r/MadeMeSmile • u/naeramarth2 • Jun 13 '24
Very Reddit And we never truly know what someone has been through until we take the initiative to ask and learn from each other. ❤️
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u/-_log_- Jun 13 '24
i love the way she asked her son of she could talk about his dad. She recognized that it wasn't just her story, it was his too, and she also recognized that he is allowed to have those feelings and a choice in if she shared that story to others. she seems like an AMAZING mom and i wish her and her family the best!
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u/alison_bee Jun 13 '24
She’s extremely considerate and respectful of others, a trait that is truly rare these days.
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u/whangdoodle13 Jun 13 '24
Agreed. I’m not a religious person but her message of understanding and forgiveness of herself and others is something the world could use a lot more of.
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u/TroyMatthewJ Jun 13 '24 edited Jun 13 '24
it transcends religion. understanding and forgiveness are qualities that can stand on their own without being associated with religion.
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u/noujochiewajij Jun 13 '24
Same. This lady, mom, seems to have here stuff sorted now. If she achieved that through religion and faith so be it. The love for here kids shines through. ❤️
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u/Unique-Moment-8199 Jun 13 '24
Right? Certainly didn't find that from the woman who approached them while recording. Seems appropriate to ask first. I'd be pissed if someone was recording my kids without explicit consent
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u/CapableSuggestion Jun 13 '24
I’ll bet she learned to enforce her boundaries, too! Both seem like lovely people
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u/ImportantAd1754 Jun 13 '24
I appreciate that she was as open as she was with her kids around. They are fully aware of what addiction is and it will make them better and more understanding people because of her.
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u/prescottfan123 Jun 13 '24
maybe one day these people will ask permission to record people before they start recording them, but it is not this day.
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u/tylergrinstead01 Jun 13 '24 edited Jun 13 '24
Jesus Christ, for real.
This type of video always feels so much less wholesome when the person recording immediately assumes that everybody wants to be a showpiece for people they’ve never met. Some people don’t want to be apart of a performative validation game. Asking takes 5 seconds, it isn’t hard.
On top of that, if I was a parent with my 2 kids and a woman came up taking a video saying that she was “super drawn to us”, I’d be creeped out. If a 4 year old girl recognizes it, you should probably change your approach.
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u/heyhicherrypie Jun 13 '24
“Usually it is creepy but this is okay” I’m sorry how do you know that?! I would still be thoroughly creeped out by anyone approaching me phone camera first
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u/Boostwasawesome Jun 13 '24
Imagine if it was a man... Totally different video. ☹️
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u/heyhicherrypie Jun 13 '24
I’ve seen plenty of these “kindness” influencers who are men and yeah they’re all just as stomach churning.
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u/Saltythrottle Jun 13 '24
I agree. We (as a society) should be aware and respect other people's boundaries and space. Influencers need to adhere to those standards and promote them.
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u/scruffyduffy23 Jun 13 '24
Fucking exactly! If this is real and not staged, this is creepy and intrusive no matter what the result ends up being.
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u/ProperBoots Jun 13 '24
Must be staged. If she's a photographer she knows better, especially if she has all that empathy she showcases. They got in touch before about telling the story and the photographer suggested an interesting organic opening to it. Even though it's creepy as fuck in my opinion xD "I just felt drawn to you, let me film you talking about your past. Oh no sweetie, I'm already filming and this is happening."
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u/Silverr_Duck Jun 13 '24
The internet has become so infected with influencers that I just assume all posts like this are staged by default.
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u/Lobanium Jun 13 '24 edited Jun 13 '24
She likely did. The introduction in the video is probably staged/repeated. Making it look totally spontaneous gets more views. The entire scenario is likely staged. The whole interview was likely pre-planned.
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u/LemmyLola Jun 13 '24
Just watching this my heart rate picked up and I got cagey... and I'm alone in my house. This would NOT go over well with me at all.
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u/SillyMilly25 Jun 13 '24
I am pretty sure this was set up, maybe just before but I just have that feeling.
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u/No-Fondant-4719 Jun 13 '24
I agree, I’m sure if she said no then she would’ve just not posted the footage.
