Mick’s story changed his life, it changed Polly’s life and it had an impact on Sheriff Swalwell’s too. From that day onwards, he would look differently at people in the same situation Mick was in.
Homeless strays never looked the same again and he realized that each one carries a story. His eyes were wide open and his heart had expanded too.
Meet the Myers
The Myers household was a regular middle-class home, living a quiet life in California. All they wanted in life was to have a big happy family, and for them, the more kids they had, the merrier life would be.
On the other side of town, a little baby boy was born. The family he was born into was the complete opposite of the Myers clan and he was put up for adoption. The little baby was given out a rough deal to start his life with, and before it got any better, it was about to get even worse.
A New Name
The Myers family adopted the little baby and named him Mick. This promised him a stable and secure start in life, and he grew up in a pretty calm environment. He was overall liked by his school friends and never got into too much trouble.
He went to school and had just a few friends. He played in the school band, life was easygoing and the Mayers provided him with all of his essential needs. Well, that's what it looked like on the outside.
The Way Things Were
The incidents that would happen to Mick later in life would take him on a completely different path, turning him into someone else. To some, even a complete stranger.
He was one of the quiet boys around and not as dominant as others. This would soon play a key factor in what would eventually drag him down the streets into a danger zone of no return.
Lonely Soul
Mick's mother was loving and caring, however, that about sums up the amount of love he received. His siblings ignored him and he found himself spending most of the day alone. He wasn't attached to any other of the family members and found it difficult to mix with others.
Mick's mother wasn't oblivious to his situation, however, she didn't know what to do. She loved her adopted son and treated him like others, however, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get him to bond with the rest. This was hard on her as much as it was hard on him.
The Dark Side of Life
What could have happened next in Mick's world that would take him on such an extreme turn in life? How hard and difficult could his childhood have been, turning him into a homeless man without a soul in the world to care for him?
Later in life, Mick would say that he lived his life “as alone as a person could possibly be.” He was never successful in making strong and meaningful relationships, and when school days were over he lost contact with everyone and things just kept going downhill.
Trying to Make Things Better
Mick wasn't lazy, and over the years he did in fact try to make things easier and better for himself. He tried to get a good and steady job, and he tried to nourish some sort of relations with other people, however, life had other plans and he was shoved onto a different route.
The fact that his life held a secret was put on the table when Mick was 16. Up until then, he was sure he was biologically part of the family, and just happened to be the quieter one. When he realized he was adopted, he discovered many other things too.
The Missing Part of the Puzzle
It was then that he understood why he found it difficult to bond with his other siblings. Suddenly all of the puzzle pieces fell into place and many of the ways of life he never understood suddenly made sense.
Knowing this now didn't make him feel any less lonely. In fact, it made him feel more isolated than he ever was. Later in life, he would lose the only two people who cared for him. When his adoptive parents passed away, Mick would find himself completely alone.
Cruel Rules
The cold and heartless world Mick was born into left him no choice. He had to learn how to take care of himself and figure out how to deal with the cruel rules of reality. He lost contact with all his siblings and was alone in the world.
Mick found s job as a truck driver. It wasn't his lifetime dream but it paid the bills. This new position in life worked out pretty well for him, however, there weren't too many opportunities to meet new people, and he was, yet again, very lonely.
Not a Penny to His Name
Life, being life, had its ways and Mick sadly lost his job. This was his only source of income and the one thing he could rely on. He lost his job, and he lost his independence.
One of the biggest challenges of life was about to approach him, and Mick was nowhere near prepared for it. It would hit him like silent lightning on a bright summer's day and there was nothing he could do about it.
Guitar Street Player
The streets of San Leandro, California were calling for him and he felt that this was his destiny. Luckily he had a guitar that kept him company and was able to help him make a few dollars here and there.
He played his music on the streets of San Leandro. He didn't make much but was able to buy himself something hot to eat. It wasn't much, but that was all he had.
Total Ignorance
Playing music was an escape route for Mick. He could play whatever he wanted and whatever cheered him up, however, it wasn't the same for the bypassers who walked by him every day. Most people were oblivious to him, ignored him, and never gave him the time of day.
Not only did they not enjoy his music, but they didn't contribute and spare a few dimes. The money he was making just wasn't enough.
Things Were About to Change
Hours became days, days became weeks, and before he knew it, a few decades flew by and turned Mick into a homeless man with no dime to his name. He had nothing.
Eventually, he began to believe that his reality was his destiny and that life would never have anything better to offer. Little did he know, that one police officer was about to change his life forever. Mick was not going to be alone for eternity.
Holding Out a Hand
As playing music was not enough, he had to beg for money. It wasn't what he wanted to do, but what other choice did he have? Where and who else could he turn to?
Mick turning to panhandle is what eventually led him to his savior and to the man who would change his life. Like everything in life, his falling so low had a reason.
Deputy Sheriff Jacob Swalwell
Mick was no stranger to Deputy Sheriff Jacob Swalwell. Jacob would see Mick almost every day begging for money on the streets. He warned Mick on more than one occasion to stop asking people for money, however, Mick would always come back to his spot, accepting reality as it was.
Mick had no intention to harm anyone and he was no threat. All he wanted was some dignity and to be able to have at least one hot meal a day. He wasn't asking for much — this was the only way he could survive.
He Took Things Seriously
After a while, Deputy Sheriff Jacob Swalwell realized that there was no point in warning Mick, as he kept returning. Swalwell had no other option but to take things a step further.
