Some people say blood is thicker than water. But sometimes family can drown you in disappointment. I’m Justin, 26, and for as long as I can remember my parents always put my older sister Casey first — even when it hurt me.
Growing up in Millbrook wasn’t easy when everything was always about Casey. I’d score the winning basket, and suddenly she’d have a “panic attack.” When I graduated high school or got into college, something always came up in her life that pulled my parents away. They’d tell me Casey needed them and I was “tough.” I never really felt chosen.
When I proposed to my soulmate Veronica last spring, I made it clear to my mom and dad: No Casey hijacking my wedding. I asked for one simple promise — that they’d show up for me. They laughed it off and said they’d be there, promising it wouldn’t be just a party. I still hoped they meant it.
But in the weeks leading up to the wedding, Casey started inserting herself everywhere, criticizing bridesmaid dress colors and acting like she’d run the whole show. I sensed exactly what was coming.
October 15 arrived bright and perfect — a day I’d dreamed about. I was getting ready when I checked my phone… and heard the voicemail.
“Hi sweetie! We’re not coming. Casey’s dog has a lump and we can’t leave her alone. We’ll see you later! Take lots of pictures!”
It happened all over again. My parents chose Casey’s crisis over THEIR SON’S wedding.
I was stunned. But Arnold — my best man and the closest thing I’ve ever had to a brother — saw red. He grabbed my phone and headed out. When Veronica heard what happened, she didn’t gasp in sadness — she got mad. And that’s when Arnold stepped up in a way I’ll never forget.
The wedding itself went beautifully. Veronica’s dad walked her down the aisle, and I finally felt loved and chosen. Afterward, Arnold posted a video online — a montage of us, the ceremony, the laughter, the vows — with my parents’ voicemail right in the soundtrack.
His caption didn’t sugarcoat it:
“My best man got married today. His parents and sister skipped his wedding day because her dog had a lump. This voicemail shows exactly how much they cared.”
The internet exploded. People were moved, outraged, and many shared stories of their own family hurts. Millions of views poured in. Some called it heartbreaking, others couldn’t believe the voicemail. My phone lit up with support, messages, and reactions I never expected.
My mom begged me to take the video down, saying people were making memes about Casey. My sister accused me of ruining her life. But I didn’t back down. She screamed about jealousy and reputation — but I reminded her that she left me a voicemail telling me he wedding didn’t matter. That truth needed to be seen.
Dad tried to make excuses and even offered to throw some big party to “make up” for missing the wedding. I laughed — that wasn’t the point. Choosing one day over me after a lifetime of choosing Casey wasn’t something a party could fix.
Three months later, the video has over two million views. Casey moved away. Mom barely leaves the house. Dad calls, trying to “move past it.” But I’ve moved past needing their approval.
Veronica and I are happy — truly happy — and her family has become mine. Arnold still stands by me without regret. And from the backlash and support I saw online, I learned a lesson I didn’t expect:
Sometimes the best thing you can do is stop accepting less than you deserve — even from the people who are supposed to love you first.
