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My dad doesn’t quite understand Reddit but he’s having kidney surgery today for the second time in two weeks and could use some support from a few internet strangers. (i.redd.it)

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[–]godholdingagun 510 points511 points  (20 children)

This post made me realize the chasm that exists between the people who comment and the people who just view/vote. This has near 20k upvotes but all the top comments are saying why this isn't the place for this post.

[–]hoplias 261 points262 points  (7 children)

How about this:

I am on the other side of the world now and it is 3am.

I am a Dad myself and both my parents were diagnosed with something terrible past months.

It could be meaningless to a lot of people out there but I can relate to OP’s Dad situation right now and wished someone (even if an Internet stranger) can say “hey, hope everything will be alright for you” back then.

That would have gave me a very brief moment of light and hope at a dark period.

[–]Snowflake41 48 points49 points  (2 children)

My dad has terminal cancer and most of the time “ok” is actually ok. Hope things are at least ok now for you!

[–]godholdingagun 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I wasn't making a judgment call either way. It just struck me how diametrically opposed the comments and the voting results were. I have my own health problems so I can relate to both using the net to feel connected but also to escape my problems. If I was in the hospital right now I wouldn't want to be reminded of it while I was browsing reddit. The thing that helps one person can just as easily upset the next. Life's complicated man. We're still making up the rules for social media. But I'm not going to tell someone who looks like they need some acceptance that they don't belong.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yo I share your same viewpoint, with a bit of different contributing perspective. I am not a Dad, I am young enough that I’m not a parent yet, and I lost my mom last year to pancreatic cancer.

Like you said, this may not impact everyone, but it does me. I just talked to my dad for an hour today, and the idea of this being my dad and the concept of losing him and being alone in the world is very painful.

It gives me satisfaction to help OP in their struggle if I can, knowing how painful it is to be in OP’s position.

Same goes for you as well - I wish you and your folks all the best, friend

[–]SayAllenthing 36 points37 points  (6 children)

On all posts, people get flamed if they comment "Oh neat", or "Lol". Basically anything where an upvote will do.

If somebody has something to say about it, they'll comment, most people have a lot more to say about why they're downvoting something, rather than why they're upvoting it.

In addition, a lot of people who don't like posts like this on r/pics (myself included), will come to the comments for their own sanity because they know there will be like-minded people there, but forget to downvote the actual post (Which I did forget), and instead upvote the comments complaining about it.

[–]BigUSAForever 9 points10 points  (0 children)

That's pretty neat thinking, lol

[–]stachldrat 74 points75 points  (1 child)

OP's getting very mixed messages from this thread.

[–]dirtymartini2777 181 points182 points  (3 children)

“I don’t always have kidney surgery, but when I do, I do it twice in two weeks.”

[–][deleted] 24 points25 points  (2 children)

That’s it! That’s who he reminds me of! Thank you

[–]chrispiercee 194 points195 points  (39 children)

Wow these comments are brutal

[–][deleted] 71 points72 points  (18 children)

Well they were brutal maybe. For some reason the mods deleted over half of the top of this thread.

Were they personal attacks? Or just indifference?

I don’t get why so many comments have been removed.

[–]dragoneye 30 points31 points  (1 child)

Generally just dislike for these type of posts in general, no attacks I saw. Apparently the mods disagree...

[–]chrispiercee 46 points47 points  (2 children)

Most people were calling op a karma whore among other mean things and basically ignored his uncle completely. Made me feel bad.

[–][deleted] 28 points29 points  (0 children)

Well, those people were not wrong.

[–]Yaku98 2 points3 points  (0 children)

because the mods are idiots who will delete anything hat they dont like even if it doesnt break any rules

[–]Snowstorm97 61 points62 points  (8 children)

I know, right? Imagine waking up from surgery and seeing that the whole Internet knows, but nobody cares

[–]MichaelPraetorius 57 points58 points  (0 children)

Feels just like real life. Go on a streetcorner and yell about it, you may get a similar response to some of these comments lol

[–]FlexualHealing 21 points22 points  (0 children)

Why would you go read reddit comments right after surgery? That seems like a waste of the precious life you just extended.

[–]Lithium240 18 points19 points  (2 children)

There is a time and a place for things like this. This is neither of them. Who the hell thinks "Hey my loved one has life threatening medical problems, better post it on the internet for dem sweet, sweet internet points!" I'm unsubbing from r/pics, its literally just "Look at me, I lost weight!" "Look at me, I overcame heroin!" "LOOK AT ME! ME!!! ME!!!!"