Deputy Swalwell approached Mick and asked to see his ID. Mick didn't have one. What was about to happen, would change Mick's life forever, but not only that. It would have a significant impact on Swalwell's life too.
It's Been a Hard Day's Night
Mick and the deputy flowed into a pleasant conversation and the deputy listened to his hard life story. That's when he realized that Mick was different than the average street beggar and that there was more to him than he initially thought.
Mick wasn't an addict and didn't have a drinking problem. He wasn't a criminal and most of the time minded his own business. Swalwell was able to see beyond what Mick reflected and he was moved and touched. It wasn't something he could ignore.
The Truth Came Out
Mick explained to Swalwell that he became homeless simply because he truly didn't have a home to return to. He had no relatives he could rely on and life led him to the streets.
As Mick was not using illegal substances and wasn't a heavy drinker, he wasn't entitled to social benefits, and because he didn't have a permanent address, he couldn't get an ID card. Deputy Jacob was about to change that.
His Purpose in Life
Swalwell believed that helping Mick was his calling. He was a deputy and it was his duty to do so. He didn't think obtaining an ID would be so difficult, and he set a goal for himself to help Mick get one.
One thing Swalwell didn't know, was that because Mick was adopted, getting an ID was not going to be easy. Beurocrecy and formal processes were going to weigh in.
The DMV
The DMV (US Department of Motor Vehicles) was their first stop. As Mick was a former truck driver, he used to have a registered driver's license. Things were going smoothly and Deputy Jacob was very optimistic.
To their surprise, the DMV didn't have any record of Mick's license. There was no Social Security number listed, no photo of him, no date of birth, nothing. Mick was not registered anywhere. He was a lost soul in a very cold and lonely world.
Mission Impossible
A simple action like getting a new ID turned into a mission impossible but officer Swalwell was not planning on giving up. The next challenge was proving that Mick was indeed a resident of California. This would bring them a step closer to Mick's longed-for ID card.
This too was not going to be easy as Mick didn't have his birth certificate or any certificate at all. Soon Mick would have to confront his past and come to terms with his real background. He had no idea that this would change his life for the better.
He Was Not Letting Go
Swalwell comprehended that this mission was not going to be solitary. Mick was used to disappointments in life and didn't think much of the obstacles that came their way. However, Swalwell was determined to succeed and help Mick get his life back on track.
Swalwell turned to his pastor for help. He knew that if someone could help, it would probably be his pastor, who was gladly up for the call.
A Certificate Was Found
Swalwell managed to track down Mick's birth certificate. He collected it at discovered something extraordinary. He knew that this finding would mean the world to Mick and will bring him that much closer to a better and brighter future.
The birth certificate indicated Mick's birth name very clearly. His biological parents named him Gordon Michael Oakley. This was like a breath of fresh air.
Finally, He Was Listed
It wasn't easy, but eventually, Mick Myers got his ID card. The story crawled slowly toward the local news network, and they instantly wanted to cover the story. The kindness of Deputy Swalwell touched their hearts and they felt it would be a great inspiration for a news coverage.
Mick told the news reporters “We both realized at the same time that there is a real person there and not just the stereotype we saw when we first met each other”. Swalwell saw beyond something that not many people are capable of doing.
Having an Impact on Others
Swalwell explained that what he did came naturally to him and he felt that a significant change in the world could be made by helping the less fortunate on the streets. All it took was an ID and the path was paved.
He said that there are many people living rough, who are no threat to anyone and all they need is support and financial help and guidance from government benefits — except without an ID they cannot reach that. What Swalwell did was minor, yet can change the world for others.
Mick and the Sheriff Were Not Alone
Spicing up the plot is private investigator Mark Askins. He came across Mick's story and couldn't turn a blind eye. Askins worked for Miracle Messages, a nonprofit organization that reunited homeless people with their lost relatives.
Askins knew Mick's story was for him. He decided to take him under his wing and help him find his family. Mick, being Mick, wasn't so optimistic. However, he was willing to join investigator Askins on this journey.
Any Piece of Information
Askins began digging deep into Mick's history. He wanted to find any clue, even the smallest one, to help him solve Mick's mysterious birth story. Finding lost relatives is a very difficult mission, however, once solved, it is the most rewarding one too.
The missing pieces were greater than the little information they had and Mick had no details to provide. He knew nothing about his birth parents and had no idea if he had any siblings or not. Would Mick eventually be reunited with his family? Were the rough days on the streets about to end?
A Wolrd Changer
The only information Askins had was Mick's birth name, Gordon Michael Oakley. With that, he was expected to change his world. He pulled all strings that came his way until finally, he came across two names he believed could be related to Mick.
Marie Pauline Oakley. That was Mick's biological mother's name. She was only 250 miles away and still alive. This was too good to be true. It took a lot of hard work but in the end, a pot of gold was found.
Anything Is Possible
Mick was already in his 60s and he never thought that finding his birth mother was possible. What were the odds? The most they were aiming at was discovering a sibling or two. Finding his birth mother alive was more than they could wish for.
Mick would have settled for finding just dry information like names or the dates of their deaths. That would have brought him to ease and closed this chapter in life, however, fate was being kind and he was now another step closer to finding who he really was and where he came from.
She Was Found
Investigator Askins was not going to leave Mick with just a name. He had big plans and he knew this episode is going to have a happy ending. He managed to track down Polly's (that's the name Marie Pauline, Mick's mother, went by) address.
