10 Sweet Stories of People Who Deserve a «Parent of the Year» Award

It’s heartwarming to hear about people who have amazing parents who support them with love and laughter, even as they grow older. Their stories can really touch your heart and make you appreciate your own loved ones even more.

  • Mom noticed Dad had red lipstick on his collar, but she didn’t confront him about it. A few days later, I discovered the foundation on his hand, which infuriated me. I confronted my dad, causing a big scene. He confessed that he was taking makeup classes, which only made my mom angrier.
    However, my dad proved he wasn’t cheating; he had been practicing makeup on himself. He demonstrated his skills, showing how well he could do it. He explained that with two daughters, one grown and one young, and another on the way, he wanted to be a good dad who could do anything for them.
  • At the age of 17, I suddenly realized that I didn’t fit the conventional standards of beauty among my peers. I faced ridicule for being red-haired, petite, and freckled. To hide my insecurities, I started covering my freckles with foundation, dyed my hair dark, and wore ill-fitting clothes. My dad noticed this change and gently probed to understand the reason behind it.
    Eventually, I broke down, cried, and poured out my heart to him. In response, he simply said, «So what if you’re petite, with short legs, and red-haired? These are just features! Look at how cute you are! Embrace who you are.» His words struck a chord within me, and I finally began to accept and love myself for who I am.
  • I stumbled upon a mysterious note tucked inside Dad’s wallet one day. Intrigued, I decided to investigate further. Days later, while rummaging through Dad’s briefcase, I discovered a hidden compartment containing another note and a small trinket. Confused and curious, I confronted Dad, demanding an explanation for these clandestine discoveries.
    To my surprise, Dad confessed that he had been leaving secret love notes and tokens of affection around the house for Mom as a romantic gesture. Initially taken aback, I couldn’t help but feel touched by Dad’s thoughtfulness and creativity. Witnessing this sweet gesture between my parents sparked a newfound appreciation for the depth of their love, showing me the power of small surprises in keeping the spark alive in a relationship.
  • Father returned from work, his expression serious as he approached my mom and me. He began, «Do you know who I just saw?!» We waited in anticipation as he continued, «I was walking in the dark, with only one lantern shining, when suddenly, a huge hare jumped out!» Mom and I exchanged surprised glances, only for Dad to pull out a large chocolate bar, saying, «So this bunny asked me to give you a chocolate bar!» Despite being 24 years old, I still fall for this joke about the bunny, as if I were still 6!
  • After finishing school, I accompanied my mother to enroll in university. I passed the exams and was accepted, with my mother’s help in securing a dorm room. Late in the evening, my mom left, leaving me with all the money except for enough for her ticket back home. Excited to start this new chapter of independence, I eagerly joined new friends for a night of celebration.
    What I didn’t know was that my mother missed the last bus and spent the entire night at the station, with only enough money for a ticket and a simple meal of tea and cookies. It wasn’t until 7 years later that I learned about her sacrifice, and I cried uncontrollably upon realizing her selflessness.
  • During a family camping trip, I mentioned how much I’d love to try fishing. Despite not being huge fans of fishing themselves, my parents set up all the gear and patiently showed me how to cast a line. Throughout the day, I struggled to catch anything, but they kept cheering me on with big smiles.
    Finally, I caught my first fish—a tiny trout—and their excitement was contagious. It wasn’t until much later that I realized they had given up their fun to make sure I had a chance to try fishing. Their selfless gesture showed me just how much they cared, leaving a lasting impression on my heart.
  • A week before my wedding, I discovered that my fiancé was cheating on me. Heartbroken, I turned to my mother for advice. While she sympathized with me, she urged me not to cancel the wedding. She reasoned that since everything was paid for, and I’d feel ashamed in front of relatives, it was best to go through with it for now, and later I could seek revenge and find peace. Reluctantly, I agreed.
    However, my wedding day turned out to be the worst day of my life. Just before the ceremony, my dad noticed my distress and pulled me aside for a chat. I broke down and confessed everything to him. Instead of scolding me, he hugged me tightly and said, «Your happiness is what matters most. We’ll handle this together.» With his support, I confronted my cheating fiancé, expressed my true feelings, and walked away with my dignity intact. As we left, my dad proudly said, «That’s my girl!» and added a few words of affection.
  • I remember my dad always getting really excited about very cheap, mundane foods like plain puffed rice cereal, bologna sandwiches, and unflavored steel-cut oats. He would get us all amped up about it, and we would want to eat it instead of the more expensive stuff we really wanted because of how much he talked it up. Now that I am older (and as a father myself), I don’t think he actually loved all these things that much. Instead, my parents just didn’t have the money to buy all that expensive food to feed three growing boys. © Rebelsoul3480 / Reddit
  • A friend’s 14-year-old daughter boldly requested money for a tattoo—right on her face. While her mom resorted to calming herbal drinks, the father and daughter engaged in a serious discussion about the matter. Eventually, they agreed to visit a tattoo artist over the weekend. «I’ll pay double,» declared the father, «but first, you’ll feel the needle without any ink.»
    During the appointment, the father discreetly instructed the artist to make the process as painful as possible. As the heart design began to take shape on her cheek, the daughter howled in agony—it hurt a lot. Despite the pain, they returned home that evening, all satisfied. It seems the father’s approach maintained a positive relationship with his daughter; after all, a stubborn refusal might have only led to more defiance.
  • I went to visit my parents, feeling tired and overwhelmed with problems from all sides—work, friends, and personal issues. My mom and dad immediately sensed my mood and set out to cheer me up. They made my favorite comfort foods: cutlets with mashed potatoes and cake with tea.
    Then, my father surprised me by borrowing a sled from a neighbor and taking me for a ride. For a couple of hours, all my worries melted away, and I felt like a child again—carefree and joyful. In those precious moments, I realized that no matter how old I am, I will always be my dad’s little daughter in his eyes.

