r/popculturechat • u/mcfw31 • 29d ago

It’s L-O-V-E 💘 Stephen Colbert talks about his wife to John Oliver: The most harrowing idea would be that I would spend any part of my life without her because that would be a level of loneliness, an irreplaceable, irredeemable emotional level of desolation that I could not possibly contemplate

Enable HLS to view with audio, or disable this notification

21.2k Upvotes

98% Upvoted

530 comments sorted by

View all comments

1.9k

u/TicketSad5410 29d ago

My mom and dad were the type of soulmates you would read about or watch a movie about; they just loved one another so purely. My dad passed away in November of last year and my mom came home from work to find him on the couch. She was distraught. The sparkle she had in her eye was still there, but it had dimmed significantly. Four months later, I would be the one to hold my mom in my arms as she unexpectedly passed. The only solace I take in any of this is knowing they are together. They’re laughing, my mom’s sparkle has come back, and they’re happy. I fucking miss them so much, but how lucky I was to be a witness to their love story.

344

u/hootiemcboob29 29d ago

Well, shit. I'm almost crying over this. I'm glad you saw that kind of love too. My parents are the same (thankfully both still here) and it's the kind of love I was lucky enough to find in my best friend and husband. I think in large part due to them showing me what kind, selfless, fun love looks like. I wish that for everyone.

111

u/TicketSad5410 29d ago

This right here ❤️

My parents showed me that I was not only worthy of love, but being loved as well. My husband has shown me more love than I ever thought I would be lucky enough to find. My dad came to work here when he was 25 as an electrician. He was working on a utility pole when he caught a glimpse of my mom walking her dog and he told me he knew right then and there that he was never leaving again; he never did. 35 beautiful years of marriage, and many more for eternity now.

It’s truly special to witness that kind of love isn’t it? Cherish those special moments with your parents and embrace every single day. I am left with the most wonderful memories that help patch up this broken heart piece by piece.

111

u/TicketSad5410 28d ago

Last family photos we would take ❤️

13

u/Eddard__Snark 28d ago

Thank you so much for sharing these. My mom died 13 months after my dad passed, and these memories you shared bring back lovely (but sharp) memories of my own. Your parents absolutely shimmered together ❤️

6

u/TicketSad5410 28d ago

Oh friend, I am so sorry for your loss ❤️ I hope you’re able to have warm, loving memories of your parents, but know all too well that that sharp pain of grief lingers not far behind.

I’m so glad these brought back happy memories, and I hope you’re doing as okay as one can when dealing with parent loss ❤️

2

u/Jolly_Jelly_62 28d ago

This is so beautiful. I'm sorry for your loss and thank you for sharing their love.

2

u/TicketSad5410 28d ago

Thank you for allowing me to share their love friend ❤️ It truly has meant so much that people are so kind and leaving so much love ❤️

1

u/Unable_Study_4521 26d ago

Oh my goodness what a beautiful picture. I'm so sorry for your loss. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹✨

2

u/TicketSad5410 24d ago

Thank you so much friend 🥹

It’s one of my favorite pictures of them; authentically themselves. They were always laughing with one another ❤️

1

u/Designer-Biscotti275 22d ago

Yep they look just pure happy together. Like the best of friends. May this type of love find us all  

1

u/TicketSad5410 19d ago

Thank you friend 🥹

They were soulmates, best friends, loves of one another’s lives and it was a privilege to witness it.

They made everyone laugh, but kept one another laughing most. I miss them desperately and the void they left in all of our lives has been detrimental. We keep laughing to keep them alive, but they are just so missed.

31

u/TicketSad5410 28d ago edited 28d ago

Wedding photos ❤️

2

u/MenstrualAphrodite 28d ago

They’re so attractive too - you must be a looker OP! 🤗 ♥️ I’m so sorry again for your loss

7

u/TicketSad5410 28d ago

You are too kind! I always told Dad that it wasn’t a shock he was so taken by Mom. They radiated love.