She lived in Humboldt County, which was not that far away and the next mission in line was reuniting Mick and Polly. No one knew how she would react to meeting the son she abandoned decades ago, and no one knew in what state she would be. Maybe Mick was better off not meeting her at all.
Their Share of Luck
Polly's own personal story was heartbreaking, and Mick had another matter to handle. Acceptance was not an easy thing to achieve. He had to come to terms with his own bit of fortune, and now he had his mother's to deal with too.
Polly was only 16 years old when she met Wiley Albert Oakley, Mick's biological father. They married soon after and were looking at a not-idyllic future ahead.
As Poor as Could be
They lived in an old cabin as that's all they could afford. Snakes and other reptiles were regular visitors and it was far from being a safe and secure place to bring up a baby.
Polly found herself with a newborn and a useless husband. She knew she had to change the way she was living as this way of life couldn't go on for much longer. She found it impossible to take care of her baby all alone.
They Had Nothing
The little money they did have wasn't going to the right places. Polly's husband, sailor Wiley Albert, was giving every penny he made to his mother, and left his wife and child with nothing. How long could this go on?
The reality was rough. She sometimes used to steal fruit and vegetables from the nearby grocery store as there was barely any money for food. She woke up one day and decided that enough was enough. It was time for a change.
A Second One on the Way
By now, Polly was pregnant again. She found herself in the East Bay of California, with a toddler in her hand and carrying an unborn child. The only savior she could think of was her own mother, and she called her, pleading for her to take her back home.
Her mother took her in and did whatever she could (which wasn't much) for her poor Polly. The days passed and baby Gordon Michael came into the world. Life was bout to turn upside down.
She Had No Choice
When Gordon was two years old, he was diagnosed with a severe medical condition. His internal organs weren't functioning properly, which put him in a life-threatening situation. Polly was heartbroken. She knew she could never afford medical treatment and she was about to make a decision that would have an impact on her entire life.
She had to prioritize Gordon's well-being. He needed a better life with better people to take care of him and so she put him up for adoption. Her world collapsed and there was no going back.
This Was Not What She Planned
Gordon was adopted by a family that would turn out to be not as loving and caring as Polly wished for. Over the years she had often wondered what ever happened to her little baby boy and never in a million years could she have dreamed of actuality being reunited with him.
At one point in life, Mick stopped thinking about his biological family and he too never thought they would one day meet. He gave up on happily-ever-after stories a long time ago.
A Family Was Born
Eventually, Mick will realize that unknowingly, it wasn't only his mother he was after. There was more to Polly and more to her amazing story. It was their time to meet again, but first, there was a phone call that had to be made.
Mick introduced himself in such a formal way as if he was talking to some sort of secretary. Polly just burst into tears and called out for her son. They talked for a while, trying to leave the dark and heavy emotions aside, and agreed to meet the following week.
First-Time Flyer
Mick had never flown before and this was his first plane trip. Investigator Askins and Sheriff Swalwell both joined him on what would be a voyage of a lifetime. The three were excited and nervous, not knowing what to expect.
Everyone involved knew what mission they were on. The flight crew was aware that they were on the way to reunite Mick with his mother, and volunteered to fly them out to meet her. Everyone was emotionally attached to the story. The person welcoming them at the other end was going to leave everyone in shock.
Surprise Surprise
As Mick walked through the airport gates, he was approached by a young woman named Shannon. She introduced herself and said that she was his niece. Mick wasn't aware that he had more family members, and this all came as a surprise to him.
A sibling. How overwhelming! Later he would learn that his mother had more children, she had grandchildren and was even blessed with great-grandchildren. His family was much bigger than he could ever imagine.
A Lifetime Embrace
Mick's new family welcomed him with open arms. This was a completely new experience for him and he was overwhelmed and moved. Just as he was about to give up, these beautiful people embraced him into their home.
It was all happening fast. He was introduced to his siblings, and they were all aware of their long-lost brother. The tears were unstoppable and they were all looking forward to catching up on lost time. And there was more to come.
A Man and His Guitar
Mick had very few possession's to his name. He had a guitar which he received from Sheriff Swalwell and a high school yearbook, which he never really knew why he kept. When Polly heard about the life Mick had, she was devastated.
She felt responsible for his fate. She gave him up for adoption and felt she was accountable for whatever happened after. She was overwhelmed by this reunion and knew who was responsible for it.
Wide Open
Mick's story changed his life, it changed Polly's life and it had an impact on Sheriff Swalwell's too. From that day onwards, he would look differently at people in the same situation Mick was in.
Homeless strays never looked the same again and he realized that each one carries a story. His eyes were wide open and his heart had expanded too.
A New Beginning
Mick and Polly spent the holidays together. He was issued an ID card, had social security, and was able now to find work. For the first time in his life, he felt like he was somebody. The kindness and warm heart of one sheriff led to a life-changing experience that touched so many. Sheriff Swalwell is to who Mick owed his gratitude.
Mick and Polly remained connected until this day. They were both able to close one dark chapter in their lives and focus on a new and bright one. Swalwell had for sure earned his good samaritan badge. He learned for himself and taught so many, that all people count, and everyone is someone's someone.
They say that happy families are all alike and that every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way. Now, let us add on to that — every family has its own dark, dirty little secret, and each secret is, well, revealed in its own unique way.
Reddit users from all over the world shared with us classified information about their relatives they were either told too late or had to find out on their own. Get ready to read stories that will make you appreciate how unexceptional your nutty family actually is.
