Keeps Eggs Fresh A miner’s daughter bans him from attending her graduation because she believes he is “dirty”.
He sobs and feels guilty about what she said to him when he keeps showing up and talking to her over the microphone.
“Okay, I’ll call you later…Dad’s here,” When 18-year-old Sabrina heard that her miner father, Pete, was parking a van in the garage, she immediately hung up on her friend.
She was still flipping through the TV channels, trying to avoid Pete’s notice. She hoped he wouldn’t ask about her upcoming graduation, which was in two days.
Pete’s arrival embarrassed Sabrina, so she didn’t want him to go. She feared her father would be criticized for being “dirty” and smelling like coal and sweat.
“Hello, my love! Pete came in, sounding pleased, and said, ‘Look what I’ve got for you.’
Despite her astonishment, Sabrina remained composed.
She didn’t mind the surprise, but she hated seeing her father’s hands and face burned. She made sure he never touched or soiled any of her things.
Pete knew Sabrina quite well. He had been doing this for many years since she lost her mother. “Honey, I hope you love them!” he said leaving the two gifts on the table, respecting Sabrina’s boundaries and giving her space.
Sabrina hastily opened the package to discover an amazing outfit inside once she realized her father was gone. She blushed because she loved it. In the second package, she discovered an expensive suit.
“Dad, thanks for the dress. But who is this suit for?”
“Honey, this is for me! After all, it’s your graduation, so I have to look fantastic.”
Don’t feel guilty about the people who dedicated their lives to you.
Frustrated, Sabrina pursed her lips. “Dad, I don’t want you to come,” she replied curtly after tossing the package. All my friends will be there along with their parents. Please, I don’t want them to make fun of me when they see you.
As Pete wiped his face and left the restroom, a grave silence fell upon him. Sabrina’s comments hit him like a ton of bricks and he was stunned.
“What did you say?”
“Dad, my friends’ fathers come from famous families. They all look like celebrities and are rich. I hope you realize, Dad, that I don’t want you standing there looking like a mess. Anyone can tell you that.” you’re a miner just by looking at your dirty hands and face, no matter how nice you dress, they shouldn’t make fun of me.
Please don’t attend my graduation.
Pete was excited to go to the event and was devastated.
“But thanks for the clothes. “I love it!” Pete felt more than sadness as Sabrina slammed the door to her room and went to try on a dress.
Sabrina, in Pete’s opinion, was too young to understand his feelings for her. He soothed his broken self, “She’s still a little girl!” and decided to attend the graduation celebration with a heartbreaking surprise he had already prepared for her.
Two days later, on graduation day…
“Honey, should I at least let you go to your school?” Pete asked Sabrina. He was ecstatic that she had finally graduated and she looked stunning.
“Let me go? There’s no need, father. I’ll be picked up in my friend Dave’s car. I don’t want to ride in your dirty van and ruin my clothes.”
“Alright then! Have a good time darling.”
“And Dad, please don’t come. I hope you don’t come.” Goodbye, see you later.”
In order to quickly get ready and go to the event, Pete waited until Sabrina left.
“How could I miss my daughter’s most important day? I have to be there.”
Pete appeared in a moment and sat down in the parents’ section.
He applauded the students while receiving the awards. He longed for Sabrina to accept hers.
The host announced, “We’ll call Miss Sabrina Parker next!” into the room.
As Sabrina was receiving her diploma, Pete rushed over with a phone and started shooting. He was ecstatic, but when Sabrina saw her father, she was taken aback.
“Congratulations, darling!” Pete was still shouting from under the stage. “I’m so proud of you!”
However, Sabrina didn’t answer or smile. Rather, she groaned and went to join her friends. She waited impatiently for the ceremony to be over so she could scold her father for attending.
“Mr. Parker, could we please have you on stage?” said the host suddenly.
Sabrina watched as Pete came on stage, confused and unable to understand what was going on.
