Especially memories from our childhood, memories can have a big impact on our lives and the way we see things. Even though some of them are bad and we might want to forget about them, they are still important. They make us who we are, and talking about them can help, just like the true stories we’re telling you today.

I had the least amount of money in school, so everyone looked down on me. It was so exciting when a rich classmate asked me to come to her 9th birthday party! I had never been to a party before. I didn’t have enough money to buy a gift like the other kids, but I dressed up to try to fit in. Everyone looked at me and whispered as soon as I got there. Everyone looked at me, even her mom. I didn’t feel at home at all, so I left early and walked home slowly, in a terrible mood. I was shocked to find a note from the birthday kid’s mom in my backpack when I got inside. The words said, “You’re amazing!” Do not ever let anyone break your trust. Have fun!” It all made sense when I went outside and saw a big box on the porch.

I found extra toys, a goody bag full of party favors, a huge piece of birthday cake, sandwiches, and snacks inside. That’s when I realized the mom wasn’t staring at me with disapproval like the others were. Instead, she was staring at me with understanding. She made an extra effort to make me feel welcome and important when she saw how uncomfortable I was. I still remember that day after almost 20 years. I still get mad when I think about those mean kids and their cruel parents who made my day terrible. However, I remember those simple words of support from the mother of my classmate, and I smile again. I learned from her surprise act of kindness that a little kindness can make someone’s day, and sometimes their whole life.

“Why is she so ugly?” my dad asked. I was eight years old. I cried in front of the mirror. That was the first time I knew I could judge myself when I looked at myself. It didn’t stop. © strange_neighbor on Reddit

It was when I was 14 that my mom decided she was done being a mom. She left me at my aunt’s house without telling my aunt. It looked like they were going to drop me off and leave the state before anyone found out. My aunt was outside at the time, which was bad for her. I found out that I was meant to be a trap for my dad during the scream match that followed. Through RissaTheWaitress on Reddit

My aunt and I are not more than 10 years apart in age. She was probably in high school at the time, and I was in first or second grade. We were outside at an event when all of a sudden, an ambulance showed up.
The next thing I know, my aunt is running up to us in a panic. I was with my parents, wondering what was going on. Her boyfriend is having a seizure. When we get there, he’s already on the stretcher, mouthing words. I can still picture the look on his face. (happydayz395 on Reddit)

My grandmother on my mom’s side told me I was a stepchild when I was five years old. It was hard for my dad and stepmom to tell me who my biological mom was because she was “sick.” I didn’t get it, so I asked her why she didn’t want me if she was just sick. After some hesitation, they finally told me she was schizophrenic, which they call “crazy.” As a child, I was afraid I would become like her. From BaneofKaidou on Reddit

When I was five or six years old, I remember hearing my dad talking on the phone. He thought it was my mom because he was telling her nice things. When he gave me the phone, I thought it was my mom, so I answered it and said, “Hi mom.” She wasn’t there. After the fact, I learned that my dad had many mistresses before my mom died five years ago. Even now, my dad still thinks I don’t remember what happened that day, and I still don’t trust him completely. Not a known author/Reddit