Passing Judgment
We all have that one person in our family, the one who likes to judge and give advice no one asked for. You'd assume the person who feels so free to talk about other people's lives would at least be someone who makes sure they do everything right.
Well, there are expectations and then there's reality. Apparently, this person's aunt shouldn't be the one to talk about anybody's life... but she does.
Mysterious Money
Money, money, money, it makes the world go round, it must be funny in the rich's man world and so on and so forth. But, sometimes it can just be the only evidence left from an unsolved mystery. Such is the case in this story.
This family secret is so secretive, no living person knows the answer to it. When you don't know your mind can run wild and imagine the craziest things. Well, guess they can use all these coins to hire a private investigator, right?
Guess Our Secret Is Out?
Every family has a secret recipe, a meal so special that its formula has been passed down for generations, carefully kept and handed down. But what happens when you learn that the delicious dish you thought your grand-grandparents developed is as widely known as pizza, pasta, and croissants?
To his embarrassment, this guy had realized way too late, and in public, that he has been lied to his entire life. At least it was a funny family secret and not a bleak one.
Second Time's a Charm
Back in the day, people didn't use to discuss their past at length, especially if that past included a divorce. Before the new millennium, the word was considered dirty, illustrative of the divorcee's immorality.
Out of all the ways one could discover that their grama tied the knot with someone else before she met grandpa, an unfamiliar album in the attic has to be the best one. Imagine the grandkid's surprise!
Nanna, The Criminal
Two short sentences, yet we feel like a whole book could be written about this funny yet tragic family secret. Of course, a large portion of parenting is about protecting your children from knowing the harsh realities of adult life. Nanna going to jail is exactly the time to whip up your best fable.
But was fat camp really the greatest lie they could come up with? And why did grandma go to prison? Did she steal some hair dye or denture glue from the grocery store?
Out of Wedlock
Have we already mentioned people used to have different morals and rules about what is acceptable and what isn't? Some had to go to a great extent in order to hide what was perceived as a shameful occurrence in the past. Today this is just not that big of a deal.
Lying about your special day might prove problematic if those who attended the wedding remember the event. But hey, guess they wouldn't dare to suggest you got your own anniversary wrong!
All in the Family
We are not sure how to respond to this one, firstly, because of the weirdness of it all. Secondly, because of the sheer chance.
How has such a scheme lasted for so many different generations? Will it continue on forever and ever? Who be will the family's black sheep, that one person who'll choose to marry someone who isn't some type of relative?
Have You Heard of Confidentiality?
You'd expect a trained therapist to know how to keep a secret, right? Isn't confidentiality, like, the first thing they are taught at school? It should be!
Just like fight club, the first rule of therapy is that you don't talk about it, especially not to the patient's children! Luckily, this guy is just a marriage counselor and not an FBI agent.
Eloping Without Your Fiance
Looking back, we tend to think that life in past decades and centuries used to be a lot simpler. People were nicer, no one strayed, cheated, or caused unnecessary drama, right? Wait until you hear this juicy story about a great-great-grandma who didn't play by the rules!
The most awkward part, we think, is that the original fiance still had to attend family dinners with his brother and stolen bride. And you thought your get-togethers were awful!
Changing It Up
We are not sure what is the purpose of this practice. Is this some old family tradition we've never heard of? Are the girls in this family perpetually confused about who their actual parents are?
Honestly, while we can't fathom any benefits of giving your children away for a couple of years (or any reason why it would only be the girls), we do think this might make for a tight-knit family where everyone is as close as they could be.
Can't Take the Heat
Kids will believe almost anything you tell them and sometimes won't revisit the belief your lie created in their minds for years and years. Such was the case for this Reddit user, who was told at a young age it was smoking that had split his aunt and uncle up.
While we do have to admit that it can be very hard for a non-smoker to date someone who enjoys fuming, it is hardly a reason for divorce!
Stealing the Secret
This story isn't really about the actual secret, but about how to cunningly learn the family secret even though grandma tells it only to the married. (Preferential treatment, much?) Sure, we would have loved it if the person shared the actual recipe with us, but this story is priceless regardless.
We believe in equal rights, and everyone deserves the opportunity to try and make nanna's delicious cake.
The Secret Is a Secret
Just tell us! We're dying to know what the secret is, there's just one problem, it is still secret! Was this family member trying to tease and create a fight between this Reddit user and their mother? Or is there something more here?
This user must be the world's most incurious person, as they apparently just decided to pull an Elsa and let it go and never ask anyone anything. Well, they have been living with the uncertainty of not knowing what was hidden from them for over fifteen years, and it seems like they are fine with it.
Rockstar Dad
It's an age-old story, one we mostly encounter while watching outlandish TV shows with unbelievable plotlines. You find out your dad isn't actually your biological father. Instead, it is a glamorous rock star you've admired all your life!
Is this a dream come true, or a nightmare? Depends on the star, we guess. In this case, the actual child is still in the dark.
The Holy Grail of Secrets
Some users on Reddit just like joking around, which is what we assume this user is doing. Otherwise, he and his family are holding some valuable information. How have they maintained this knowledge?
Do they hold the Holy Grail at home, hidden in a safe behind a picture? Will we ever know the truth? No? The suspense is killing us, as this is one mystery everyone would love to solve.
'Tis I
While many chose to share information they have learned about their relatives way too late in life, this poster was herself the secret that was kept from everyone.
