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TIFU by accidentally congratulating an NBA player on the loss of their child.

(This happened many years ago, but I've never shared the story, and of course I won't share personal details nor are they important to the story).

I was excited one morning to see that a fellow parent (and NBA player) of our preschool was at morning drop off. It was a rare occasion to see them or have a chat as their wife was almost always present instead. They were always a very friendly family and we had a healthy casual acquaintance that often brought short conversations in passing.

As I greeted him I suddenly remembered that I hadn't seen him since hearing the big news of their newest child being born.

ME: Hey ____! Congratulations!

THEM: (Nods with that obligatory pulled back smile we all know)

ME: (thinking: something seems off. Maybe I wasn't specific enough) So happy for you guys. Do...

TEACHER: (Interrupting me and whispers into my ear) Hey, they lost.

My eyes go wide. That crazy sinking feeling hits me and I freeze. They check into attendance as I turn to the teacher with a look of terror and embarrassment and the teacher, with a look of you-sad-stupid-donkey whispers to me,

TEACHER: They lost it last night.

A physical reaction takes over, my eyes fill up, and I fight to keep my voice as stable as possible. I turn back to them,

ME: I'm so sorry. I'm. I'm so so sorry.

THEM: Thanks. (Nods with that small obligatory smile again, and begins walking away.)

I turn back to the teacher grasping my forehead.

TEACHER: Are you ok? (with a confused look, insinuating that I may be overreacting).

ME: ...I can't believe I just congratulated him.

TEACHER: Haha. That's ok. I think he's just pretty sad.

ME: Well, I would THINK so!

TEACHER: Well, they did get pretty far, but that game last night was the end of the playoffs for them.

...

At this moment I experience a sensation that could be best described as a mental explosion. And I am currently sitting in a tangled mess of misunderstanding. I have completely neglected the NBA playoffs, had no idea about the game, am completely off the hook for my blunder... and most importantly realized that their new baby is perfectly fine.

ME: (with tears on my cheeks) So, they didn't lose their baby?

TEACHER: What?! ... No!

ME: ...

TEACHER: Oh my god...

ME: (crashing back to reality. Sobbing while laughing somehow, I squeezed out the words) I'M NEVER TALKING AGAIN!

TL:DR I congratulated someone for their new baby, was told that the baby was lost the night before, completely mortified and apologized, then realized the baby was fine and it was actually the basketball playoff that was lost. Emotional whiplash.

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