We caught my father-in-law stealing our wedding gift — but the truth shocked me

By
Monica Pop
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My wedding to Finn Hartwell, the most loving and caring man, was a dream come true. We’ve been together for a couple of years, and our wedding was about to be as mesmerizing as our love for one another has been.

Our relationship has always been an uncomplicated one. No drama, no games, just two people madly in love, so nothing spoke trouble on our most important day, until the photographer showed me a video that left me in complete shock.

The preparations took almost a year, and Finn and I agreed on everything, including the venue, the flowers, the guest list… The only source of tension was his mother, Vivian.

We caught my father-in-law stealing our wedding gift
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She and Finn have always been very close, and now that he was about to get married, she felt like she needed to have say in everything. And somehow, she felt like I was stealing her son from her.

Luckily, my father-in-law, Gerald, has been the complete opposite of his wife.

He has always been the one to balance everything out.

The wedding day started just as I had imagined it. Me walking down the aisle along with my father, all of the important people being present to witness our love, and the moment I said “I do” to the man of my dreams.

We caught my father-in-law stealing our wedding gift
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Our photographer, a friend of a friend, made sure to capture the most brilliant photos. However, he seemed to also capture something I wasn’t supposed to see.

In the middle of the wedding reception, he approached me and said there was something he needed to show to me.

And there he was, my father-in-law, the man that I adored and respected so much was caught on tape going through our wedding gifts – then at one moment, he took one gift and left.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. Could Gerald be stealing from me and his own son?

We caught my father-in-law stealing our wedding gift
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I knew I needed to tell Finn as soon as possible. However, as expected, he wouldn’t believe until he saw the video himself.

We decided to let it go for the night, but we confronted Gerald the following morning.

Of course, when we asked him why he took our wedding gift, he denied at first, but when we told him we had everything on tape, he started crying.

“I was saving your life,” he said.

We were confused and couldn’t understand what was going on.

When he finally collected himself and explained everything, my blood ran cold.

“You know, Vivian’s jealousy of you escalated… she… she tried to prevent you two from going on your honeymoon,” Gerald said.

We caught my father-in-law stealing our wedding gift
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It turned out that he saw her rubbing orange peels on the wedding gift knowing I am severely allergic to oranges. She hoped an allergic reaction would prevent me from traveling.

In order to save me, Gerald took the gift, cleaned it, and then returned it back.

Finn and I were furious. We knew his mom was obsessed with him, but weren’t aware of the extent of her obsession until that point.

We did go to our honeymoon, and only confronted Vivian when we returned.

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We tried to explain to her that our marriage didn’t mean I “stole” her son from her. She simply needed to understand that he now had his own family.

Vivian gradually started accepting the reality. However, I could never trust her completely after everything she had done.

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Two cancer warning signs that can only be detected at night

By
Monica Pop
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Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world, as per WebMD. The only health issue with a higher death toll is heart disease.

The number of people who lost their lives to cancer in 2021 was almost 10 million.

As per the American Cancer Society, the number of people diagnosed with this disease in 2025 would be 2 million.

Behind these numbers are individuals whose lives are affected forever. And not only theirs but also of those around them, their families and their friends.

In the fight against this deadly disease, key factors are raising awareness and early prevention.

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Sadly, cancer can affect everyone, regardless of age, race, or nationality. While we believe that certain people, like those who smoke and drink excessively, or those that are overweight and lead unhealthy lifestyle, are the only ones who are faced with a cancer diagnosis, this isn’t true. People who seem healthy and take great care of what they eat or drink can also be blindsided by cancer.

This is why staying informed and being aware of the signs and symptoms of cancer can be crucial for taking timely action.

One symptom reported by a number of people diagnosed with cancer is hot flashes of sweating, especially during the night.

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These night sweats are often overlooked and not taken seriously, but as per Express, they can be a red flag.

The reason for these hot flashes and sweats during the night can be the body’s way to cool down in case it experiences cancer fever or a reaction to the shift of hormones.

They can also appear as a result of the hormone therapy against breast, prostate, and endometrial cancers.

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A study from 2003, states, “The true incidence of flushing and sweating in advanced cancer is unknown, but on the occasions when it does occur, this symptom is the most troublesome and exhausting to the terminally ill patient.”

