The Original Post
A few weeks ago I lost my oldest son at just 17 years old from cancer, he’s had it since he was 13 years old and it was so aggressive. In his final few months where he just gave up he made me and my wife and younger kids promise that after he’s gone we would continue living a “normal happy life”, he said he caused us so much pain already and doesn’t want us hurting anymore, and I tried my hardest to be strong in front of him and I promised him that we’ll continue on like normal and live happily for him.
But ever since that morning where he didn’t wake up I’ve been just dying inside, I remain strong in front of my wife and kids but as soon as they’re asleep I go to his room and I just silently cry my eyes out to not wake anyone up, I love and miss my boy so much, he should have been the one to bury me not the other way around. Fuck cancer. I’ll forever love and miss my boy and I’ll never be able to live a “happy” life without him being in it too.
What Reddit Said
Reddit overwhelmingly supported this grieving father with compassion and understanding. Most commenters firmly disagreed that he had actually lied to his son. Instead, they emphasized that grief is a natural process that takes time.
The community offered practical advice for coping with loss. Many suggested that finding happiness again doesn’t mean forgetting his son or betraying his promise. Redditors shared personal experiences with grief and recommended preserving memories while allowing himself to heal.
The Verdict
The consensus was clear: this father didn’t lie to his dying son about moving on after cancer took him away. Reddit recognized that promising to eventually find happiness again isn’t the same as pretending grief doesn’t exist. This heartbreaking situation shows how family relationships involve protecting loved ones even when we’re uncertain about the future. The father’s promise was made out of love, and healing will come with time.
Original post from r/TrueOffMyChest (6,566 upvotes, 164 comments)