We recommend reading a story of a woman who tried to warn her sister about her new boyfriend, but unfortunately, her sister didn’t take her advice. Now, she’s going through a tough divorce.

Preview photo credit jcomp / Freepik

I Found 3 Trash Bags in My Brother and SIL’s Basement – What Was Inside Shocked Me

Seven months pregnant, I agreed to house-sit for my brother and his wife while they vacationed. One afternoon, I stumbled across three mysterious trash bags in the basement. What I found inside made me run for my life and haunts me to this day.

“Run, faster, faster, Celina,” a voice screamed in my head as I stumbled through the dense woods behind my brother’s mansion. Seven months pregnant, I gasped for air, one hand clutching my swollen belly, the other pushing away branches that scratched at my face…

A woman running in the woods | Source: Midjourney

A woman running in the woods | Source: Midjourney

The next bus stop was just beyond these trees. How could I have been so blind? So trusting?

I glanced down at my trembling hands, sticky with drying blood. Wiping them on my dress, I whispered, “We’re safe, my baby. We’re safe. Someone will get us home.”

It all started two weeks ago…

I was curled up on the couch, scrolling through my phone when it buzzed with an incoming call. My brother Victor’s name flashed on the screen.

A smartphone with the screen flashing with an incoming call | Source: Midjourney

A smartphone with the screen flashing with an incoming call | Source: Midjourney

“Hey, big bro! What’s up?” I answered, trying to sound cheerful despite the tension that had been building between us lately.

“Celina! How’s my favorite sister?” Victor’s voice boomed through the speaker. “Listen, I’ve got a huge favor to ask. Anne and I are heading out of town for a week. A friend’s wedding plus a little vacation. Any chance you or Paul could house-sit for us?”

Before I could respond, I heard rustling and then my sister-in-law Anne’s voice came on the line.

“Oh, Celina, you’ll love staying here! Don’t worry about a thing, sweetie. The house practically runs itself.”

A woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

A woman talking on the phone | Source: Midjourney

I hesitated, thinking about the cold shoulder Anne had been giving me lately.

Our relationship had become increasingly strained over the past year, ever since Paul’s business took off and our financial situation improved dramatically.

Meanwhile, Victor had faced a string of failed ventures, and I could see the toll it was taking on him and Anne.

Portrait of an upset couple | Source: Midjourney

Portrait of an upset couple | Source: Midjourney

The last straw seemed to be my pregnancy announcement. While the rest of the family had been overjoyed, Anne’s reaction was lukewarm at best.

She didn’t even bother to show up for the gender reveal party, citing being “too busy” when I called to ask why she’d missed it.

I knew it was a lie. Anne and Victor had been trying for years to conceive, with no success due to some health issues she faced. My easy pregnancy seemed to be salt in her wounds.

A gender reveal party | Source: Midjourney

A gender reveal party | Source: Midjourney

There was also the incident last month when Anne hosted a party to celebrate Victor finally landing a big contract. Paul and I weren’t invited, and when I politely confronted her about it later, she brushed it off with a flimsy excuse about “limited space.”

The hurt and confusion I felt then still lingered.

But now, here she was, asking me to house-sit. Was this her way of extending an olive branch? Maybe she was finally ready to move past her jealousy and resentment.

A woman lost in deep thought | Source: Midjourney

A woman lost in deep thought | Source: Midjourney

Despite my reservations, I found myself wanting to believe that this could be a turning point in our relationship.

“Sure, I’d be happy to,” I said, hope creeping into my voice. “When do you need me?”