He’s calling my dad on stage, but why? “Oh no, what’s going on?”
Pete happily took the stage and accepted the microphone.
I appreciate it, Mr. Lauren. Good evening ladies and gentlemen. Pete started. “Can we have a slideshow please?!”
Sabrina and the audience were in disbelief as the projector went down and the hall went dark. Pete created a beautiful film using photos of him and Sabrina from when she was young up until just before graduation. He discussed his plan to surprise his daughter with the principal and staff the day before graduation. So he got special permission to surprise Sabrina when she received her diploma.
“I value my daughters. I’m so proud of you, Sabrina. If your mother was here right now, I hope she’d be just as proud. You can see for yourself, Emma, if you happen to be here.” No other father on the planet could be prouder than me right now, despite your warning that I can’t raise my child alone.
Well done, Sabrina “We succeeded!”
After watching the video, Sabrina started crying. As all the fathers gave a standing ovation, she rushed to him. She hugged him and sobbed, “Daddy, thank you so much! I’m sorry.
After wiping away his tears, Pete enjoyed the rest of the evening. Sabrina remembered Pete mentioning her late mother on the way home. She was disturbed by what he said.
Why did you say Mom would be happy if she attended the graduation, Dad? How will she participate if she’s dead? He’s long gone.
Pete laughed as he looked at Sabrina. “Honey, your mother is still alive. She lives in this town and she still lives.”
The news that her mother had died stunned Sabrina. But it was a hoax and Pete didn’t want his daughter to grow up knowing the truth about her mother.
“What? Is mom still alive? Why didn’t you tell me, Dad?”
Pete knew it was time for the most important revelation of his life.
Because your mother never wanted you. She informed me about the death of your biological father. She informed me that I had the free choice to raise you or leave you in the shelter.
As it happened, when Sabrina was a young child, Pete and his wife Emma were divorced. Emma informed Pete that their daughter was not his before continuing. Heartbroken, Pete decides to raise the girl as his own.
“You can’t be someone else’s baby in my opinion. You are everything to me now and you were my universe,” sobbed Pete.
Hearing this, Sabrina sobbed into Pete’s shoulder and threw herself into his arms. “You’re not my real father?”
Pete hugged her back. I may not be your biological father, baby, but that doesn’t make my love for you any less. I don’t remember what I just said. No matter what happens, you will always be my daughter.
“I’m sorry father. I’m sorry I hurt you and I feel guilty for it. I called you ‘stinky’ and ‘dirty’ without understanding what you gave up for me. If you hadn’t stood up for me and raised me what would have happened to me please
After wiping away Sabrina’s tears, Pete invited all his friends and neighbors to join him for his daughter’s graduation and travel home.
Pete and Sabrina never talked about their past again. To her surprise, Sabrina no longer felt guilty about her father. She was proud of him and understood that despite her mother’s abandonment, he was a wonderful man who raised her with love and care.
Sabrina and Pete’s story is a poignant reminder of the selfless love and sacrifices that often go unnoticed in the lives of those we care about. Sabrina’s journey from shame to pride in her father’s unwavering love and devotion exemplifies the transformative power of empathy and understanding. Pete’s actions show that being a parent isn’t about biology, it’s about the love, effort, and sacrifice one makes in raising a child. His unwavering commitment to Sabrina, despite her initial rejection, shows a profound example of unconditional love.
Sabrina realized her father’s sacrifice and the truth about her biological mother redefined her understanding of family and loyalty. It allowed her to see Pete not only as her father bbut asa man who chose to love her unconditionally, even when it was hard. This newfound appreciation strengthened their bond and erased the guilt and shame she once harbored.
Their story illustrates the importance of gratitude and the ability to recognize the silent battles of our loved ones. It teaches us to value relationships built on love, resilience, and selflessness over superficial judgments or societal expectations. Ultimately, Sabrina’s growth and Pete’s enduring love serve as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unbreakable bonds of family, chosen or otherwise.