I put a lot of effort into my graduation day and couldn’t wait to celebrate with my folks. I had been dreaming of this day for years; it was the result of many late-night study sessions, tension, and determination. I was excited to see my parents in the throng, grinning and supporting me, as my friends were present, joined by their beaming families.
I kept looking around during the ceremony, hoping to see them. I kept looking around the audience, but I was unable to find anyone. When the ceremony eventually came to a close, I realized they weren’t present. As I became aware that I had been by myself for one of the most significant events of my life, the pit in my stomach increased.
I looked at my phone right away, expecting an explanation. My mother left a message there. As soon as I opened it, my heart raced. However, when I saw the words, “Sorry, we won’t come,” my mouth fell. Hope it’s not a major issue. There is an urgent situation.
My heart fell. A crisis? I was confused and full of worry. I left right away for home, my head spinning with possible outcomes. Did they suffer any injuries? Was there a family problem of some sort?
My fear vanished as soon as I entered the building and was replaced with utter shock. They were sat there on the couch, engrossed in a marathon of their preferred television program. With a casual look, they looked up as if nothing was wrong.
“Mum? Dad? What is happening? Trying to keep my voice calm, I demanded. “You mentioned that there was a crisis.”
My mother shrugged after becoming a little sheepish. Yes, we were afraid to miss the big reveal. We have been waiting all season for this two-hour special.
A wave of emotions shot through me, wrath, hurt, betrayal. “You passed up my graduation to star in a TV show?”
“Well, we thought you wouldn’t mind,” my dad added in jest. It’s merely a graduation, and the pictures will be available later.
“Merely a graduation?” I said again, my voice cracking. “You couldn’t be bothered to show up because of a TV show on one of the most important days of my life?”
Neither of them apologized, but they both appeared embarrassed. Instead, they made excuses about how busy and weary they were in an attempt to minimize my feelings.
I bolted to my room, shutting the door with a crash. I felt so abandoned and deceived. My parents, who were meant to encourage me and be happy for my accomplishments, had disregarded all of my effort and commitment. I felt more alone than ever as I laid on my bed with tears flowing down my face.
Everyone was talking about their graduation celebrations the following day at school, exchanging pictures and anecdotes about how their families had reacted. I found it difficult to participate. I didn’t want to acknowledge that my parents had let me down so badly because the hurt was too deep.
I cut myself off from them in the weeks that followed. They made a token effort to set things right, but it didn’t feel sincere. I was at a loss as to how to mend the damaged trust.
That day taught me a hard lesson: sometimes, the people you count on to support you won’t. Although it was a traumatic experience, it strengthened my resolve. I made a promise to never let anyone’s lack of encouragement to stop me. Big or small, with or without them, I would still be proud of my accomplishments.