Both her conception and existence were kept so quietly that only nineteen years later when she contacted her mom, did everyone in her family finally find out about her, imagine that! How did the mom hide the pregnancy from all of her family members, though?
What Would Jesus Do?
Someone's baptism is a big day, not one they'd want to have overshadowed in any way. Well, this Reddit user had their thunder stolen by a fire! But, not only that, the fire was planned and executed by no other than the poster's family!
We are just speechless, though you do have to admit a baptism is one of the best alibis out there. But maybe, just maybe they should have asked themselves what would Jesus do? Well... not that.
The Old Lady Who Faked Her Own Death
This sentence could turn into a very successful book serious, "The Old Lady Who Faked Her Own Death," would fit right next to "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo," don't you think?
We'd love to hear more details about this one. Why did she do it? How did she do it, and how did her relatives find out? All these questions will forever remain unanswered! One thing is for sure, it must have been a lot easier to fake your own death before cameras and traceable phones!
The Arson Uncle
It seems a lot of family secrets involve relatives engaging in criminal activities in one form or another. Do we really need to mention that arson is a felony?
It is always cool to learn that your family members are a part of history and were involved in events people study about in schools. We're assuming he was never caught, otherwise, it would have a different story entirely!
The Pianist
Many secrets are kept hidden because they are, or were shameful in some capacity, but keeping cool things that could have been inspiring as secrets? Not cool, grams!
Maybe the parents didn't want this kid to have what they'd call "unrealstic dreams" but, hey, if nanna did it, why couldn't this guy? All we're saying is, don't conceal cool facts about grandparents.
The Naked Truth
Being in public in your birthday suit could really get you into some unnecessary trouble. Still, many high school and college kids find showing off their hips, well, hip! (See what we did there?) What we didn't know is that the tradition of running around naked is as old as our great-great-grandmothers!
Could you imagine a good Christian girl doing something like that in church? No, huh? Well, they thought so too, which is why she was banished for life.
Puppy Love
We believe this is the type of family secret that could lead to some serious marital problems. Let's hope the mailman knows how to keep a secret. It is a long-known fact that some people just adore their pets, while their partners usually find themselves feeling like they were put on the back burner.
Imagine losing your wife to a dog named Chi-Chi for Christ's sake. It's a full-on tragicomedy at this point.
Dough for Days
Most of the things families chose to keep under cover tend to be on the morbid side, this story, on the other hand, makes us feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Learning your ancestors had dough for days is cool enough, but learning they used it to promote a good cause, i.e. helping a public library? Perfection.
Seriously, could you imagine having enough extra cash to just be able to casually give away a couple of millions? Honestly, neither could we.
Butterscotch chips
Imagine this person's surprise when they learned they have been lied to for so long about such an important issue. It's very likely that their world crumbled into little butterscotch chips pieces.
If there's something we have learned in life it's that behind every renowned family recipe there's always a simple ingredient, one that can be found in every supermarket. The funniest part is that this person refused to eat anything made with butterscotch chips, thinking there's no way they'd enjoy it.
Oopsy, Your Secret's Out!
You know that saying about being careful with what you wish for? Well, apparently you should also be careful with what you joke about, cause it just might turn out to be true. What started as a fun, light joke turned out to be the one thing everyone in the family knew but the jester.
While an uncomfortable situation for those involved, it sounds like the type of thing they'd get to laugh about again someday. Or maybe just never mention it. It could go both ways.
The Adopted Dad
There's nothing like learning what drives people and makes them tick, what causes them to behave in one way and not another. We all know things that happened in our childhood have a huge impact on who we become later in life.
This is the case with this Reddit user's dad, who appreciates the kindness of his adoptive parents and wants to show the same love and care for animals and people alike.
Fourth Time's a Charm
They say marriage is for life, but this dad didn't get the memo, as it seems he has treated marriage like more of a sport. We get walking down the aisle and regretting it the first time, maybe we could even conceive of realizing it was a mistake the second time, but the third?
And then marrying again for the fourth time after all that disappointment? No wonder the groom's mother refused to show up, she probably ran out of "mother of the groom" dresses! What can we say? We're glad the last one lasted
Smoking Out the Secret
If there's one thing we are sure everyone hates equally it's gotta be being the last person to discover something. The more obvious the information was, the more oblivious and foolish the person who didn't know feels.
In regards to smoking, there are usually really clear tell-tale signs, the most apparent one being a certain smell that tends to linger. Well, this nanna must be an expert at keeping secrets and she'd make a great undercover agent.
Catfishing Your Kid
Boundaries. Sometimes it feels like large portions of the population have never heard anything about them. Our moms usually want what's best for us, but they tend to have some difficulties when it comes to learning the difference between being caring and being creepy.
This mom probably missed the day at school when they were learning about privacy, which resulted in her crossing the line and setting up the ground for a very awkward relationship with her kid.
Big Families, Small Towns
A small town or a big city? This is the type of question we all have to ask ourselves at one point or another. Some like busy urban environments while others prefer living in the countryside, where everything is green and quiet.
One reason as to why you might wanna go with living in a big city is that small places can prove to have a lot fewer options. Food and entertainment are something one could comprise on, marrying family members on the other hand...
Grandpa, Who Are You?
Confessions are dramatic by nature, but there isn't a more dramatic time to confess something than right before you're about to kick the bucket. If you're about to exit this world, at least make a show out of it!
A show with an open ending is always guaranteed to stay in our minds longer. What did that great great great grandfather do that justified creating a whole new identity? We hope the family figured it out.