“Morning, eight, yeah?”

“Alright, I’ll be there.”

As I hung up, my husband Paul walked in, his brow furrowing as he took in my expression.

“What’s wrong, honey?”

A concerned man smiling | Source: Midjourney

A concerned man smiling | Source: Midjourney

I explained the situation, watching as concern clouded his features.

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?” he asked gently. “Things have been tense with Anne lately.”

I sighed, rubbing my belly absently. “I know, but maybe this is her way of trying to patch things up? Besides, it might be nice to get away for a bit before the baby comes.”

Paul didn’t look convinced, his brow furrowing with worry.

A worried man sitting on the couch | Source: Midjourney

A worried man sitting on the couch | Source: Midjourney

“I wish I could join you, but I’ve got those crucial client meetings all week,” he said, running a hand through his hair. “Are you absolutely sure about this, darling?”

I nodded, trying to project more confidence than I felt. “It’ll be fine, honey. I can handle it.”

Paul didn’t look convinced, but he nodded. “Alright, if you’re sure. Just promise me you’ll be careful, okay?”

I leaned in, kissing him softly. “I promise. I’ll be fine.”

A pregnant woman sitting on the couch | Source: Midjourney

A pregnant woman sitting on the couch | Source: Midjourney

The following morning, I stood outside Victor and Anne’s mansion, waving goodbye to Paul as he drove away after dropping me.

My brother and sister-in-law emerged, suitcases in hand.

“Celina!” Victor swept me into a gentle hug, keeping a distance from my bulging belly. “Thanks again for doing this. We really appreciate it.”

Silhouette of a woman standing outside a mansion | Source: Midjourney

Silhouette of a woman standing outside a mansion | Source: Midjourney

Anne’s smile seemed forced as she air-kissed my cheek.

“Yes, thank you,” she said, her voice overly sweet. “Everything you need is inside. We’ve got to run to the airport. Have a great week, darling!”

And just like that, they were gone, leaving me alone in the massive house.

A worried woman in a mansion | Source: Midjourney

A worried woman in a mansion | Source: Midjourney

I wandered from room to room, feeling oddly out of place.

My phone buzzed with a text from Paul: “Miss you already. Call if you need anything. Love you both. 😘

I smiled, replying quickly before settling onto the couch. As night fell, the house seemed to grow larger and emptier.

The taxidermied animals on the walls seemed to stare back at me, intensifying the feeling that I was being watched.

A pregnant woman sitting amid an eerie display of taxidermied animals | Source: Midjourney

A pregnant woman sitting amid an eerie display of taxidermied animals | Source: Midjourney

Three days passed in a blur of Netflix binges and long naps.

On the fourth morning, I decided to be a little productive. After my daily call with Paul, I cleaned the kitchen and headed to the basement to check on the furnace.

As I reached the bottom of the stairs, my eyes fell on three large garbage bags tucked in a corner.

“Weird,” I muttered. “Anne must’ve forgotten to take these out.”

Three fully-loaded trash bags in a basement | Source: Midjourney

Three fully-loaded trash bags in a basement | Source: Midjourney

I snapped a quick picture, sending it to her with a joking message: “Forgot something? Don’t worry, I’ve got trash duty covered!😉”

Seconds later, my phone exploded with notifications. A text from Anne read: “DON’T TOUCH THEM! SERIOUSLY, GET OUT OF OUR BASEMENT! NOW.”

Before I could process her reaction, she called.

I answered, confused. “Anne? What’s wrong?”

“Celina, listen to me,” she hissed. “Get out of the basement. Now. Don’t look in those bags. Just go upstairs and pretend you never saw them.”

A woman gaping in shock as she holds her phone | Source: Midjourney

A woman gaping in shock as she holds her phone | Source: Midjourney

“But—”

“Just Go. Please.”

“Okay, okay,” I said, backing away. “I’m leaving now.”

I hung up, my heart pounding. What could possibly be in those bags that would make Anne react like that?

Despite every instinct screaming at me to run, curiosity won out.

An alarmed pregnant woman standing against the backdrop of trash bags in a basement | Source: Midjourney

An alarmed pregnant woman standing against the backdrop of trash bags in a basement | Source: Midjourney

I approached the nearest bag, my hands shaking as I untied the knot.

As I pulled it open, the bag tore and the contents spilled out onto the floor. The moment my eyes registered what lay before me, my blood turned to ice in my veins.

Ritual tools. Decayed chicken bones and feathers. And voodoo dolls. Dozens of crude, handmade dolls, each bearing a photo of MY FACE. Many were stained with a dark, reddish-brown substance and reeked of rot. The stench of decay filled the air, making my stomach churn.