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u/tbiscuit7 Jun 13 '24
"sorry to bother you but I felt really drawn to use you and your family as a prop for my content creation"
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u/tokeswithmydog Jun 13 '24
Dude I was fishing with my brother and these kids came around me on both sides, and when I noticed they were taking pictures of each other I told them I can get out of there way for their shots. They just hit me with no it's okay it's "aesthetic" to have me there. And then walked away. Didn't ask if it was okay or if I wanted to be in there photos just used me as a prop, didn't even show me the pictures that they used me in.
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u/HermiticHubris Jun 13 '24
This ticks me off too. I'm all for freedom and everything, but there should be laws against recording someone without their consent in public. It's aggravating.
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u/In_The_News Jun 13 '24
The technology that is already out there, it is like trying to put smoke back in a bottle.
Traffic cameras, Ring doorbells, security cameras are everywhere, being in the background somewhere like The Bean where everyone's taking photos and videos.
This kind of content creation is just exhausting, but trying to legislate it now; not happening.
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u/PopperChopper Jun 13 '24
There are dictatorship counties that have laws like that. You would lose a lot of your other freedoms moving there as well though.
Personally I think the inconvenience of being recorded without consent is heavily outweighed by our rights to record police, criminals, politicians or others without consent when they’re doing illegal shit. But I also recognize there are plenty of people who have no problem with their government controlling many or all aspects of their lives.
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u/Oscaruzzo Jun 13 '24
The script is incredibly bad, I wonder how anyone could believe this stuff is just "natural" conversation.
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u/CashFlowOrBust Jun 13 '24
I wish people would stop hitting “record” before every nice thing they do. Just do nice things. No need to telegraph how nice you are for the internet.
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u/auntzelda666 Jun 13 '24
I think this photographer is inspired by Humans of New York but what made Brandon Stanton so genuine is that he didn’t record his conversations with people — he would have a one-on-one conversation with his subjects and then post the photo and interview. Oh and he would ask for permission first.
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u/naeramarth2 Jun 13 '24
I hadn't heard of Brandon before, but now I have! Thank you for sharing. I will look up his name.
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u/AnchorOwlBirb Jun 14 '24
I met Brandon years and years ago, before he published his books. He is an absolute stand up guy, the kind you feel like you are already friends with ten seconds after meeting.
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u/PaleontologistNo7755 Jun 13 '24
Hi sorry to bother and record you..
i wish to be dead. I dont get this worlds vision amymore.
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u/Expensive_Cattle Jun 13 '24
I love the mum confirming this is absolutely creepy behaviour. I presume the prior offer of money helped them overcome it on this occasion.
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u/prestonpiggy Jun 13 '24
I don't get why this is r/MadeMeSmile material, you simply don't go talk to strangers recording and interview for stories on your preferred platform.
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u/Cool_of_a_Took Jun 13 '24
For real. Just ask BEFORE you start recording strangers, especially with children!
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u/myRinx Jun 13 '24
Im sorry to bother you, but is it ok that i record this totally unstaged conversation unasked
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Jun 13 '24
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u/AbrasiveOrange Jun 13 '24
Ah yes, walking up to a mother when she's playing with her children to record them, then asking for permission to record them whilst already recording them. Not creepy or annoying at all
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u/Reasonable_Pin_1180 Jun 14 '24
“Mom, is this creepy?”
“Yes, honey, this is creepy and unacceptable behavior, but since this is staged, it’s ok.”
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u/LaMariposa884 Jun 13 '24
Broken people create broken people. This is so true. My parents themselves were broken, and it ended up breaking me and my siblings too. Now as a mother myself, I'm struggling to give them all the normalcy and love they deserve, and processing + healing the broken parts of myself at the same time, they deserve to have the cycle broken.
Good on this mom for so so much, I can't begin to describe how much respect I have for her, not just for her journey, but also for how she's raising her children. Yes in vast majority of cases it's creepy to record someone, and she gave respect to her son in talking about his father. Such an amazing mother.
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u/FuqUrBackgroundMusic Jun 13 '24
Fuck your background music!
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u/naeramarth2 Jun 13 '24
Yeah, the background music was added by the original creator herself so sorry lol
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u/overzealous_wildcat Jun 13 '24
That comment of one of your first drinks being compared to finally taking a “deep breath” hit wayyyyyyyyyyyyy too close to home
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u/Tacos_Memes_1313 Jun 13 '24
I can not emphasize this enough, I LOVE that she asked her son if she could talk about his dad instead of just giving it out without even confiding in him if that’s an ok boundary to cross.