Mother-Naked
We have all heard of the term "mother-naked" but we have never thought we'd have to think about that saying, well... literally.
This poor soul has had the misfortune of learning the thing that is passed down in his family isn't a tasty recipe or a useful skill, but rather the tendency to enjoy being in the nude around others. Listen, we don't judge, but also, we kinda do judge, you know?
Beyond the Grave
Funerals are never easy, but this Reddit user attended the world's most awkward, bizarre funeral, and it was his grandfather's! Imagine wanting to peacefully say goodbye to your beloved grandfather when all of a sudden, his second family shows up!
Discovering that someone is cheating and has another family never ends well, but what if you only find out about it after everything ended? It has to be the most inopportune time to find out.
The Coolest Nanna
We are sure your nanna, as well as ours, are angles that have no skeletons in the closet. Actually, we assume all grandmas are sweet old ladies who enjoy baking pies, sewing, and being with their grandchildren.
But this grandma has a different hobby altogether and it looks like her grandson approves of it. As long as her family is still proud of her, what else does she really need?
Brand Loyalty
Loyalty is a very important quality, one we all look for in partners and friends. But, we are not sure this girl's ancestor really got what it meant. Sure, he waited for each wife to pass before he moved on to one of her... family members... that's a sentence we never thought we'd find ourselves writing.
At least this Reddit user could find the humor in her family's weird history. And hey, it was back in the 1800s, so maybe this was cool back then? (It probably wasn't.)
The Mafia
Don't you just love it when someone manages to completely blow your mind in one single sentence? This is the type of hidden info that should not be taken lightly. We have all watched enough of "The Sopranos" to know we really, really don't want to mess with the mafia.
We hope, for this user's sake, that their relatives are on the mob's good side! We also hope they didn't find out about the mafia connection the hard way...
Family History
One of America's most important, proudest moments was when the Declaration of Independence was signed. Could you envision one of your very own founding fathers signing it? You know, that little document Mr. Thomas Jefferson wrote, no biggie.
Of course, everyone knows the best way we can all celebrate our independence today is by posting our opinions online. We are sure this person's ancestors would have been pleased with him.
As Bald as a Coot
While we would never judge anyone for figuring things a little bit too late, we thought it was common knowledge that at some point during their lives, most men lose their hair.
To the grandkid's defense, it seems like the grandfather was pretty good at hiding the truth, until one day he wasn't. But really think about it — the family's darkest secret? Grandpa is blad!
What Happens in Vegas
Vegas weddings are usually a bad idea. They are cheap, far from romantic, and mostly, probably done in secret, which isn't a good start for marriage if you ask us.
Honestly, up until now, we assumed Vegas wedding chapels only existed for teenagers who elope, but we guess there was one point in which everything spiritual idealistic grandparents wanted was for Elvis to wed them.
The Rodent Who Lived
During our childhood, we have all asked our parents for a dog. Most of them got us something lame instead, like a fish, or in this guy's case, a.. gerbil. When the pet passed away, we had a burial ceremony, in which we gave a nice eulogy and allowed everyone to say goodbye to Goldie the goldfish.
But this girl's mom and dad had a brilliant idea. Just replace the pet! Sadly, it seems they couldn't tell the difference between a hamster and a gerbil, a fact which definitely blew their cover.
The Silent Treatment
Communicating isn't the easiest thing to do, and sometimes, ironically, it becomes harder the longer you know a person. We all know at least one person or even were the person who just gave their significant other the silent treatment for a couple of hours to teach them a lesson.
Now, envision that method on a much, much, much larger scale and you get the above story. How did these two manage to go two decades in the same house without talking to each other?
23&Me
If you don't know what 23&me is, where have you been? It's one of these genetic testing companies that allow you to learn where your ancestors are from.
Many have already complained that the rise of ancestral examinations has actually made it a lot harder to keep family secrets. We bet their mom had a lot to explain. We wouldn't want to put ourselves in her shoes!
A Special Friend
As kids, we sometimes don't really understand things that seem obvious to adults. This can lead to hysterical situations, like with this little girl, who never understood why her aunt always got to bring a friend to family dinners while she couldn't.
Luckily no one actually has to spell this secret out for her, as when she was a teenager she finally put two and two together!
From Rags to Riches, to Nothing.
What's worse, to never have something in the first place, or knowing you almost had it all, just to have it taken away because of a technicality? The second one, duh!
A lot of the actions people try to keep undercover are cheating-related. Sure, deception isn't the most ethical thing to do, but really, great-great-grandma? Couldn't you have kept your transgression to yourself? This affair cost all of your offspring a lot of money.
A Foxy Nurse
There is a lot to unpack here, don't you think? Whether the fact that uncles sometimes go to these sleazy bars is a secret or not, that depends on the family. But if it was, well, it's the most unfortunate place to have an unexpected health issue in.
But, in a twist of fate, Mr. Uncle actually was lucky to be in that despicable place, as the kind lady who danced with him was also a nurse. Maybe there's a moral to this story, somewhere? Honestly, if there is we couldn't find it.
A Forgotten Secret
Is there any chance you'd forget whether you ever shared very secretive, crucial information with someone or not? Yeah, we wouldn't lose our memory about such a topic either, but Reddit users are here to prove anything can happen!
Having everyone learn your secret is one thing, misremembering if it was ever told is another. There really isn't a way out of this situation at this point.
CIA Grandad
Out of all the things one could learn about their father's father after they have already passed this is one of the most thrilling ones. Who wouldn't enjoy learning they had their own version of James Bond in the family?
