There are some moments in life that are truly terrible, but also bring out beautiful things. When these happen, we call them "bittersweet." Which, in itself, means that it's unfortunate, but also sweet and meaningful.
It could be a loss, it could be a tragedy, but the memories from it bring people together and for that, we are sometimes a bit grateful.
"About ten years ago just before she died of lung cancer, my mom called me by my childhood nickname, told me she loved me and then fell asleep. That was the last thing she ever said to me. I was 35 when she died and she hadn't called me that nickname in maybe 30 years," -u/-Words-Words-Words-.
Reddit user afrocircus6969 shared that he broke up with his then-girlfriend because her dream was finally coming true.
She had always dreamed of moving abroad permanently, and it wasn't going to work long distance. While the breakup is sad, seeing her dreams come true is beautiful.
"My fiance's funeral. It was literally the first time I got to meet his mom. And she was such a sweet lady. When I tried to give her back my ring because it had belonged to her mother.
She refused to take it, she told me 'My son chose you to give it to. And it would be rude of me to take back his choice,'" -u/Sickofitblonde.
Another Reddit user, mejok, said that being able to hold his grandfather's hand as he peacefully passed was his bittersweet moment.
Of course, losing your grandparent is sad, but, seeing them go without pain and in peace is something that matters.
"Adopting a decrepit senior dog with one hot mess of a body. He was cherished and adored by myself and daughter. My daughter was his main squeeze. He had health problems galore but he always persevered, and for a brief moment he got to BE a dog. One year ago we helped him cross the rainbow bridge," -u/YourMothersButtox.
Reddit user randomtrashman shared that the bittersweet moment they had was having "one last sleepover with their childhood best friend" before he passed away from leukemia.
They said it was just like the two of them were kids again. What a way to say goodbye.
Reddit user MissyChevious613 said that they went to visit their grandfather two days before he passed away, and it was the most lucid he had been in years.
He was able to actually speak with him before he passed. And, it meant so much to him.
"Marrying my husband and moving out of my parents’ house. My parents have always been kind and supportive of me. They made it difficult to say goodbye. It was tough looking back at the house as we drove away to start a new life," -u/WTFrickFrackCadillac
Reddit user stix-and-stones said that they found out that their uncle's car accident wasn't really an accident, and instead, a suicide. It was five years after he died that he found out.
"He left behind two young, beautiful, smart, talented children who, to this day, think his blood sugar dropped and he veered into that tree after passing out."
"My friend and his fiance wanted a baby and were doing IVF treatment and were down to their last chance. She got pregnant but my friend died three months in from a sudden heart attack.
So basically super bitter for six months but then his daughter was born and is healthy and beautiful," -u/manawasteman
Reddit user pmattox73 said that divorcing his ex-wife was his bittersweet moment.
While she was cheating and very abusive, they once wanted to be married until the end and celebrate a 50th wedding anniversary. It's sad to let go, even if it's for the best.
"Well I may be getting deployed unexpectedly due to the current craziness in the world, so my wife and I decided to get married Saturday.
Happiest day of my life, but I'm nervous about possibly having to leave this week or next," -u/RGB3x3.
Reddit user BirdGuy64 said that receiving a check from his late father's estate was something that stayed with him.
It's meaningful to know your father left something behind for you, but it's horrible to know that you'll never see him again.
"I finished University not that long ago. I was very excited because I literally went through four years of an engineering degree just for this moment and it finally happened. But the moment the graduation ceremony ended I just turned really sad. It's over. Everything good in University life is over," u/TiBiDi.
"Sitting in the hospital room, mom was about ready to pass away from cancer, everything was shutting down internally. The date was my parents 40th wedding anniversary. The last thing dad said to her was 'Thank you for 40 wonderful years,'" -u/CoffeeCat072083.
