Because she believes he is “dirty,” the daughter of a coal miner prohibits him from going to her graduation celebration. She sobs and feels guilty about what she told him when he still shows up and speaks to her over the microphone.
Alright, I’ll give you a call later.Dad has arrived. When 18-year-old Sabrina heard her coal miner father, Pete, park his van in the garage, she immediately hung up on her friend.
In an attempt to avoid Pete’s notice, she kept flipping through the TV channels. She hoped he wouldn’t inquire about her impending graduation, which was in two days.
Pete’s arrival embarrassed Sabrina, therefore she didn’t want him to go. She was worried that her father would get criticism for being “dirty” and smelling like coal and perspiration.
“Hey my love! Pete came in, sounding pleased, and said, “Look what I got for you.”
Despite her amazement, Sabrina remained composed. She didn’t mind surprises, but she detested seeing her father’s hands and face burned. She made sure he never touched or soiled any of her belongings.
Pete knew Sabrina quite well. Since she lost her mother, he had been doing it for a number of years. “Sweetheart, I hope you love them!” he said, leaving the two gifts on the table, respecting Sabrina’s boundaries and giving her space.
Sabrina hurriedly opened the package and discovered a stunning outfit inside as soon as she realized her father was gone. She blushed because she loved it. Then she discovered an expensive suit inside the second package.
“Dad, thanks for the dress. However, who is this suit for?
“It’s for me, my dear! I must look fantastic.After all, it’s your graduation!
Don’t feel guilty about the people who have dedicated their lives to you.
Frustrated, Sabrina pursed her lips. “Dad, I don’t want you to come,” she replied sternly after tossing the package. My buddies will all 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 solemn hush descended upon him. Sabrina’s comments struck him like a ton of bricks, and he was stunned.
“What were you saying?”
“Dad, the fathers of my acquaintances come from well-known families. They all appear to be celebrities and are wealthy. I hope you realize, dad, that I don’t want you standing there looking like a mess. Anyone can tell you are a coal miner just by looking at your filthy hands and face, regardless of how beautifully you dress. They shouldn’t make fun of me. Don’t attend my graduation, please.
Pete was excited to go to the event, therefore he was devastated.
However, I appreciate the clothing. I adore it! Pete was left feeling more than just grief as Sabrina slammed the door of her room and went to try on the dress.
Sabrina was too young, in Pete’s opinion, to comprehend his feelings for her. He decided to attend the graduation celebration with a heartfelt surprise he had prepared for her, telling her that she was still a young girl.
Two days later, on the day of the graduation…
“Should I at least drop you off at your school, darling?” Sabrina was asked by Pete. He was ecstatic that she was finally graduating, and she looked stunning.
“Drop me? No need, father. I’ll be picked up in my pal Dave’s automobile. I don’t want to ride in your filthy van and ruin my dress.
“All right! Have a wonderful day, my darling!
“And, dad, please don’t come. I hope you won’t. Goodbye, see you later!
In order to quickly get ready and go to the event, Pete waited for Sabrina to leave.
How am I able to overlook such a significant day in my daughter’s life? I must be present!
Pete showed up at the location a short while later and took a seat in the parent sitting section. As pupils received their awards, he applauded. He was eager for Sabrina to receive hers.
“Next, we’re going to call Miss Sabrina Parker!” declared the host.
As Sabrina got her diploma, Pete hurried to the front with his phone and began shooting. He was ecstatic, but when Sabrina saw her father, she was taken aback.
“Congratulations, my love!” From beneath the podium, Pete continued to yell. “I’m really happy for you!”
Sabrina, however, did not respond or smile. Rather, she moaned and went to join her pals. She was eager for the ceremony to end so she could lash out at her father for attending.
The host abruptly said, “Mr. Parker, could you please come on stage?”
Sabrina watched Pete approach the podium, bewildered and unable to comprehend what was happening.
He’s calling my dad to the stage, but why? Oh no.What’s happening?
With joy, Pete approached the stage and accepted the microphone.
I appreciate it, Mr. Lauren. Good evening, gentlemen and ladies! Pete started. “Will you please give us the slideshow?”
When the projector rolled and the hall was dimmed, Sabrina and the audience were in disbelief. Using photos of him and Sabrina from when she was young till just before the graduation, Pete had created a lovely film. He had discussed his plan to surprise his daughter with the principal and staff the day before the graduation ceremony. So, he was granted special permission to surprise Sabrina when she got her diploma.
“I cherish my daughter.” I’m so proud of you, Sabrina. If your mother were present now, I hope she would be just as proud. You can see for yourself, Emma, if you happen to be here! No other father on the planet could be more proud than me now, despite your warning that I couldn’t raise my kid by myself. Congratulations, Sabrina.We succeeded!
After watching the video, Sabrina started crying. As everyone gave her father a standing ovation, she rushed to him. She gave him a hug and sobbed, “Dad, thank you so much! I apologize.
After wiping away her tears, Pete took pleasure in the remainder of the evening. Sabrina remembered Pete mentioning her late mother on the way home. She was alarmed by what he said.
Why did you say that Mom would be pleased if she attended the graduation celebration, Dad? She’s long gone, and if she’s dead, how will she attend?
Pete gave Sabrina a look and chuckled. “Honey, your mother is not dead. This town is home to her, and she is alive!
When Sabrina was informed that her mother had passed away, she was horrified. Pete didn’t want his daughter to know the truth about her mother until she reached adulthood, but it was a lie.
“What? Is Mom Still Alive? How come you didn’t tell me, Dad?
The moment had come for Pete to make the most important admission of his life.
Since your mother never desired you. Your birth father had passed away, she informed me. She informed me that it was my responsibility to determine whether I wanted to raise you or leave you at the shelter.
As it happened, Pete and his wife Emma had split up when Sabrina was a young child. Emma told Pete their daughter wasn’t his before they moved on. Pete chose to raise the girl as his own after experiencing heartbreak.
“I was unable to envision you as someone else’s kid. Pete sobbed, “You were my world, and you are my everything today.”
Sabrina sobbed on Pete’s shoulder after hearing this and throwing herself into his arms. “My real father isn’t you?”
Pete returned her hug. “Darling, I still adore you even though I’m not your biological father. I just told you something; forget it. I will always consider you my daughter, no matter what.
“I apologize, dad. I’m embarrassed about hurting you. Without understanding the sacrifices you made for me, I termed you “dirty” and “smelly.” What would have happened if you hadn’t taken care of me and brought me up? Forgive me, please.
They rode home after Pete dried Sabrina’s tears and invited all of his friends and neighbors to join him in celebrating his daughter’s graduation.
It was the last time Pete and Sabrina discussed their past. Sabrina was surprisingly no longer ashamed of her father. She was proud of him and understood that he was a wonderful man who had raised her with love and care after her mother had left her.
What lessons may we draw from this tale?
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