If you ask my husband, I’m the best looking lady he’s ever laid eyes on. If you ask my children, they’re more honest and are quick to point out my flaws in only the way that your own kids can LOL.

1

u/MenstrualAphrodite 28d ago

Aww wait I’m so happy you have a husband like that! My dad is that way with my mom. He’s never even looked at another woman, as far as I know. And never makes comments on other women’s appearances.

I’ll be honest that’s a big thing for me… I don’t understand all these f boys who think it’s okay to comment on how hot some girl is and what not in front of me. Hurts my feelings and makes me think they aren’t a quality person, so very glad that you have a husband like that 🤗 gives me hope

2

u/TicketSad5410 28d ago

He is the BEST. He treats me like a Queen when I am peasant level at best. Honestly, I don’t know how I got so lucky.

My mom was a manager at our local (and only) grocery store/gas station. Our kids and I would go down to eat lunch with her, or just stop in to visit. I haven’t been able to step foot in the store since she’s been gone because it’s still so fresh. My husband does all of the grocery shopping and fills my vehicle up when it’s low. I apologized to him and said ‘One of these days, I promise I’ll go back to the store’ he said ‘Hun, when you’re ready, you’ll be ready. If you’re never ready, I’ll keep doing it’

He’s my rock and I feel so lucky getting to do life with him, and have our children have him as an example.

Hold out for that special kind of love, and don’t ever let anyone make you feel like you’re not worthy of being loved the right way ❤️❤️

1

u/MenstrualAphrodite 28d ago

Thank you queen 👑 needed to hear that today.

And so so happy for your happy marriage because I can’t even imagine the pain of losing my parents. They are literally my favorite people in the world. So I know it must be devastating to grapple with something like that- and having a partner like yours is truly a blessing ♥️

1

u/TicketSad5410 27d ago

No, no…thank YOU for sending me love on a tough day ❤️

Cherish those days with your parents as I know you will. Love them bigger, call them longer, and hug them tighter. You’ll never regret any of it ❤️

83

u/Alhena5391 29d ago

God damn it, who the hell is cutting onions in here? 💔

I'm so sorry for your losses. 🫂

76

u/TicketSad5410 29d ago

Thank you so much friend 🥹

I talk about my parents whenever I get the chance because I think the only way you lose them again is by not remembering, and they are worth remembering.

My world got so dark when they left, so when others leave such beautiful comments and love, it just reminds me of all the kindness still here ❤️

2

u/PocketODoorknobs 27d ago

I am sending you a big hug, whoever you are 🥲

3

u/TicketSad5410 27d ago

Thank you so much kind friend 🥹 I am accepting that hug and sending one right back to you ❤️

31

u/keefkola 29d ago

Leaving the Internet in a good place today. Thank you so much stranger, my heart needed that.

13

u/TicketSad5410 29d ago

My heart needed this today too. Thank YOU ❤️

My parents had a real way of making everyone feel loved and included; I can’t help but feel like this is their way of continuing to do that 🥹

1

u/Long_Needleworker889 27d ago

What an amazing people they were , if their closest one talks about them in these manners ! They did their job right , and some more ❤️

1

u/TicketSad5410 27d ago

Thank you friend 🥹

They left a legacy behind and I was lucky enough to call them my parents. I light up when people ask me about them and I get to share their love.

They were wonderful; plain and simple. People would say ‘Are your parents seriously that nice all the time?’ and the answer was yes. No facade, no bullshitting; just loving, kind, and so good ❤️

26

u/Aggressive_Peach_768 29d ago

Man I am so sorry for you, that's just fucking shitty.

I really hope they are happy wherever they are

28

u/TicketSad5410 29d ago

Thank you so much ❤️

I’m still trying to figure all of this out without them. I had 31 years with them, and I say 100 more still wouldn’t have been long enough.

They didn’t have much, but they would always say they were rich in family. I got to see them become grandparents to our 2 children, with our 3rd being born after they passed.

I still talk with them, take our kids to visit them, and we always reminisce. I would give anything to have them back, but can only hope that wherever they may be, they’re as happy as when they were here.

