A coal miner’s daughter bans him from attending her graduation celebration because she considers him ‘filthy.’ He still arrives and speaks to her on the microphone, disclosing something that makes her cry and regret all she has told him.

“Okay, I’ll call you later…Dad’s come.” Sabrina, 18, hung up on her friend the moment she heard her father, Pete, a coal miner, park his vehicle in the garage.

She continued switching channels on the television, attempting to avoid Pete’s attention. She hoped he wouldn’t question her about her forthcoming graduation, which was in two days.

Sabrina did not want Pete to go since she felt embarrassed by his appearance. She was afraid her father would attract unfavorable attention since he looked ‘dirty’ and smelled of coal and perspiration.

“Hi, sweetie! “Look what I got for you,” Pete remarked as he entered, sounding pleased.

Sabrina was surprised, but she managed her reaction. Not that she disliked surprises, but she despised seeing her father’s scarred face and hands. She never permitted him to touch or dirty any of her belongings.

Pete understood Sabrina well. He’d been doing it for years, since she lost her mother. So he gave Sabrina her space and respected her limits, placing the two presents on the table with the words, “Sweetheart, I hope you love them!”

Sabrina eagerly unwrapped the box after noticing her father had left. Inside, she saw a beautiful garment. She enjoyed it and began blushing. Then she opened the other package and discovered an expensive outfit inside.

“Thank you for the outfit, Dad. But for whom is this garment intended?

“This is for me, honey! I have to look great…it’s your graduation, after all!”

Do not be embarrassed of the people who have dedicated their lives to you.

Sabrina pursed her lips in irritation. She hurled the package and stated sternly, “Dad, I do not want you to come. All of my buddies and their parents will be in attendance.” I don’t want them to laugh at me after seeing you, okay?”

Pete went out of the restroom, wiping his face, amid a somber hush. He was taken aback, and Sabrina’s remarks hit him hard.

“What did you say?”

“Dad, my friends’ fathers come from reputable families. They are all wealthy and resemble celebrities. I don’t want you to stand among them looking like a mess, Dad. I hope you understand. No matter how beautifully you dress, everyone can tell you’re a coal miner by glancing at your grimy face and hands. I don’t want people laughing at me. Please don’t attend my graduation.

Pete was devastated since he was looking forward to attending the event.

“But, thanks for the dress. “I love it!” Sabrina walked to her room and slammed the door shut to put on the dress, leaving Pete with more than just sadness.

Pete believed Sabrina was too young to grasp his feelings for her. “She’s still a little girl!” he consoled his shattered heart, deciding to attend the graduation celebration with a tear-jerking gift for her.

On graduation day, two days later…

“Darling, shall I at least drop you at your school?” Pete asked Sabrina. She looked stunning, and he was overjoyed she was finally graduating. “Drop me?” There’s no need to worry, Dad. My friend Dave is going to pick me up in his vehicle. I don’t want to ruin my clothing by traveling in your unclean vehicle.”

“Alright! Have a wonderful day, darling!”

“And Dad, don’t come, okay?? I trust you won’t. “Bye…see you!”

Pete waited for Sabrina to depart so that he could prepare quickly and join the event.

“How could I miss such a significant day in my daughter’s life? “I need to be there!”

Pete arrived at the venue moments later and took a seat in the sitting section reserved for the parents. He rejoiced as pupils received their awards. He could hardly wait to watch Sabrina receive hers.

“Next, we’ll call Miss Sabrina Parker!” the host declared.

Pete rushed up to the front with his phone and began shooting Sabrina as she received her diploma. He was overjoyed, but Sabrina was surprised when she saw her father.

“Congrats, darling!” Pete continued yelling from behind the podium. “I’m so proud of you!”

But Sabrina did not grin or respond. Instead, she moaned and rejoined her pals. She couldn’t wait for the ceremony to be finished so she could yell at her father for attending.

Suddenly, she heard the emcee say, “Mr. Parker, could you please come on stage?”

Sabrina was astonished and had no idea what was going on when she saw Pete come over to the podium.

“Why is he summoning my father to the stage? Oh, oh, what is going on?

Pete eagerly strolled to the stage and claimed the microphone. “Thank you, Mr. Lauren! “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.” Pete began. “Can we have the slideshow, please?!”

The hall darkened and the projector turned on, surprising both the crowd and Sabrina. Pete had created a lovely film with photos of him and Sabrina from when she was a child to just before graduation. He visited with the principal and staff the day before the graduation ceremony to convey his plan to surprise his daughter. The principal granted him special authorization to surprise Sabrina immediately after her graduation.

“I love my daughter. Sabrina, I’m so proud of you. I hope your mother would be just as proud if she were here now. Emma, if you’re here, you can see for yourself! You said I couldn’t raise my daughter on my own, yet there is no other father on the planet who is as proud as I am right now. Congratulations, Sabrina—we did it!”

Sabrina burst into tears after viewing the video. She dashed to her father as everyone gave him a standing ovation. She hugged him and wept, “Dad, thank you so much! “I am sorry.”

Pete brushed away her tears and went on to enjoy the remainder of the evening. On the way home, Sabrina remembered Pete talking about her late mother. His remarks concerned her.

“Dad, why did you think Mom would be proud if she attended the graduation party? She’s long gone, and how will she attend if she’s deceased?”

Pete stared at Sabrina and laughed. “Your mother has not died, honey. She is alive and resides in this town!”

Sabrina was stunned when she learned her mother had died. But it was a deception, and Pete never intended his daughter to know the truth about her mother until she was of age.

“WHAT? MOM IS ALIVE?” Daddy, why didn’t you tell me?”

Pete felt it was time for the biggest confession of his life.

“Your mother never wanted you.” She informed me that your birth father had died. She said it was up to me to decide whether I wanted to raise you or leave you at the shelter.”

It came out that Pete and his wife Emma had split when Sabrina was little. Before moving on, Emma informed Pete that their daughter was not his. Pete was distraught and determined to raise the girl as his own.

“I couldn’t envision you as anybody else’s child. Pete wept, “You were my world, and you are my everything today.”

When Sabrina heard this, she rushed herself into Pete’s arms and wailed on his shoulder. “You’re not my real father??”

Pete embraced her back. “Darling, even if I am not your birth father, I still adore you. Forget everything I just told you. Whatever happens, you will always be MY DAUGHTER.”

“I’m sorry, Father. I’m ashamed of myself for hurting you. I labeled you ‘filthy’ and smelly’ without realizing how much you had given up for me. What would have happened if you hadn’t stepped up and raised me? “Please forgive me.”

Pete dried Sabrina’s tears and drove her home, where he gathered all of his friends and neighbors to celebrate his daughter’s graduation.

Pete and Sabrina never discussed their history again. Surprisingly, Sabrina wasn’t embarrassed of her father anymore. She was proud of him and understood he was not a disgrace but rather a wonderful guy who nurtured her with love and care after her mother abandoned her.

A professional writer inspired this essay with stories from our readers’ daily lives. Any similarities to genuine names or locations are entirely accidental. All photos are for illustrative purposes only.