At women with breast cancer, these hot flashes are often caused by estrogen deficiency, whereas in men with prostate cancer they are often a result of androgen ablation therapy.

Another of the signs reported by cancer patients is insomnia.

Although insomnia, or inability to sleep, can be a result of a number of things, including stress, it can also be a sign of a presence of cancer.

According to Cancer Research UK, “If you often have insomnia, it can interfere with everyday life. You may feel very tired and have low energy.

“You might also have poor concentration, and irritability, and may feel you cannot cope.”

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The charity adds: It’s important to be aware of what is normal for you and speak to your doctor if you notice any unusual changes or something that won’t go away. This can help to diagnose cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful.”

If you experience hot flashes and excessive sweating during the night that are paired with weight loss, fevers, insomnia or other symptoms, seek medical advice.

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Terri Irwin makes heartbreaking admission 19 years after Steve’s death

By
Monica Pop
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It’s been nearly 19 years since the world lost one of the greatest conservationists, Steve Irwin.

Steve’s love for the animals of any kind was enormous. He introduced many species to the wide public and always spoke of the natural world with much affection. What’s more, he passed on that love to his children who followed into their dad’s footsteps and are keeping his legacy alive.

Steve lost his life in 2006 during filming at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia. He was pierced through the chest by a stingray.

Instagram/Bindi Sue Irwin

“He was having trouble breathing. Even if we’d been able to get him into an emergency ward at that moment we probably wouldn’t have been able to save him, because the damage to his heart was massive,” Justin Lyon, an underwater cameraman and Steve’s close friend told Australia’s Network Ten television.

“As we’re motoring back I’m screaming at one of the other crew in the boat to put their hand over the wound and we’re saying to him things like, ‘Think of your kids, Steve, hang on, hang on, hang on.’ He just sort of calmly looked up at me and said, ‘I’m dying.’ And that was the last thing he said.”

The Crocodile Hunter star is still missed by many, especially his wife, Terri Irwin, and his children, Bindi and Robert.

Instagram/Bindi Sue Irwin

Steve and Terri met in 1991 and were married for 14 years. He once shared during his show that the moment he first laid eyes on Terri, he knew she was the one. Steve called it “love at first sight.”

Following Steve’s tragic passing, Terri has done everything in her power to keep his legacy alive. Over the years, she has often confessed that she still misses her husband.

In an interview with Stellar Magazine in April 2025, Terri confirmed she’s still single.

“I’m sure there’s a lot of lovely people out there in the world, but I did find my happily ever after, and I think I still have a lot of love in my life.”

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She went on to admit: “So I’m lonely for Steve, but I’m not lonely. I never mourn being on my own and not being in a relationship. I think we need to say that.

Terri added, “I think women are still amazing, fulfilled, incredible people – even if you never marry, if you have four kids, or two kids, or no kids.

“There are no rules.”

In the past, Terri Irwin was rumored to be dating actor Russell Crowe.

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However, she denied it and claimed the award-winning actor was a close family friend.

“In all honesty, he and Steve became friends many years ago, and after Steve passed, you find out who your true friends are. And Russell has been very loyal as a great friend,” she told Access Hollywood.

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Babysitting my grandson was pure joy — then came the bill

By
Monica Pop
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When my son Marcus married Jenna, his high-school sweetheart, I welcomed her with arms wide open, but somehow, she did all in her power to build a wall between us. When my grandson Tommy was born, I barely visited because any time I wanted to stop by their place, they found a bunch of excuses.

Because of some reason, Jenna considered me intrusive although I never interfered in any of their decisions.

And then, one day, I got a call from Marcus.

“Hey, mom,” he said. I could sense in his voice that he was calling because he needed something.

“I’m taking a business trip, a very important one,” he said. “It’s Friday to Sunday, but Jenna had been planning this spa weekend with her sister for so long, and it’s on the same date. So… I was wondering if you could help out with Tommy.”

At that moment, my heart skipped a beat. Babysitting my grandson was something I could never say no to. On the contrary, I was over the moon I could spend three days with him.

“Of course, Marcus, I’ll be there,” I said, and started packing right away.

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On Friday morning, I was 15 minutes early. Marcus and Jenna left, leaving me with my loving grandson.

