly as I pushed it open. I stood still for a moment, taking it all in—the shelves lined with ornaments that glittered faintly in the dim light, the delicate figurines arranged just so, and the jars of sweets stacked in neat rows.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I rolled up my sleeves and began to work, carefully packing the ornaments and arranging them in sturdy boxes. The figurines followed—tiny angels, snowmen, and reindeer, each wrapped in tissue paper to protect their fragile beauty. The sweets in bright wrappers went last.

Hours passed, but I didn’t feel the time. When I finished, the shop looked bare, but my heart felt full. Ethan arrived just as I sealed the last box.

“Grace, are you sure about this?” he asked, gesturing to the stack of boxes. “This is a lot to give.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“It’s what needs to be done,” I said simply, brushing my hair back from my face.

“How can you take all of this without the owner’s permission?”

“Ethan, I am the owner. I’ve been the shopkeeper, the accountant, the cleaner—everything. This shop is mine. I’ve kept it to myself because it’s my sanctuary corner of magic. I didn’t want to share it until I was ready.”

“You’ve been running this place all on your own? That’s incredible, Grace.”

Together, we loaded the car and drove to the venue. By morning, the shop’s treasures adorned the tables, their sparkle transforming the chaotic space into something truly magical.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

***

The following morning, guests wandered through, admiring the ornaments and figurines, their smiles proof that the effort had been worth it.

Margaret approached me just as the last of the guests were leaving, her expression thoughtful and her tone uncharacteristically soft.

“Grace,” she began. “I owe you an apology.”

“There’s no need…”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

“No, let me finish,” she said firmly. “I misjudged you from the start. When Ethan first mentioned you, I assumed… well, I assumed wrong. What you did tonight, saving the charity fair like that, was extraordinary. And you didn’t even hesitate.”

Her eyes glistened, though she quickly looked away as if to hide it. “I insist on paying for every single souvenir you brought. It’s the least I can do.”

“Thank you, Margaret.”

“I’d like you to spend Christmas with us. Here. As a family.”

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

I hesitated, unsure if she meant it, but the sincerity in her expression was undeniable.

“I’d love that,” I said finally.

That evening, as we all gathered around the table, Margaret was no longer the stern, unyielding woman I had met in the shop or at dinner.

Ethan caught my eye across the table. That night, he shared how much it meant to him to see his mother open up, to see her finally embracing the people he cared about. It was a Christmas I would never forget.

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

For illustration purposes only | Source: Midjourney

Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might inspire them and brighten their day.

If you enjoyed this story, read this one: I thought I had found the perfect Christmas romance—a man who seemed to bring magic into my life. But as the snow fell and the holidays approached, I uncovered a truth that turned my world upside down and left me questioning everything I believed about love and trust. Read the full story here.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.

Related Posts

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*