In this story, the mom was the custodial parent.

Technically, the custodial parent does have legal grounds to make demands forchild support.

Or so they think.

Article image

If you earn it.

One can imagine a man like this has few friends if barely cares about his own children.

So now he is terminally ill and alone and, surprise surprise, has no one to help.

Man in a blue shirt looking stressed, touching his temples, representing family care responsibilities.

Again, he only even thought about reconnecting when he needed it, not earlier.

He wasnt around, he doesnt get to makerulesor demands.

This is not to say that its as easy as just blocking someone whoseabsencehas been felt your whole life.

Text reads about dad leaving 15 years ago and now needing care. Family struggles with decision.

Actually getting closure is important and its also important to maintain this framing.

They are doing it for themselves, not out of some misguided duty.

Importantly, the mom is also still in the picture and does not seem to care either.

Text about a father who left years ago, now terminally ill and seeking care from his adult child.

Check out the results:

Text discussing emotions about a father who left and now needs care.

Text discussing a person’s dilemma about taking care of a father who left 15 years ago.

Man Has The Audacity To Ask For Help After Abandoning A Kid For 15 Years, Gets A Reality Check

Man Has The Audacity To Ask For Help After Abandoning A Kid For 15 Years, Gets A Reality Check

Reddit thread discussing 15 years of an absent father, regret, and caring for a dying parent.

Reddit comment discussing family decisions about caring for a dying father who left 15 years ago.

Text discussing a father who left family years ago, now dying and seeking care; focuses on mental health and personal decisions.

Online discussion about a dad who left home 15 years ago, now seeking help as he’s dying, with mixed emotions shared.

Text exchange about caring for an estranged parent, reflecting on past pain and complicated family dynamics.

Reddit comments discussing the dilemma of caring for a dying dad who left 15 years ago, emphasizing personal choice.

Text conversation about a father returning after 15 years, discussing family abandonment and responsibilities.

Reddit comments discussing the dilemma of taking care of a dying father who left the family 15 years ago.

User comment about dad leaving, expressing a strong emotional response over the phone.

Reddit comment saying “No thanks” about taking care of a dying father who left the family 15 years ago.

Comment rejecting request to care for dying dad who left family 15 years ago.

Reddit comment discussing a father’s request for caregiving, questioning obligations after leaving family 15 years ago.

Reddit comment discussing a dad who left and is now dying, suggesting action.

Comment discussing a dad who left and is now asking for care, with a strong negative response.

Comment advising self-respect and not helping absent dad now dying.

Text on family dilemma advice regarding a dying dad.

Text image discussing a father leaving family 15 years ago, his illness, and request for care now.

Comment on Reddit about deciding not to care for a father, reflecting on past experiences.

Text response about dad leaving 15 years ago, commenting on consequences with strong language.

Comment saying “follow your heart” about taking care of a dying dad.

Text conversation discussing a father who left 15 years ago, now seeking care in his final days.

Comment on taking care of dad who left, suggesting setting a price for care.

A Reddit comment reads, “You owe him nothing,” regarding dad leaving 15 years ago.

Update note thanking readers for their advice and support regarding dad’s care situation.

Text discussing a dad who left 15 years ago and the speaker’s feelings of not owing him care now.

Elderly man sitting on bed, looking pensive and thoughtful, relating to family care.

Text on image about closure when deciding to visit a dad who left 15 years ago and now is dying, emphasizing personal terms.

Text discussing a father’s return after 15 years; focuses on seeking answers and emotional resolution.

Text expressing refusal to care for a dying father who left years ago, prioritizing mother and siblings instead.

Text reading “The dreaded meeting is happening tomorrow. I’m not sure what it will reveal, but I’m doing it for myself.

Text discussing feelings of regret and unanswered questions about a dad who left 15 years ago.

Text about family dynamics and care decision after dad left years ago.