However, once I stepped foot in the house, I noticed a bad smell. When I looked around, I noticed piles of dirty dishes in the sink. There was also a box of takeout food that seemed to be there for way longer than it should. Piles of laundry were waiting to be done and Tommy’s toys were scattered all over the place.

“Well, Jenna’s still young and she still struggling with her commitments,” I though to myself.

When I tried to make something for Tommy to eat, I noticed that the fridge was nearly empty.

“Tommy, let’s go some grocery shopping,” I said.

We went to the nearest store and bought everything Tommy needed — milk, eggs, fruits and vegetables, and a bunch of other things.

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The rest of the day was filled with plenty of fun activities. I took Tommy to the park where we built a fortress from the sand, then raced each other on the swings until we were out of breath.

When he went to sleep, I decided to clean the place — I washed the dishes, did the laundry, and cleaned every corner of the house.

The following day, Tommy and I had even more fun. We made cookies, and he loved them.

Babysitting my grandson made me feel needed and appreciated, even if just for a weekend.

When Sunday arrived, I was sad to leave, but I was glad I got to spend time with Tommy.

Marcus and Jenna thanked me for stepping in at such a short noticed, but I felt like I was the one that needed to thank them.

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A couple of days later, I received a message from Jenna.

At first, I thought it was a joke, but I realized she was serious.

“Eggs – $8, Water (3 bottles)- $3, Electricity – $12, Toilet paper – $3, Laundry detergent – $5, Toothpaste – $4. TOTAL: $40

“Please Venmo by Friday. Thanks!! ❤️”

My daughter-in-law sent me a bill for the things I used during the three days while I was babysitting my grandson.

At first, I thought about telling Marcus about it, but then I decided to handle the matter myself.

If she wanted to play dirty, I was going to do the same.

I opened my computer and made an invoice myself.

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INVOICE FOR SERVICES RENDERED Weekend of [Date]

CHILDCARE SERVICES: 60 hours of care @ $17.50/hour = $1,050.00

HOUSEKEEPING SERVICES: Kitchen deep clean = $75.00 Bathroom cleaning = $50.00 Laundry service (3 loads) = $45.00 General tidying and organizing = $100.00

MEAL PREPARATION: 5 meals for child = $50.00 Baking activity (educational) = $25.00 Meal for parents (casserole) = $30.00

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES: Trip to grocery store = $15.00 Trip to park = $10.00

GROCERY SHOPPING: Personal shopping service = $30.00 Groceries purchased for household = $127.84

ADDITIONAL SERVICES: Educational activities = $50.00 Bedtime routine management = $25.00

SUBTOTAL: $1,682.84

FAMILY DISCOUNT (Because I love Tommy): -$1,642.84

TOTAL DUE: $40.00

I printed it, and before sending it to Jenna, I wrote that her bill was paid in full.

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It didn’t take long before my invoice was delivered and I got a call from my son.

“Mum, what is going on. Jenna’s upset. She says you sent her an invoice for babysitting Tommy. How could you?”

With a serious voice, I said, “Did she tell you she sent me a bill herself first and wanted to charge me for the toilet paper I used while babysitting my grandson?”

Marcus was shocked. I could hear him asking his wife if that was true. He then told me he needed to hang up and that he would call me later.

The following day, Marcus asked me to go to their place. I agreed unaware of how everything would unfold.

When I arrived, Jenna greeted me at the door.

She couldn’t look me in the eyes. “I’m really sorry,” she said. “I knew what I did was very wrong. You are an awesome grandma, and Tommy loves you endlessly.”

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She even thanked me for cleaning the house and stocking the fridge with food.

I knew her apology was genuine, so I accepted it.

The incident only brought us closer. From that day on, Jenna started inviting me over more often. I sometimes helped her with her chores, but as time passed by, there was no longer need for that. Her house was spotless.

I became more involved in my grandson’s life and the barrier between me and Jenna was replaced by mutual respect.

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My daughter dropped off my grandson and vanished – three weeks later, a call shattered my heart

By
Monica Pop
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I didn’t expect any visitors that day, so when I heard the doorbell ring, I wondered who it might be. To my surprise, I saw my daughter, Jane, and my grandson, Tommy.

“Mom, I need a favor,” she said. “I need you to take care of Tommy for a few weeks. Maybe a bit more than that.”