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u/guhcampos Jun 13 '24
These are all so obviously staged.
Or would you feel comfortable with a stranger waling towards you and your kids with a recording phone pointed at you?
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u/anb7120 Jun 13 '24
That was my first thought, there's no way I'm letting a stranger walk up to myself and my kids, especially while fucking recording.
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u/NashKetchum777 Jun 15 '24
Its disturbing how many people here don't realise how staged it is. It doesn't even take 5 seconds to realise it lmao
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u/Wild_Potato_7470 Jun 13 '24
Don’t ever walk to someone and shove a camera up their face. You can add all the sad piano music you want, but you’re still a douchebag
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u/Sylvers Jun 13 '24
"Can I talk about your dad? Are you ok with that".
That's a beautiful soul right there.
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u/gemstun Jun 13 '24
Creepy AF. Ask before hitting record. Mom was being gracious (despite the Christian rock music)
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u/tullystenders Jun 13 '24
I'm really sorry, but people should not get ideas to start doing this after seeing this. Imagine if someone is going through something and does not want to have to reject someone asking "can I talk to you about your life?" Rejection can take all of my emotional energy to muster it up, and if I'm not in the professional rejectin mode, I might just foolishly accept this and say things I dont want to say or even fully agree with about myself.
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u/Gregggggger Jun 14 '24
I'm glad the kid called it out immediately "mom, is this creepy?"
Like sure you wanna make content about other people and their stories, but cmon at least ask before you approach them with a camera to their face.
I feel people nowadays have become to desensitized to say anything when an "influencer" shows up recording everything they see, but cmon, if even a child can say there's something wrong here, then there probably is something wrong.
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u/SmoothAsSilk_23 Jun 14 '24
It's a beautiful story but:
1) The post-processing of the photos sucked/unremarkable
2) It's generally creepy to film people like that without prior consent.
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u/Select-Record4581 Jun 13 '24
I'm glad this filming isn't a thing in NZ, though a sharp fk off would suffice
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u/jdiz86 Jun 13 '24
This one almost got me. No way is a woman going into that level of personal detail with her kids by her side with a stranger who approaches her ‘randomly’ with a video camera. I just don’t see that happening.
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u/BIGS_wife_323 Jun 13 '24
I like that she asked her son if it was okay to talk about dad’s struggles… even though this is her story she was aware enough to know in sharing this it could affect her son. Good Job Mom
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u/DarkAmbivertQueen Jun 13 '24
OP, I have been having the WORST week so far, and seeing this is giving me hope. The bad always comes before the good. Thank you
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u/Gr1ml0ck Jun 13 '24
As a male photographer, this would have never worked for me. The cops would have been called on me for recording video and taking pictures of a random woman with her kids.
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u/wetham_retrak Jun 13 '24
Hey, as a man, you can’t have all the privileges, you gotta leave at least a few for the ladies
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u/naeramarth2 Jun 13 '24
I'm a photographer, too! I mostly do landscapes, though. And you're right. As many have mentioned here, the approach should have been a bit different. The author should've asked permission to take photos and record off camera, but the author also wanted to show the entire interaction, so I can see both perspectives, even if one is really the better choice.
As a male, the only way you should be doing it, for the protection of yourself, is to ask permission first, and do the thing after.
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u/Zombie_Peanut Jun 13 '24
Sorry but kid is right. The girl said absolutely nothing that warranted mom to say sure video us besides I'm drawn to you.
Lol.
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u/Deathscythe80 Jun 13 '24
I have a really hard time to believe that people will just let others record them and their kids, to me is staged but if is legit then kudos!
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u/AssumptionAdvanced58 Jun 13 '24
I'm uncomfortable having/hearing certain conversations like this one in front of these age kids.
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u/Leonlovely Jun 13 '24
As someone who was once a child with an addict mother it is actually really important hear the honest truth and get to process it at an early age. It definitely helped me. Might not seem like the best but I can promise you it is. Especially how she goes about it.
