Some people say family always comes first — but sometimes, family makes you feel like you weren’t even invited. I’m Justin, 26, and my whole life I watched my parents pick my sister Casey over me. They made excuses when she needed attention, every milestone of mine overshadowed. And when they actually skipped my wedding to be with her, my best man did something unforgettable.
Growing up in Millbrook, Casey was always the center of attention. If I scored in basketball, she’d suddenly need help with her homework. My graduation? She had a crisis. My college acceptance? Her boyfriend broke up with her the same day. And my parents always dropped everything to “help her.”
So when I told them I was getting married to Veronica last spring, I asked them for one thing: don’t let Casey ruin this day. They promised — but promises from them were easy to make and easy to break.
In the weeks before the wedding, Casey started making comments about the bridesmaid dress and helping with everything, despite not even being in the wedding party. My mom defended her. My dad just smiled. It was déjà vu.
Wedding day arrived. I woke up excited, sharing coffee with my best man, Arnold. But then came a voicemail from Mom: she and Dad weren’t coming. Casey had “a lump” on her dog’s neck and needed them. They chose that over their son’s wedding. Nothing was more devastating.
Arnold saw my shock — then rage replaced sympathy. He grabbed my phone and said he would handle it. Veronica, half-in her dress, agreed. They decided to do something bold and public.
The ceremony was beautiful. Veronica’s parents walked her down the aisle, and I finally felt truly seen and loved. After the wedding, Arnold posted a video montage of the day — with the voicemail from my parents playing in the background.
That video blew up online. People were horrified and sympathetic. Comments poured in from strangers who felt my pain. My extended family even called to apologize. And my parents? They begged me to take it down. I refused. Their excuse had been exposed for what it was.
Casey moved away under the backlash. My parents kept reaching out, wanting to “fix things.” But I had finally learned something huge: I deserved better than being an afterthought. Veronica’s family became my own, and Arnold — my brother.
Today I’m happier than I ever expected to be. I still feel for the part of me that hoped my parents cared more — but I know now that choosing myself was the best choice of all.
