Man Was Kicked Out At 16 And Lived On The Streets, Now His Family Wants To Make Amends

There are moments in life that completely change who we are, and for one Redditor, being abandoned by his family at just 16 years old was one of those moments. After a series of cruel lies told by his stepbrother, he was cast out onto the streets, with no support from anyone, not even his father or grandparents.

But through sheer determination and resilience, he not only survived the streets but went on to build a successful life for himself with a supportive wife and children. Now, 30 years later, his stepsister reached out with an apology after discovering the truth behind the lies.

The Redditor, however, is indifferent. He’s moved on from the past and found peace in his own family, but is this apology worth acknowledging or better left ignored? Keep reading to find out how the community responds to this complicated situation.

A man, abandoned by his family at 16 and living on the streets, receives an apology 30 years later after his brother admits to setting him up

This Reddit story chronicles a painful journey of betrayal, survival, and emotional healing. The original poster (OP) recounts an experience where, at the age of 16, they were unjustly accused of a serious offense by their stepbrother, Mark, leading to their abandonment by their father and stepmother.

OP was forced to live on the streets for two years, a traumatic period that shaped their view of family and trust. As a result of this betrayal, OP has spent years working through the emotional fallout of being abandoned, finally finding stability in a loving marriage and a successful career.

At the heart of this story is a deep emotional wound caused by what Dr. Jennifer Freyd, a renowned expert in betrayal trauma, defines as “betrayal trauma”, the violation of trust by those we depend on for survival.

As Freyd explains, “Betrayal trauma occurs when the people or institutions on which a person depends for survival significantly violate that person’s trust or well-being”.

For OP, the abandonment by their father and the false accusations made by Mark were not only painful in the moment but also set the stage for a lifetime of healing. The emotional toll of betrayal, especially when it comes from family members, is often profound and lasting.

The story takes another turn when OP’s stepsister, Emily, reaches out after 30 years, revealing that Mark had admitted to framing OP.

While this revelation might seem like a moment of redemption, OP’s response, indifference and the decision to move on without engaging with the apology, demonstrates the emotional boundaries OP has built over the years.

Dr. Judith Herman, a leading figure in trauma recovery, emphasizes that “safety is the first step in healing. Without it, there is no healing”.

OP’s decision to protect their emotional safety by disengaging from their past family members reflects this idea, by moving on and focusing on their supportive family, OP has created a safe environment that fosters healing.

OP’s story is also about reclaiming agency after years of suffering. While the family’s apology may seem like a step toward reconciliation, OP’s refusal to engage is a sign of reclaiming control over their narrative.

Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, a leading trauma researcher, notes that trauma survivors often struggle with “regaining control over their own life” and that healing comes when they can reassert autonomy over their choices and relationships.

For OP, rejecting the family’s attempt to make amends is part of their healing process, an affirmation that they can move forward with their life on their own terms.

As OP moves forward with their wife and four daughters, they find strength in their newfound family, therapy, and the emotional growth that allowed them to forgive on their terms.

Here’s what Redditors had to say:

These Redditors offered varying advice on how to handle the situation

These commenters expressed anger toward Mark’s actions and the cruelty the OP experienced

This group empathized with the OP’s emotional journey

These Redditors encouraged a firm and final response

This group highlighted the dysfunction within the OP’s family, particularly the betrayal by the father

Should he even entertain an apology from the people who abandoned him, or is it best to leave the past buried? Would you respond to an apology after all these years, or would you cut ties completely? Share your thoughts below!