Woman Thanks Ex-Boyfriend's Kid For Making Her Feel Loved
A Random Phone Call
Jen recently shared her story on her podcast, Intoxicated Insights. She also posted a clip of the episode on TikTok where it has gone viral, garnering more than 2 million views, 237,000 likes, and nearly 5,000 comments.
"I get a random phone call, this is like 2004, I have two small children," she explained to her co-host Sage.
"I get this random call from this woman from Utah who's a bank manager telling me that one of my dad's ex-girlfriends has passed away and left me and my brother $50,000 each."
Jen via TikTok
Initially, she thought she was being punked. It took the bank manager more than half an hour to finally convince Jen to provide her address.
She explained to Sage that the woman the bank manager called her about was "legit" one of her father's ex-girlfriends and they had only dated for one year before he broke up with her. But throughout that year, Shirley took care of Jen, buying her clothes, decorating her room, and being "absolutely sweet" to her.
Jen remembers the day Shirley left. She begged Shirley to take her with her.
"I might have seen her like maybe one or two more times but my dad got a new girlfriend and that was that."
Until 18 years later...
When Jen received the mail from the bank manager she discovered that in addition to the cash, Shirley had also left behind a two-page letter.
Jen has held onto that letter for 20 years.
The Letter From Her Father's Ex-Girlfriend
Jen's father's ex-girlfriend bequeathed $50,000 each to her and her brother. But in addition to the inheritance, she also left behind a note.
Youtube/intoxicatedinsights
Holding back tears, Jen read Shirley's letter aloud:
"Dear Todd and Jenny, I bet you both are asking yourself, who is she?" the letter began.
"I met you and your father in 1986 when you were about 10 and 12 years old. You each made a remarkable impact on me. You were both great kids. You were friendly and made me feel welcome in your lives."
To further jog the siblings' memories, Shirley wrote that at the time Jen wanted to be an actress and own a pink Ferrari. She talked about going to SeaWorld and spending Thanksgiving at Lake Tahoe. She reminisced about Knotts Berry Farm and eating dinner together on the Queen Mary.
"Todd, when we went to Circus Circus, you won a little stuffed lion for me," she added. "I still have it."
And when Jenny went to camp? She made Shirley a wall hanging out of a pie plate. "I still have it too," Shirley wrote.
"I never had any children of my own," she added. "But for that one year you made me feel like I was part of your family."
Cue the tears.
Shirley also shared in the letter that she'd had a kidney transplant in 1992. "This gift of life gave me many extra years so I could enjoy this amazing world."
She ended the letter, writing: "I had a good life. I would like to make your life a little easier and more secure. I pray you both have wonderful lives. P.S. Jenny, please don't buy a pink Ferrari," she joked before adding, "But if you really want one, buy it."
"We don't always know the impact we make on someone's life"
The money came at a time when Jen needed it most. In a follow-up TikTok she explains her son had just been diagnosed with autism.
"At the time my youngest son had just got diagnosed with autism and so the money was great because I paid for a lot of therapies for him."
She also shared that the family moved "and it did make my life a lot better." (Although she never did get that pink Ferrari).
But it's the letter that is truly priceless.
"The letter was the best. I've held onto it for all these years. I read it, it's sad, and it always touches my heart."
Jen via TikTok
It's also touched the hearts of more than 2 million TikTok viewers.
"Perfect example that we don’t always know the impact we make on someone’s life. She never forgot you," one commenter wrote.
"Omg I’m sobbing 😭.. that was so so sweet," wrote another. "All the memories she still had of the kids ❤️❤️"
A third said, "As an adult child of divorce who’s Dad had many girlfriends that I loved but never got to say goodbye to, this helped to heal me. Maybe they loved me as much as I loved them."
Sometimes people aren't meant to stay in our lives. They are there for a short time and then they're gone. But just because they are no longer with us, it doesn't mean they are forgotten.
Shirley never forgot the time she spent with Jenny and Todd, even two decades later. Her generous bequest and heartfelt letter were a testament to the deep impact their brief connection had on her life.
It's also a sweet reminder that blood isn't what binds a family together. It's love, no matter how briefly we get to share it.
*Featured image contains photo by cottonbro studio
Why Did You Give Up On Your Dreams?
As I was browsing Reddit, I accidentally fell on an AskReddit post titled: « Why did you give up on your dream? » I was curious to see what the community had to say because I'm sure a fair amount of people have given up on their dreams at some point in their lives. Honestly, I learned a lot by reading what people posted, and I thought it would be interesting to share my thoughts on the subject. So, let’s take a look at some of the most popular answers.
Why did you give up on your dream?
It won't pay enough
Of course, everyone thinks about that. You need to put food on the table. Moreover, you want the latest smartphone, an amazing car, the best wines; you also want to eat out at least three times a week, etc. (For more on that topic check out: If this is success, please don't be successful). Most people think that their dreams won't pay enough, so they stop pursuing it. Although it seems logical, I still think it’s sad to give up on your dreams for more money. Passion and motivation are very much underrated. It is true that it takes more than just passion and motivation to achieve something, but with dedication and determination, I believe anyone can make their dreams a reality. And I sure think that in the times we are living, everybody can find a way to earn a living out of what they are passionate about.
I'm afraid of taking risks
Who’s not afraid of risk? But we all have to take some risks at some point. Also, the level of risk you feel you are taking has to be put into perspective. Think about your "safe" job as an example. So, you think a stable job is not risky? You might answer, " I know. Anybody can lose their job.” But let’s dig a little deeper. Do you have control over decisions the company makes? Do you have a say in the strategy for the company is pursuing? Even the position that you have right now might not exist in a few years? Now ask yourself, which is riskier? To not have any control over your job, or is it better when you are in charge of what happens? Chances are, in pursuing your dream, you are actually taking fewer risks by taking control of your own destiny.
My friends were giving me a hard time
Who cares about what people think? Most people won’t understand why you decide to pursue a dream. No one can, because they don’t have the same thoughts, feelings, determination and passion as you. It 's okay to feel misunderstood. Most successful people are thought to be a little crazy until they reach success. Don't accept to be bullied, but keep an open mind for constructive criticism. People that constructively criticize your approach might be sharing a different perspective that can be very valuable in helping you reach your dreams.
You can't just become a dog; you have to be born one.
That is where humans are different than other animals. We were not born with wings, but we still found a way to fly. We cannot breathe underwater, but we made oxygen masks so that we can dive underwater. We were born on Earth, but scientists are still dedicating their lives to find ways so that we can live on other planets. It's the surprising thing about us humans, we adapt, we build, and we find solutions. You don’t have to be a bird to fly; you just have to put dedication, hard work, and passion to make that plane!
Remember, there is no good excuse not to pursue your dreams. Start today, or at least, give yourself the chance to think about it.