Old Couple Spends Last Savings for Grandson’s Education, He Doesn’t Invite Them to His Graduation
Margaret and Henry had worked hard their entire lives. They never had much, but they always made sure their grandson, Ethan, had everything he needed. After their daughter passed away when Ethan was just a boy, they raised him as their own, sacrificing their own comfort to ensure he had a bright future.
When Ethan was accepted into a prestigious university, they didn’t hesitate to use their last savings to cover his tuition and expenses. They lived modestly—cutting back on groceries, selling old furniture, and even skipping medication at times—just so Ethan wouldn’t struggle.
“We just want him to have the best chance at life,” Margaret would say, smiling despite the hardships.
And so, for four years, they sent him money, helped with rent when he needed it, and never once asked for anything in return. But as time passed, Ethan’s calls became less frequent. Texts went unanswered. Whenever Margaret and Henry tried to visit, he always seemed too busy.
Still, they waited eagerly for the day they had dreamed about for years—his graduation.
A Painful Realization
One afternoon, Henry was reading the newspaper when he spotted something that made his heart drop—a photo of Ethan in his graduation cap and gown, surrounded by friends. The headline read, “Top Students Celebrate Graduation at Exclusive Ceremony.”
Tears welled up in Margaret’s eyes. “He graduated?” she whispered. “But… he never invited us.”
Henry clenched his fists, his heart aching. They had given everything for Ethan, yet they weren’t even considered important enough to witness his big day.
Determined to understand why, they called him. After several rings, he finally picked up.
“Ethan, we saw the news,” Henry said softly. “Congratulations, son. But… why didn’t you tell us?”
There was silence on the other end. Then Ethan sighed. “Grandpa, I didn’t think it was a big deal. The ceremony was small, and I didn’t want to bother you with the trip.”
Margaret’s voice trembled. “Bother us? Ethan, we would have done anything to be there.”
Ethan hesitated. “Look, my friends’ families are… different. I just didn’t think you’d fit in.”
Margaret covered her mouth, stifling a sob. Henry’s voice hardened. “We spent every penny we had to get you through school, and now you’re ashamed of us?”
Ethan didn’t reply. Then, after a long pause, he muttered, “I have to go,” and hung up.
A Lesson in Gratitude
Days later, Ethan received a letter in the mail. It was from Henry and Margaret.
“We may not have money left, but we still have pride. We raised you with love, and we expected nothing in return—except to be treated as family. We hope one day you realize what truly matters.”
Ethan stared at the letter for a long time. For the first time in years, he felt a deep, gnawing regret. And at that moment, he knew—he had lost something far more valuable than money.