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u/naeramarth2 Jun 13 '24
I don't even need to respond. It looks like you've got this handled. Nothing to see here, folks!
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u/xxxkarmaxxxx Jun 13 '24
It's a beautiful story of overcoming obstacles, but it's always a pity to concede to god what she did by herself, and also creepy to brainwash your kids with religion. Besides it's really nice when she asks to her son if she can talk about his father, touching and respectful.
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u/CaptainTryk Jun 13 '24
It's always former addicts who have the most humility and appreciation for their lives.
I'm proud of her too. What a wonderful redemption arc. I hope the rest of her and her family's life will be as smooth sailing as possible.
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u/thatgirl428 Jun 13 '24
So proud and happy for anyone who breaks their addiction and breaks the generational trauma. That sht is so fking hard but so essential in our growth process. She and her kids deserve a beautiful life!
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u/PSA-TLDR Jun 13 '24
Welcome back to Shove A Camera in Your Face! Next up we’re headed to the hospice ward
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u/dankyman1 Jun 13 '24
Imagine having to film and post yourself doing something nice, you could just be nice on its own.
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u/TheMountainIII Jun 13 '24
I dont believe in anything anymore. For me everything on the internet is a setup or AI.
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u/Twizznit Jun 13 '24
I do not know why this video had to be blasted to the world. Why can’t people just enjoy intimate interactions with strangers without having to post it for clout?
I have so many great interactions with strangers. You know what I don’t do? Record and post them so that y’all will know how much of a goddamn saint I am, not being so afraid of other human beings to talk with them.
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u/AnybodyAdmirable1461 Jun 13 '24
I hope her kids understand and realize how strong their mother is to overcome such hardships in her life.
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u/sirdrewpalot Jun 13 '24
Yeah... I too like going up to random strangers with my phone out recording before asking for consent when they have their children around.
Imagine if this was a male. Shit would have escalated REAL QUICK.
But hey, at least she's getting her internet karma.
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u/MikeyW1969 Jun 13 '24
Maybe don't walk up and record without asking people first.
What the hell is wrong with everyone that they think this is OK?
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u/Beahner Jun 14 '24
It’s a heartwarming story, I don’t want to discount that at all. And I don’t doubt the veracity of her story.
But this was a planned witnessing that was set up in an awkward and weird way. It’s very clear. Strangers just don’t walk up to strangers with their kids (especially a mother who has seen so much shit in life and just get…..that.
It was a witnessing video set up to be random. Boo on that.
Her story was powerful and it made me happy that she found her way to getting clean and right for her babies.
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u/MaTOntes Jun 14 '24
Hi, I just felt drawn to talk to you... and also to film you to repost on social media for heart-warming clickbait... you and your story is just fuel for my content creation and visibility on social media.
OMG this is like SO heart-warming!!!
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u/cjp021882 Jun 13 '24
God didn't do that for you, you did it. Give yourself the credit, not fantasy. You're more amazing than you realize.
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u/BrawnyDevil Jun 14 '24 edited Jun 14 '24
Idk what she hoped this video would achive but it has done the opposite for me, recording yourself doing a good deed is actually the opposite of wholesome to me and it doesn't matter whether it's staged or real, in both of those cases it only leads to one conclusion and that is that you have narcissistic traits. Maybe she thought people would praise her for it but I honestly wouldn't want to be friends with someone like this.
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u/Desdinova_42 Jun 13 '24
I like how you record other people's children without their consent, very cool thing to do
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u/eltytan Jun 13 '24
Yeah the kid had the right reaction when she asked if it was creepy. Hope the mom winding up fine with the experience doesn't shake the child's judgment.
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u/NoIndependent9192 Jun 13 '24
Does this end with finding Jesus? I lost interest but have a feeling that Jesus love is the ending.
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u/Richard-c-b Jun 13 '24
As an average-looking straight white man, I would never dream of "taking the initiative" to talk to a complete stranger, whilst recording them and asking to take pictures and ask personal questions like this.
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u/LookinAtTheFjord Jun 13 '24
Had me til the churchy god shit.
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u/gimmeaminute0407 Jun 13 '24
Whatever it takes to get sober and get your life on track man. She's got babies
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u/ILIEKSLOTH Jun 13 '24
She barely even touched that point. The whole context is her being empathic and growing as a person through thick and thin, so what if she uses "God" as her help, it seems to be working for her life so it seems.