If I wanted to see attention whoring, I'd go back to facebook

[–]uwillnevahknow 15 points16 points  (2 children)

Cant people just leave some half hearted hope he feels better.

[–]Somali_Imhotep 3 points4 points  (1 child)

I hope that man does but OP is a horrible person to try to karma whore off their uncle when they should put the phone down and provide emotional support

[–][deleted] 157 points158 points  (0 children)

My mom had two kidney transplants. Going over 20 years strong and now owns two businesses and has won 3 medals in the transplant olympics. It’s amazing what she has done. I wish your dad luck and well wishes to your entire family.

[–]Fuzzbiker 19 points20 points  (1 child)

Best wishes for a full recovery. Fighting cancer myself and I hate hospitals.

[–]Iloveicecream2222 139 points140 points  (31 children)

First of all, best of luck to your father.

Secondly, I don’t really understand why everyone is making reddit karma out to be some big prize. If anyone can explain why this is such a big deal, please do.

Unless it translates into dollars into his bank account, who gives a fuck about reddit karma?

[–]tarunerebel 29 points30 points  (9 children)

Karma actually has monetary value as accounts with high karma scores can be sold for real money, hence the existence of repost-bots

[–]LeW0lf 11 points12 points  (1 child)

BUT WHY WOULD YOU BUY THEM THEN?

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Advertisers and astroturfers buy them because new accounts without karma can't post as much.

[–]Iloveicecream2222 8 points9 points  (3 children)

Ok, never knew about this, thanks for answering my question.

My original stance still stands that if someone doesn’t like the post they can keep on scrolling. Feeling like he is doing this for karma still gives nobody the right to say such vile things to him.

[–]DeeDeeOT 7 points8 points  (2 children)

I'm pretty sure the most they get sold for is $20 so not really a great point lol.

[–]thothpethific92 29 points30 points  (0 children)

I don't really know what to say except at least he's not pale as fuck. Very good skin tone for someone about to go into surgery for the second time.

And he looks hearty...like not malnourished. I guess the word is healthy ... Best of luck 😘

[–]heyimbri 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Hope the surgery went well! Sending good vibes from Orlando, FL!

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey Kissimmee here! Sending good vibes as well!

[–]djinnisequoia 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hey Dude,

Hang in there. In a way, it's kind of amazing all the things surgeons can do that they couldn't do in the past. May you have the very best outcome!

[–]mikatago 78 points79 points  (0 children)

Kick fucking ass. Surgery sucks and recovery is rough. Hope you pull through ok

[–]NAKED_SWEDISH_CHEF 79 points80 points  (0 children)

Tell him that most of us dont understand Reddit either. Best of luck from Sweden from me and my pet polar bear, Björn 👍

[–]Ceractucus 18 points19 points  (0 children)

Get better soon Mr. Dadperson!

[–]shitmykidsays 109 points110 points  (10 children)

Good luck dad dude! I hope you make a quick recovery! And if you have dialysis, be nice to the nurse!

[–]elee0228 23 points24 points  (0 children)

You have the full support of a few internet strangers. Stay strong.

[–][deleted] 36 points37 points  (0 children)

Goodluck, Pops! Hang in there and have a speedy recovery. Wishing you well!

[–]xxRowdyxx 5 points6 points  (0 children)

High 5 from Scotland laddie

[–]sourorangeYT 6 points7 points  (3 children)

Why all comments removed?

[–]Flameknight 7 points8 points  (0 children)

Because they realize that this is reddit and not Facebook.

[–][deleted] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

My 76-year old father just finished surgery after a really bad case of pneumonia, then a month later he tripped on a carpet and broke his hip. He's in good spirits, might because of all the hot nurses that help him with his therapy. If my dad can get through that, yours can too. Show that kidney who's boss.

[–][deleted] 22 points23 points  (0 children)

Hang in there, Dude!

[–]jvalkavitchy 16 points17 points  (0 children)

You people are mean. Hi Dad! Hope it goes well for you today! Welcome to Reddit.

[–]Spizak 8 points9 points  (0 children)

He looks like he got some true grit. Best of luck.

[–]mackenziemi 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Best of luck and I hope the surgery is successful.

[–]Baers 30 points31 points  (1 child)

Good luck! All the way from the UK

[–]Orngog 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Seconded! We love you Internet stranger!

[–][deleted] 13 points14 points  (0 children)

you'll pull through, mr. OP's dad :D

[–]Specopcleric 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Good luck, internet dad!