“Oh my God,” I whispered, stumbling backward. “Oh my God, oh my God. This can’t be—”

A voodoo doll with a woman's picture on it | Source: Midjourney

A voodoo doll with a woman’s picture on it | Source: Midjourney

I fumbled for my phone, dialing Paul with trembling fingers.

“Baby,” I choked out when he answered. “I need you to come get me. Now.”

“Celina, breathe,” Paul’s voice crackled through the speaker. “What happened?”

A terrified woman gaping in shock | Source: Midjourney

A terrified woman gaping in shock | Source: Midjourney

I tried to explain between gasps, my words tumbling out in a panicked jumble.

“Bags in the basement… voodoo dolls with my face… blood… Paul, I think Anne’s been trying to curse our baby!”

“Jesus Christ,” Paul muttered. “Okay, listen to me. Get out of that house right now. Don’t wait for me, just go to the bus stop on the main road. I’m on my way.”

I didn’t need to be told twice. I raced up the stairs, pausing only to grab my purse before bolting out the front door. The woods behind the house offered a shortcut to the road, and I plunged in without hesitation.

A frightened woman running in the woods | Source: Midjourney

A frightened woman running in the woods | Source: Midjourney

Branches whipped at my face as I ran, my pregnant belly making it hard to maneuver. I could hear my ragged breathing, punctuated by the snapping of twigs beneath my feet.

Finally, I burst out onto the road, the bus stop just a few yards away. I collapsed onto the bench, gulping in air, my hands and clothes smeared with dirt and blood from my frantic flight through the woods.

Paul’s car screeched to a halt in front of me minutes later. He leapt out, rushing to my side. “Celina! Are you okay? The baby?”

A startled man gaping in shock | Source: Midjourney

A startled man gaping in shock | Source: Midjourney

I nodded weakly, allowing him to help me into the car. As we sped away, I recounted everything I’d seen in a shaky voice.

Paul’s knuckles were white on the steering wheel. “I knew we shouldn’t have trusted them,” he muttered. “Especially not Anne. The way she’s been acting lately…”

“I can’t believe she’d do this,” I whispered, tears streaming down my face. “My own sister-in-law… how could she hate me this much?”

Paul reached over, squeezing my hand. “We’ll figure this out, I promise. For now, let’s just get you home and safe.”

A shocked woman holding her face | Source: Midjourney

A shocked woman holding her face | Source: Midjourney

The next few days passed in a haze of fear and disbelief.

Anne called repeatedly, but Paul insisted I shouldn’t speak to her until Victor returned. When they finally got back from their trip, I steeled myself for the confrontation.

We met at a neutral location, a quiet café downtown. Victor looked confused and concerned as I recounted what I’d found, while Anne’s face cycled through shock, anger, and finally, defeat.

A shocked young man | Source: Midjourney

A shocked young man | Source: Midjourney

“Is this true?” Victor demanded, turning to his wife. “Have you been… what, practicing witchcraft against my sister?”

Anne’s shoulders slumped. “I… I was jealous,” she whispered. “Your sister got everything so easily… the perfect husband, the thriving business, the baby. I just wanted what she had.”

Victor recoiled in horror. “This is insane, Anne. You need help.”

An alarmed woman looking at a man | Source: Midjourney

An alarmed woman looking at a man | Source: Midjourney

“I’m so sorry,” Anne sobbed, reaching for my hand. I pulled away, shaking my head.

“Sorry isn’t enough. You tried to hurt my baby. I can never forgive that.”

In the weeks that followed, our family splintered. Victor filed for divorce, unable to reconcile with Anne’s actions. My parents were devastated, torn between their children and the shocking betrayal.

As for me, I struggled to shake off the fear and paranoia that had taken root. Every unexplained noise, every twinge in my belly sent me into a panic.

Paul was my rock, holding me through tearful nights and accompanying me to every doctor’s appointment to ensure our baby was healthy.

A sad woman sitting on the couch | Source: Midjourney

A sad woman sitting on the couch | Source: Midjourney

Slowly, life began to normalize. But as I sat in our nursery, folding tiny onesies and dreaming of the future, I couldn’t help but feel a lingering sense of unease.

My phone buzzed with a text from a friend: “How are you holding up?”

I typed out a response, trying to put my jumbled thoughts into words: “Still processing everything. It’s hard to believe someone so close could betray us like that. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: don’t blindly trust someone just because you know them. Terror can strike from unexpected places, even from those closest to you. Stay safe out there.🙏🏻

I set down my phone, resting a hand on my belly. Our daughter kicked, strong and healthy despite everything. “We’re okay, little one,” I whispered. “We always will be.”

A woman holding her baby bump | Source: Midjourney

A woman holding her baby bump | Source: Midjourney

This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.

The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.

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