Imagine growing up with a ghost sibling. That’s how the youngest of three brothers felt, as their mother insisted on including their deceased brother, James, in every family event. James was born still, but their mom couldn’t let go, making him a part of family portraits, Christmas cards, and even mentioning him at every significant event. But when Christopher, the eldest living brother, is about to get married, he and his fiancée take a stand, leading to an emotional showdown.
The Ghost Sibling

Always Included

Uncomfortable Brothers

The Eldest Brother’s Wedding

Mom’s Reaction

Taking a Stand

The Emotional Confrontation

Mom’s Heartbreak

A Family Torn Apart by a Ghost Sibling
In a heart-wrenching confrontation, the youngest brother finally tells his mom that they don’t view James as their brother and she needs to stop forcing him on them. This leads to tears, anger, and a family divided. While his brothers support him, other family members are furious. The emotional impact of this situation has everyone questioning who’s right and who’s wrong. Let’s see what people have to say about this delicate family matter…
“NTA. Parents’ enduring grief over stillbirth affecting siblings’ happy occasions “

NTA. Mother’s obsession with deceased brother overshadows son’s wedding

NTA. Mother’s obsession with deceased brother overshadows son’s wedding

NTA. Parents’ unhealthy grief interferes with relationships. Time for help.

Supportive comment, empathizing with the OP’s difficult situation.

Son stands up to mother’s unhealthy attachment to deceased brother

NTA. Respectful boundaries are important for everyone’s healing process.

NTA. Mom’s obsession with deceased brother disregards living children’s emotions

NTA: Mom’s obsession with deceased brother causing family tension

NTA! Sacrificing accomplishments to a ghost? Time for a conversation!

Comment suggests counseling for parents, advises caution and empathy.

NTA, but be mindful of how you express your feelings

Therapist supports setting boundaries with deceased brother inclusion. NTA

NTA. Parents need mental health help. This isn’t healthy

Grief is never resolved, parents never get over losing a child

NTA: Mom’s obsession with deceased son is hurting her living child

Engaging comment about the tradition of including deceased family members.

Christmas card with a photo of a dead baby?!

Heartbreaking loss leads to unhealthy grief behavior. NTA for setting boundaries.

Son stands up to controlling mom at brother’s wedding

Son feels overshadowed by deceased brother in family events

Heartbreaking loss and a mother’s unhealthy obsession with her deceased son

Son’s solution for deceased brother’s inclusion in family events sparks debate

NTA. Therapy needed for mom and enablers.

NTA. Commenter shares traumatic experience with deceased baby photos.

Son snaps after years of excessive memorializing at family events

NTA: Deceased brother overshadows living children, parents need professional help