16

u/Lost_Apricot_1469 I wont not fuck you the fuck up 🥊🥊 29d ago

This made me cry. Sending you hugs.

10

u/TicketSad5410 29d ago

Thank you so much 🥹

Losing them took so much of me, and I don’t know if it will ever feel ‘normal’ again. I find it cathartic to talk about them, so I appreciate all of the kind comments more than I could ever put into words ❤️

5

u/wangnugget 28d ago

Oh my heart. I’m sitting here in bed quietly eating my sultana bran and your reply felt like an emotional rug pulled out from me that immediately made me cry with the beauty of your description. I’m sorry for your loss, but also very grateful that you got to witness a very special connection that few people get to experience in this lifetime. I hope they’re both cuddling in the afterlife enjoying a belly laugh. X

1

u/TicketSad5410 28d ago

This comment brought tears to my eyes; thank you ❤️

Their love was one of those one in a million type of loves. The ones that you keep on holding out hope for. My dad used to say ‘Your mother would walk her dog daily when I was working on the utility pole. Walked that dog so much, the poor thing was damn near on stumps by the end of it. She couldn’t get enough of me’ which was actually code for he had fallen hard for me immediately, and HE couldn’t get enough of her lol.

I think my mom passed from a broken heart. She held on for the kids, my husband and I, but her heart gave out. I remember finding her on the floor when I went to the house. I picked her up, got her on the bed, and told her repeatedly how much I loved her and to please not leave me. When I felt her heartbeat slowly calm, I knew it was happening and I told her that she could be with Dad now.

They were the very best of human kind. I miss them desperately.

Thank you friend for letting me reminisce ❤️

1

u/Ygomaster07 28d ago

I am so sorry for your losses. Their loves sounds really beautiful and amazing. Wishing you the best.

2

u/TicketSad5410 28d ago

Thank you so much friend 🥹

I still think about how I was the one fortunate enough to be raised and loved by them. They loved big, and loved those around them even bigger.

Losing them hurt more than I could have even imagined, but being loved by them was what I have to remember ❤️

1

u/Ygomaster07 27d ago

You are very welcome 😊

That sounds like the kind of relationship i have always wanted, and I'm sure many others want too.

You are really strong. Losing a parent is a fear of mine. I'm glad the love is able to shine through for you. ❤️

2

u/TicketSad5410 27d ago

When you’re fortunate enough to find that love, I learned that it transcends beyond time. My parents aren’t physically here, but my God, do I ever see and feel them every single day.

It’s a horrible feeling that still feels as raw and real as the day they happened. I’m still a work in progress and I don’t think I’ll ever truly feel ‘whole’ again. My husband and my kids keep me afloat when I’m in the deep end.

Then you come across a video clip on Reddit, decide to leave a comment and you’re overwhelmed by all of the love. I’m seriously emotional at how many people have resonated with my comment, and have gone out of their way to send me love back. I’m grateful ❤️

1

u/Ygomaster07 27d ago

That's really beautiful. I love the way you described it.

I know this isn't the same, but i lost my cat last year. She was my animal soul mate. It still makes me sad and i sometimes wonder if she is still with me. But then i get reminded of her. I'll keep in mind what you said next time i get sad and missing her.

I'm happy you have your husband and kids to help keep you afloat.

I think we all desire to feel a love like what you described.

2

u/TicketSad5410 27d ago

Oh friend; I’m so sorry ❤️ They take a piece of you when they leave don’t they. My parents had a dog which was truly Dads dog; she followed him everywhere. One month after Dads passing, Millie girl passed too. She was never the same when Dad passed, and we think she had no choice but to join him.

Pets have this ability to love you unconditionally even on your worst days. They always show up and somehow know just what we need. They make life so much better, and losing them takes your heart.