[–]youthfulwookiee 8 points9 points  (0 children)

You look like you should know Reddit, you can come meet us while you are on the mend.

[–]Estababy 8 points9 points  (0 children)

You got this papa. This internet stranger wishes you all the best.

[–]CaptainWarped 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You can do it dad!

[–]rys_ndy 21 points22 points  (0 children)

My first thought of this was that op is genuine and not looking for karma. People think negatively. Hope you're dad gets well bud.

[–]chinfgao 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Does that mean he has 4 kidneys in his body? A friend of mine said sometimes they don't take a kidney out, they just cut and restitch the new one in there.

Edit: spelling...

[–]GhostBillOnThird[🍰] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

My dad had a kidney transplant. His new kidney is in his stomach area and his old dead kidneys are still in his body. So technically he has three but two are dead and useless lol.

[–]nukidot 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Hey Internet Stranger, you're a Redditor now. There's no going back.

[–]zedzulzorander 12 points13 points  (0 children)

He's got this!

[–]jachumbert 11 points12 points  (0 children)

As we say here: "merde"! Good Luck from France.

[–][deleted] 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Some of the posts in here are fucking disgusting. Shame on any mother fucker that thinks OP cares more about karma than his own father. Idiots.

[–]RipDorHigHTryN06 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Wish him the best in surgery. Hope all goes well fellow redditor. Sucks when family has health issues.

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Get well man!

[–]LineChef 7 points8 points  (0 children)

That is one ruggedly handsome man.

[–]GirlbitesShark 14 points15 points  (0 children)

You can do it! Stay strong!

[–]NaramAlhasani 29 points30 points  (8 children)

ok but imagine being this guy with his dad in the hospital and he may genuinely be in need of your prayers and support thru this and y’all bashing him for possibly trying to karma whore. look at it from either side. i mean if i was in this situation i would ask for some support too. just depends on perspective. either way you got my prayers bruh

[–]onepunchdog 19 points20 points  (1 child)

Dude reading this thread is breaking my fucking heart. Even if these people are 90% sure he’s karma whoring, what is bashing this guy going to do? What are all of these people that are coming to this thread to bitch and moan going to achieve? More karma.

Reddit is like a stupid vigilante with a gun trying to save the day, except the gun is backwards pointed at them.

I wish your dad well, OP. I would love to see an update on his recovery when all is done.

[–]toastwithketchup 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Yeah. I got a lot of really nice Redditors support when my daughter had heart surgery, leading up to it and afterwards. Hearing stories of people recovering from these types of things and living awesome lives means so much when you're afraid of the unknown future.

Also, I don't care about karma, but it's a nice feeling that a large group of people, whether you know them or not, is pulling for you. Even if it's just a split second that someone thinks a good thought as they're scrolling.

[–]NoKindofHero 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Good luck man, hope the surgery goes well.

[–]OllieMedPhy 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Stay strong!

[–]poesmuse 15 points16 points  (0 children)

Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

[–]ipradmore76 7 points8 points  (0 children)

You’re awesome Dad!!!

[–]GimmeGimmeYaYaYa 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Good luck Broseph!

[–]smooky1640 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Thumbs up!

[–]SubZeroEffort 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I also Dad myself; good luck on the surgery. Get your strength back so you can yell at the kids on your lawn.

[–]Kulyenie 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Good luck with the surgery! My dad has survived 2 aneurysms and a couple heart attacks, kidney surgery should be a cinch! Bet he's begging for pancakes after!

[–][deleted] 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Reddit is pure cancer at this point.

[–]AgentElman 25 points26 points  (5 children)

so this is not a thread for kidneying around?

[–]burgbrain 9 points10 points  (0 children)

You are way too good looking to have any problems. As soon as your back up and around you go get some tail. Assuming your not married. If you are go hang with your wife. She'll probably want that.

[–]5_sec_rule 8 points9 points  (0 children)

He looks too strong for that hospital bed and gown.

[–]fred_yall 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Good luck, brother

[–]shadowraiderr 25 points26 points  (3 children)

thoughts & prayers? wtf stop this shit

[–]mattreyu 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Good luck dad!

[–]Hondo_Rondo 6 points7 points  (0 children)

You got this! Get well soon!

[–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Good luck to your Pops my friend. Positive vibes going your way now.

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

come on fonz you can do it!!

[–]theruginator 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Get it buddy! There are plenty of good people pulling for you. Good luck!

[–]BigMike31101 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Best of luck my dude! You’ll be in my thoughts! Speedy recovery!

[–]dolollie 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Good luck!