When I noticed she carried a huge suitcase, I knew something serious was going on.

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Jane wasn’t someone who asked favors lightly, so this was a bit strange. But I didn’t ask any questions. I just gave her a hug and made her promise she would stay safe.

Worry was written all over her face, but when she told me she would be on a work mission, I decided to trust her.

My grandson was a ball of energy. He was lovable, curious, and easy to entertain, so I wasn’t bothered by the fact he would be staying with me for a couple of weeks.

We played games, read stories, and enjoyed his favorite food. At one moment, he spilled the juice all over his t-shirt, so I went upstairs to grab a new one from the suitcase my daughter left.

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When I opened it, my heart raced faster than ever. Inside were clothes for all seasons. Jackets and gloves on the top, and then shorts and flip flops underneath. At the bottom, there was an envelope with my name written on it. It was full of cash; more money than I have ever seen in my life.

This only meant one thing, Jane wasn’t coming back any time soon, maybe ever.

I tried to reach her on the phone but failed each time.

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Days went by and my grandson started wondering where his mom was.

I contacted her colleagues, her friends, and even her former roommate, but no one heard from Jane. It was as though she vanished into thin air.

Then, one day, my phone rang. It was my daughter asking to speak to my grandson. She avoided answering any of my questions. She just asked from me to trust her and that she would be back. I tell her to promise to me that she would return safe and sound. After she talked to Tommy, she hang up. When I tried to call her back, she didn’t answer.

Midjourney

Jane’s story…

Whenever someone asked about my son’s father, I would say he was the product of a fling that wasn’t meant to last. But the truth was much darker than that.

Tommy’s father was a very dangerous man who was involved with the mafia and some of the most notorious criminals. When I dated him, I had no idea how dangerous he was. Following our split, I never told him I was carrying his child. To be honest, I hadn’t even heard from him until one day when he called and told me he was in town again.

The thought of him learning that he had a son was terrifying all by itself. I knew he would want to take him from me, so I had to hide him.

That’s why I packed all of his clothes and belongings. I even got rid of every photo of him from my house in case Alex appeared out of the blue.

What I knew was that Tommy would be safe with the only person I ever trusted, his grandma.

I prayed Alex leave town as soon as possible, so that I could be with my son again.

Midjourney

When my daughter returned to take my grandson, she looked extremely exhausted.

It was as though she aged in a matter of months. I never questioned her decision, I was just glad she returned safe and sound.

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End-of-life nurse shares one movement people make when they near death

By
Monica Pop
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Katie Duncan, an end-of-life nurse and a a ‘death care coach’ who has witnessed many deaths throughout her career, shares insights of what happens when someone nears death.

Duncan has worked across intensive care units, home hospices, and long-term care facilities. Over the years, she has noticed patterns at her patients that she describes as both inexplicable and deeply touching.

Her TikTok videos are very popular and in the most recent ones, she spoke of a “mystical” phenomenon that is part of the dying process.

Katie Duncan shares one movement people make when they near death.
Katie Duncan shares one movement people make when they near death – TikTok/@death.care.coach

Duncan observed that as they shuffle off this mortal coil, many patients reach upwards, as though trying to grasp something above them.

“In my experience, it’s very common,” she said in the video. “You’ll literally see someone reach up, like they’re trying to hold someone’s hand or touch something in the air.”

These movements are sometimes accompanied with what she describes as end-of-life visions.

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“People often say they’re seeing someone, a loved one, a pet, even an angel or a bright light,” she explained. “Other times, they don’t speak at all, but still reach up, as if sensing a presence.”

While they do so, the patients are not in distress. On the contrary, they seem to be at ease.

“If anything, they seem comforted,” she said. “These visions, whatever their origin, often bring people a deep sense of calm.”

Duncan adds, “It’s one of the more mysterious aspects of death that we’re lucky enough to witness as caregivers. It’s humbling.”

@death.care.coach #hospicenurse #nurse #learnontiktok #deatheducation #oncology #healthcare #endoflifecare #deathdoula ♬ original sound – DeathCareCoach

As with any of her videos, people reacted to this one too, sharing their personal experiences of their loved ones doing the same movement as they were near death.