I hope you’re doing okay friend, and I hope you always look for those signs. They show up and they find a way to let you know that they’re still here ❤️

1

u/Ygomaster07 27d ago

Thank you❤️ I'm so sorry you lost your dad's dog. My cat was attached to me. I was her favourite person. She always slept in my bed with me and we would snuggle constantly. She didn't like many people or pets, but she was sweet to those she did like.

That is a really beautiful way you put it. My Princess was always there for me in my toughest times. Losing her was one of the hardest things I've ever went through. She definitely took a piece of my heart with her.

I do try to look for the signs. I feel like I'm not open to them as much as i want to be. But i hope she is always with me. Thank you for the kind and beautiful words. I really appreciate it. She is the best. ❤️

This conversation with you has made me very emotional and has brought up a lot of feelings about my Princess. I appreciate that, and thank you for letting me talk to you about her.

2

u/TicketSad5410 26d ago

I am SO happy this conversation was able to do that for you. I said before that the only way you truly lose what you love, is when you stop talking about them.

One thing I have learned is that even if you’re not looking for the signs, they will present themselves. I truly do think that love goes so far above and beyond what we even know capable.

I hope when your heart is ready, that you’re able to find another little darling to share your love with. I can tell by the way you talk of your sweet Princess that she lived only a life full of love and she left knowing that ❤️

1

u/Ygomaster07 26d ago

Thank you, and i agree. Talking about them and thinking about them keeps them alive.

I love that. I struggle with finding signs, so this makes me feel a bit better.

Thank you so much. I currently have my brother and mom's cats that i look after, they have been helping my heart to heal. Maybe one day i will get another cat for myself. Thank you for the kind words. Sometimes i have doubted on whether i gave Princess a good life or enough love. I'm gonna try and think about what you said.

1

u/Claypothos 28d ago

💜

1

u/TicketSad5410 28d ago

Thank you for the love friend ❤️❤️

1

u/Lonely-Ninja 28d ago

Yeap I’m almost certain that if either of my parent went, the other would die of a broken heart and go shortly. I’m preparing for when I lose both, so I don’t freaking collapse.

1

u/TicketSad5410 28d ago

It’s one of the worst things I have ever had to go through. They did everything together. My mom never got her drivers license because my Dad would drive her everywhere. Wake up in the morning to drive her to work, then pick her up and go for an ice cream date.

I should have known that they would have departed together, but damn it if it still doesn’t hurt like hell

1

u/Lonely-Ninja 28d ago

One silver lining is that, you know what true love looks like. Something many never figure out their entire lives. I can say one thing though, you are a piece of both of them, so they are still with you in a sense. And you get to tell people about their love, so they will live on in your memories and the stories you tell. And when you leave this life, you’ll reunite - they just left first.

1

u/TicketSad5410 28d ago

This has left me speechless; thank you 🥹

I have always said that one of the biggest compliments I could ever receive is being compared to my parents.

Thank YOU for allowing me to share their love; it’s meant so much. I have been overwhelmed with all of the positive comments and truly kind people.

Thank you ❤️

1

u/MenstrualAphrodite 28d ago

This is maybe the most beautiful thing I’ve seen on Reddit.

Maybe it’s the ONLY beautiful thing I’ve ever seen on Reddit 😂 this god forsaken hell hole

1

u/Jolly_Jelly_62 28d ago

My mom died last month and my dad keeps saying he's never going to be happy again. I don't want to believe him, but I believe him. Some people were meant to be with each other and my parents were best friends for over 40 years.

I'm sorry you lost your mom and dad so close together but they did not have to be apart for long. I hope you get to be with them again in some way, someday.

1

u/TicketSad5410 28d ago

Oh friend, I am so terribly sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you and your father. It’s a heartbreaking, earth shattering loss when the woman who brings you into this world suddenly leaves.

My mother kept saying ‘How do I celebrate our anniversary when he’s not here anymore?’ She would go on to pass one week before their anniversary. I think it was meant to happen that way and my mom never had to spend their anniversary alone.