Sure, the signs were always there, but it's not every day that you get your little conspiracy theory confirmed by government documents! We think CIA grandad would make for a great TV show.
Mom's Little Helper
Being a perfect housewife is hard. No, scratch that, being any type of housewife, perfect or otherwise, is really, really, hard. We really do understand why sometimes (or always) moms would just prefer to serve a pre-made meal.
How ironic that the kids enjoyed the boxed meal a lot more than the mother actually expected? This just proves there really isn't any point in cooking, especially for children.
The Other Woman
When we're young we think our parents and grandparents are perfect, moral humans who couldn't hurt a fly. Then we grow up and we learn that grandparents are people too and they can engage in shady behavior as if they were silly little teenagers.
Up until now, we thought the safest thing was to keep affairs on the down-low, not to have them come to family functions. Somehow, they did manage to keep it a secret for over 20 years. So... good for them, we guess?
Bad Credit
Being married is not a picnic, but an obstacle course. One obstacle could be falling for someone who, god forbid, has really really bad credit. Such was the case with this user's dad.
His parents were not going to let that stop them from buying a house, so they got a divorce and stayed together until they did. At which point they were already divorced! Are you following? It was hard for us to grasp too.
Two Peas in a Pod
If there was ever an ingenious plan as to how to have an extra-marital affair, this must be it. Cheating with your partner's identical twin can prove to be handy in several different ways.
Firstly, one can always pretend to be so clueless that they didn't notice it was the twin they were hanging out with all along. Also, if the twins share the same DNA, would it even be possible to prove which one is the actual father?
A Sweet Secret
Most family secrets seem to be on the dark side. Someone did something behind someone's back and years later a family member finds out by mistake and everyone's life is ruined.
Not this one, here the secret was kept due to modesty and humility, and not because of shame and guilt. There's nothing sweeter than realizing your grandfather spent his entire life anonymously giving to others.
Hidden in Plain Sight
As far as reasons to be away from home go, a career in the military is one that usually makes family members proud. This means that the U.S Army can actually be used as a great excuse hiding the real reason as to why a family member hasn't come home in a year.
But there's another secret hidden in plain sight - what was he even arrested for?
A Gold Mine
A mystery within a mystery within a mystery! How did grandpa get all of the silver and gold in the first place? Was he involved in some shady business, or did he just want to keep some of his assets out of the bank?
Where exactly did he hide them? And most importantly, who were the family members who found the secret stash first and took all the inheritance for themselves? We wish we could be there to hear the rest of this story unfold.
A Win-Win Situation
Many parents say that the day their first kid was born was the happiest day of their lives. Now, picture this: the day you welcome your first kid into your life is also the same day you welcome your first grandkid. Sounds impossible? While it is insane, it is actually possible!
This grandpa didn't even know he had a daughter until she came by to introduce his grandkid. He gained them both on the same day.
The Point of No Return
Our parents usually want what's best for us. When they disapprove of something we do, it can be hard to follow through with it. This is especially true when it comes to choosing life partners. Marrying someone your parents openly dislike can be complicated.
Still, it doesn't get more complicated than having your own parents try to get you to be left at the altar. We really can't see how a parent-kid relationship can recover from that.
We Were On a Break!
There's nothing more unlucky than realizing that a one-night fling you never told your wife about (you were on a break!) ended up in a pregnancy.
Oh no, wait, there is something more unfortunate - having your wife and kids find out the whole thing. Will this Reddit poster ever get to meet his half-brother? If it's up to his father, probably not.
Sweet Vengeance
They say revenge is a dish best served cold, but it sounds like this act of revenge had to be pretty steamy. This one was a double whammy, a two-in-one if you like. Not only did he get back at his wife, he also got back at the man who facilitated his wife's infidelity.
This probably wasn't the way to rehabilitate the marriage, but it doesn't sound like this is what the grandfather was looking for.
There's No Law Against It
We have all heard stories about people getting married for very practical reasons, and it usually sounds like a bad choice.
Needing a legal way to stay in the country, this person's mom asked a man she had only known for one week to marry her. He agreed, and then ended up falling in love. Kinda sound like a plot for a Netflix Rom-Com. We'd definitely watch it.
Good Things Come at a Price
They say that having children is one of the most fulfilling things a person could do. They also say it is one of the most expensive things a person could do. Parents usually have to spend an insane amount of money just to make sure their offspring is fed, happy, and healthy.
But, when you promise your child a college fund, you better deliver. In this case, the parents delivered a total of $148.74, which isn't much of a fund, isn't it?
The Black Sheep of the Family
There's a lot to unpack here. We can't be exactly sure what the times were like when this person's great-great-grandfather was alive. Maybe resorting to sheep-stealing was the only way to survive back then.
But you gotta know how to do it. Getting caught and completely banned from Missouri? This ancestor sounds like an amateur. Luckily, it doesn't like getting banned from this specific state is much of a loss.
Thank the Troops
Troops do a lot for their country, they put their lives at risk in order to protect others. In this case, the troops took it a step further and helped an orphaned baby.
But, that didn't stop there, the guys kept in touch with the kid and helped him in any way possible. This is such a sweet heartwarming story to hear about your very own uncle. Probably made his family very proud.
OBG Why Not?
Affairs happen. Sometimes it is with the next-door neighbor or the milkman. We have also heard of having affairs with your partner's sibling or best first. But the OBGYN who's delivering your first child?