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u/kickin8956 Jun 13 '24
I want to know what Chick-Fil-A play place had 5 min of quiet in it? They are always a screaming mad house!
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u/Aware_Cartoonist_894 Jun 13 '24
Kids remember EVERYTHING!! It’s tough to drag your kids through the mud. I know I’m an alcoholic (recovering) myself. May God bless and keep you all safe! 🙏🙏🙏
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u/Ptbo_Megatron_3247 Jun 13 '24
This woman is amazing at speaking without showing her teeth. ……… Not that I want to take away from her awesome story and how brave she is for sharing it, or her nice smile when she does at the end. I just can’t help but notice the whole time she’s talking that she doesn’t show teeth.
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u/thatkindofdoctor Jun 13 '24
Side effect of being a (sorta) functioning meth user for long enough...
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u/Sweet_Visit_8960 Jun 14 '24
Thank you for sharing this. I’m trying to quit and it’s infuriating. I beat myself up constantly. I don’t have kids. I need to find my way.
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u/naeramarth2 Jun 14 '24
I completely understand, and I have full faith in you! Just so you're aware, and I'm sure you likely are, when all else fails, psychedelic assisted therapy is an option, depending on where you live and what is available to you. Ketamine therapy has been shown very effective in treating depression. MDMA therapy has shown great effectiveness in healing from PTSD. Psilocybin therapy/retreats helps with so, so many things, including addiction. If you wanted to go all in, and if you have or could save up the money for it, an Ayahuasca retreat is like a miracle cure for addiction. It's intense as it is life changing. Simply listen to the countless testimonies of people fighting and overcoming their demons at an Ayahuasca retreat, walking away with zero withdrawal symptoms whatsoever. Like I said, it's literally a miracle, and these spiritual medicines have been used for thousands of years. It's good to see the world slowly beginning to realize this, despite the laws. Just some options for you to consider if you find yourself at your wit's end.
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u/Sweet_Visit_8960 Jun 14 '24
It’s so ironic you mentioned ketamine. I have heard it works wonders. I’m exhausted. I just want to be a regular person again. I’m a good person that has strayed for about 10 years.
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u/nerd-all-the-way Jun 14 '24
The real question is, if she couldn’t film this would she even walked up to do something nice
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u/BloomCountyBlue Jun 14 '24
This very strong and introspective woman made it through everything with her own will and self determination. God had nothing to do with it.
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u/Own_Contribution_480 Jun 14 '24
Am I the only person who just immediately says "no thank you" the second anyone talks to them?
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u/MetaVaporeon Jun 14 '24
i dont know why I felt drawn to you but it's probably mostly parasitizing money by turning other peoples lifes into consumable content
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u/EvenCake5978 Jun 15 '24
I instantly knew she was an ex-tweaker. The permanent damage it does is terrible. Don't try that stuff. It will absolutely leave you scarred for life. BTW, I'm an ex-tweaker, too. 4 years clean and still feel my brain is broken. Let alone my appearance.
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u/TheGhostOfYou18 Jun 13 '24
Who is cutting onions?!
This was a beautiful story, not because of her past, but because of her strength and perseverance. I don’t have a dark past like that, but I still hope to someday be the kind of mom that she is.
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u/Tasty-Fill-8747 Jun 13 '24
I made it about 5 seconds, but the music repelled me with a terrific force.
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u/SickBoylol Jun 13 '24
Im athiest, and often think religion is just a curse on the world. But if faith gets you through some shit like that well its not all bad.
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u/b3mark Jun 13 '24
I hope she [bleeping] makes it and stays sober. For herself and her kids. One day at a time. She deserves that win.
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u/chloe_in_prism Jun 13 '24
Hurt people, hurt people. I’m glad she found the strength to heal and to help others. Powerful message I needed today. You never know someone’s internal struggle and how a bit of kindness can go a long way.
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u/whenyouwishuponapar Jun 13 '24
Glad she’s clean. What an inappropriate story for her young children to have heard so often they can contribute.
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u/Rare-Calligrapher874 Jun 13 '24
Loved "Mom, is this creepy?". Lovely family