“My dad reached up with both arms. Prior to this, he couldn’t lift his arms at all,” one person shared.

“When I witnessed this I didn’t want to disturb him at all. It was a really special experience,” another added.

“This is the in-between. What a privilege to witness,” a third wrote.

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Jeanine Pirro announces first criminal sentences

By
Monica Pop
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President Donald Trump has appointed former Fox News host and New York prosecutor Jeanine Pirro the interim US attorney for Washington, DC.

Taking to Truth Social, the POTUS wrote, “I am pleased to announce that Judge Jeanine Pirro will be appointed interim United States Attorney for the District of Columbia,” dubbing her a “powerful crusader for victims of crime.”

“She excelled in all ways,” Trump went on, praising her career as a TV host. “In addition to her Legal career, Jeanine previously hosted her own Fox News Show, Justice with Judge Jeanine, for ten years, and is currently Co-Host of The Five, one of the Highest Rated Shows on Television,” the president added.

Jeanine Pirro/ Wikipedia

Fox News also praised Pirro’s work. A spokesperson for FOX News Media said in a statement, “Jeanine Pirro has been a wonderful addition to The Five over the last three years and a longtime beloved host across FOX News Media who contributed greatly to our success throughout her 14-year tenure. We wish her all the best in her new role in Washington.”

On the same day she was sworn into office, Jeanine Pirro announced the sentencing of two individuals involved in a dangerous daylight drive-by shooting near an elementary school in Washington, DC.

The two men, Rasheed Mullins, 27, and Josiah Warfield, 24, received federal prison sentences of over seven years. They both pleaded guilty to assault with intent to murder while armed.

Jeanine Pirro/ Wikipedia

The incident took place in April 2024 and caught the attention of the public because it happened near a school.

Pirro’s office made an announcement of another indictment on Thursday, confirming that Te’Vaughn Brown, 20, was charged with felony assault on a senior citizen before a Nationals baseball game last August, with the trial set for July 14.

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Phil Robertson, ‘Duck Dynasty’ patriarch, dies at 79

By
Monica Pop
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Phil Robertson, star and patriarch of Duck Dynasty, died aged 79, his family said in a statement.

“We celebrate today that our father, husband, and grandfather, Phil Robertson, is now with the Lord,” his daughter-in-law Korie Robertson, wife of Willie Robertson, posted on Facebook.

“Thank you for the love and prayers of so many whose lives have been impacted by his life saved by grace, by his bold faith, and by his desire to tell everyone who would listen the Good News of Jesus. We are grateful for his life on earth and will continue the legacy of love for God and love for others until we see him again,” the post continued.

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Phil Robertson rose to fame after founding the Duck Commander hunting company that turned into a multi-million dollar business.

The reality series Duck Dynasty, which ran from 2012-2017, followed the lives of the members of the Robertson family, turning them into a much loved celebrities. In fact, the show became the most-watched nonfiction cable series in history just a year after it first aired.

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Before becoming a TV personality, Phil Robertson played football at Louisiana Tech.

The school, where he was a starting quarterback, paid their tributes with a post on the social media.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of former LA Tech quarterback, Phil Robertson,” they said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Robertson family during this time.”

His grandson Will Robertson posted a photo from his childhood and wrote, “my Papaw Phil went home to the Lord today. His life, his testimony, and his devotion to God was so powerful [sic].”

“i’m forever grateful for his time spent on earth, and i’m thankful to know he’s sitting in his recliner talking to Jesus. love you Papaw 🩶[sic].”

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Robertson’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis was disclosed with the public during an episode of Unashamed with the Robertson Family in December.

At the time, his son Willie told Fox News Digital that his father was “battling a lot of different things right now.”

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“He’s got a blood disorder, and then he’s got the mental issues that could be early [on-set] Alzheimer’s … and probably some ministrokes because of his blood,” Willie told the publication. “And so, it could be some stroke stuff happening, that has happened. So, we’re still checking on all that.

“But then he also has a back issue. He’s fractured his back and that’s where the pain’s at. So, he’s kind of battling many different things at the same time.”

The Robertson family will be back on TV with the series Duck Dynasty: The Revival that will air this summer. It will feature the lives of Willie and Korie Robertson, their adult children, and their grandkids as they continue the family’s legacy.

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