That must be an anomaly, right? But what if it isn't? We really don't want to go there. We at least hope that love letters were fun to read.
The Fried Chicken Family
When you think of fried chicken, you think of KFC. That's how strong this brand is. This Kentucky resident learned that his great-great-uncle was the person who founded this delicious fast-food restaurant.
Not only that, since it was discovered, it is no longer a buried, hidden, secret but a source of pride! Imagine the look on peoples' faces when they are told the person standing in front of them is related to Colonel Sanders.
Luck of the Draw
Having a mysterious person paying your college tuition is the type of thing they write novels about. Usually, there's only one conclusion to be drawn from such a situation, someone was doing the dirty with someone else, which resulted in a lovechild. But this story is far more interesting than that.
This Reddit poster's grandpa was a bookie who played his cards right and got Mr. Tony to pay for his grandson's education.
Driving The Drinks
It can sometimes be hard to remember that our grandparents were literally a part of history. This grandma was into alcohol before it was even cool, or well, legal! That got her in some trouble that resulted in a license suspension.
But would she admit to what she's done to get it back? Never! Who needs driving anyway? We bet this gal has already driven enough for a lifetime. After having her fair share of police chases, she probably just wants to rest, you know?
Not So Native
Like many secrets today, this one was released not because of a heartfelt confession, but because of a DNA test. In the past people got them to learn important medical information, today we take them for fun! Boy, how times have changed!
We have questions, so many questions. Like who was the person who told this Reddit poster that their great-grandma was Cherokee? Was it something she herself liked to tell people? How could she have lied like that?
Family History
There's nothing a kid finds more enticing than imagining some unknown relative of theirs is or was an excellent athlete who won fame and broke records.
When this boy had to do a genogram for school, an all-around boring task, he found out one of the coolest things one could find -- his first cousin was a star footballer who has had his fair share of accomplishments!
So Many Siblings
Families can come in all different shapes and forms. Some are as small as two humans and a dog, or a human and five cats (we don't judge!) while others could be as big as a tribe of 30.
When it comes to this bizarre family secret, we are not sure what's more upsetting: the number of siblings the grandfather has or the fact that 11 of them were a result of a father having an affair with his son's girlfriend. We bet family dinners get really awkward for them.
Dating Eminem's Dad
You didn't expect us to get through this list without mentioning at least some type of celebrity right? Usually, anonymous people who have dated celebrities love talking about it.
But here it is the grandmother who dated Eminem's father, back when the two were in school. Spells old news to us, you know? But some families really need a secret, even if it's kind of mundane.
A Salty Story
This Reddit user has been using Morton Salt their entire life, and have never once suspected of the secret history their family has with the brand.
Sure, there's no way of proving that this story is actually true, this means you might want to take this one with a grain of salt. This kind of contest seems to be a win for the brand, which probably secured the family's loyal without having to pay royalties.
Not Your Father
This started out simple: A rebellious teenager felt like they didn't belong. We've all been there, we've all heard it. But this story takes a turn towards the scandalous.
When the 12-year exclaimed that it feels like their father isn't actually their father, the grandma decided to put the cards on the table and admit that it's true! Who would have thought that such a mundane exchange would result in such a revelation?
The Raccoon that Could
This one isn't strictly a secret, but more of an ongoing misunderstanding that has to lead this poor person to believe that their childhood raccoon had died prematurely.
But, the dad was not using any fancy metaphors but was actually delivering the truth. How rare! This truth went over the kid's head, but years later, she got to learn what actually happened to her beloved raccoon.
Something to Write Home About
Family secrets are called so for a reason, most people wish to keep them hidden from both family members and the entire world. But this sneaky grandpa wanted to air all of his dirty laundry outside.
So he did, in the form of a novel that he published. Now anyone and everyone could read about the couple's messy divorce, including the poor children and grandchildren, who've probably realized that some secrets should be kept that way.
A New Identity
Imagine thinking you were of one origin and then learning you were of a different one entirely. This is what happened to this Reddit user, who took a DNA test and learned of his Jewish descent.
But that was just the beginning, he, later on, learned everything about his grandfather's past, and about all of the things he was willing to sacrifice in order to achieve the American dream.
A Family Feud
If you know anyone who has ever gotten a divorce or been through a breakup, you know these can get really messy. So messy that people who once loved each other and vowed to always stay together can end up having heated, petty arguments about who is going to get the sofa. But, maybe it is even worse for those who can't or won't get a divorce.
They might find themselves trying all sorts of creative ways to get their partners out of their lives.
Three's a Crowd
What would you say, is this uncle commitment-phobic, or maybe he's actually a commitment enthusiast? So committed to the institute of marriage that one just wasn't enough for him.
The revelation of this secret got the uncle in serious trouble, none of his children wanted to talk to him, or to each other. Sounds like he bit off a tad more than he could chew.
Water Can Be Thicker than Blood
There's a special place in heaven reserved for men and women who take in children who aren't they own as if they were. In this case, the grandfather did it in order to save the child.
Not only was he kind, but also humble, not telling anyone that the kid is not his child. This story shows that sometimes a choice to be there for someone can be stronger than a biological connection.
Breaking the Bank
We thought the bank robbers only existed in the movies, but this guy learned that his ancestors were real-life rebels who stormed banks in their free time.
There's a great chance he even has some money-taking skills in him that he is yet to discover. But alas, since all of the crooks of the family have already passed away, this guy will have to figure it out all on his own.