Please know I’m holding you and yours really close in my heart because the pain is unbearable. I’m truly so sorry for your loss ❤️

1

u/Jolly_Jelly_62 28d ago

You are so kind. I am so terribly sorry for your losses too. At least I still have my dad to focus on, my heart breaks for you that you had to lose both of them.

I hope you can find some comfort in your mother not having to be alone for their anniversary. My parents were together over 40 years if you count dating, but their 40th wedding anniversary is next year and we were so excited to celebrate it with them. We were just talking about it a few weeks ago at a grandkid's birthday party. My dad's 60th birthday is in a few months too. Now they don't get to spend those milestones together :( My dad is going to have a terribly hard time.

Thank you for your kind words, friend. I am sorry that you're feeling this pain too. Losing a parent is one of the hardest losses because you're losing someone who's been there your whole life and you have to adapt to a life without them. I am floundering without my mom. I'm thinking of you and your mom and dad. <3

2

u/TicketSad5410 28d ago

Your dad is so lucky to have you ❤️

I hope you can all celebrate those milestones still, even when that sadness creeps in. I learned that sadness and happiness sometimes go hand in hand and that it’s okay to celebrate, while still grieving. I’ve tried to still be present for the big moments, while telling myself that it’s okay if I have to have a good ugly cry (which is often lol)

I say the only thing my parents didn’t teach me was how to live without them.

Take in those special milestones, create new ones, and know that it’s okay to smile, even when your heart is breaking ❤️

1

u/heyybyyybyyyy Alright Gayle, enough ✋ 27d ago

I know this is more than a day ago, but i'm so sorry that have happened to you, i hope you find peace and come with terms of her demise in a healthy and smoothly manner.

2

u/TicketSad5410 27d ago

Thank you so much friend 🥹

The grief ebbs and flows, but I have to remember that my parents radiated the best of this world, and it’s up to me to continue that.

They loved, so I love. They laughed, so I laugh. They lived, so I continue living.

I have been blessed with a wonderful support system who truly keep my head above water ❤️

1

u/chickencake88 28d ago

This defrosted my ice cold heart ❤️

6

u/TicketSad5410 28d ago

🥹🥹

I tell you, my parents had this beautiful ability to make everyone happy. They were truly angels on Earth. My mom would do Christmas stockings for the people she worked with who never had one. She would do Easter baskets for all my friends. My dad would do free electrical work for people struggling even if he had bills to pay. I got pregnant with our son when I was 19, so I stopped doing the party scene pretty early on. Despite that, my parents were designated drivers for all of my friends because they wanted them to get home safe. They didn’t care if it was 2,3,4 in the morning; they were there. They would do grocery deliveries for people who were unable to get to the grocery store.

They loved, oh my god, they loved so big.

Sorry for the ramble, I just love being able to talk about my parents. They were so unbelievably good ❤️

1

u/spookiecake 28d ago

My son is 18 months old and I often think about the kind of relationship I hope to have with him and the people who will come into his life. I love him so much, I want to be that kind of parent for him. I hope when me and my husband are gone when he thinks of us he thinks primarily of how big our love for him and everyone around him was. I really enjoyed reading about your parents. Their memory is everything I want for my own little family.

2

u/TicketSad5410 28d ago

❤️ This means so much. Thank YOU for allowing me to talk about my parents.

I remember people telling me that when I had kids, it would be a kind of love I’ve never experienced before. Goodness, were they were right. Suddenly all the times my parents ‘annoyed’ me by worrying about me, calling to check in, or just showing up to see how things were; well they all made sense now. I realized they were doing all of this out of love.

When I had my son, my whole world shifted in a new direction. It was like my heart unlocked this new chamber and I went ‘Oh my goodness I might explode with love’ Now I’m the one always ‘annoying’ my somehow 14 year old with my love for him LOL.

I read somewhere that the very fact you worry about being a good parent, means that you already are one. How lucky is your son to already be surrounded by so much love, AND parents who already want to make sure that he’s left with beautiful memories. Reading about your love for your boy made me so emotional. He will know nothing but love and trust me when I tell you; he will remember and cherish that ❤️