Pexels/Reddit

Children’s milestones should be shared with parents.

The following story is about a man who was about to graduate from college.

His absent father suddenly called him and told him he was planning to attend his graduation.

However, he responded that he didn’t want him there because he wanted to celebrate it with people who actually cared and supported him.

Uh oh! Talk about a family drama! Let’s take a closer look!

AITA for telling my dad I don’t want him at my graduation after he missed everything else

I (22M) graduate in three weeks.

Five years of college, one of them being an extra year I had to tack on after switching majors.

I am also working part time the whole way through.

It wasn’t easy, and I’m genuinely proud of finishing.

This man’s father missed all of his earlier milestones

My parents divorced when I was fourteen. My dad moved to another city about a year after that.

We stayed in contact, but it was always inconsistent.

I’d hear from him regularly for a few months and then nothing for a while.

He missed my high school graduation because he had a work thing.

He didn’t come to my 21st birthday. He sent a card.

When I got my first real internship, I called him to tell him. He said he’d call me back and didn’t for two weeks.

He got a call from his dad, saying he wouldn’t miss his graduation.

Last month, he called me out of nowhere really excited.

He said he already booked flights for my graduation and got a hotel.

He said he can’t wait to see me walk. I didn’t say anything for a second.

Then I told him I didn’t think that was a good idea.

He went completely silent. Then, he said he thought I’d be happy.

He told his dad he didn’t want him to come.

I told him I’m glad he wanted to come.

But I’ve had a lot of big moments he wasn’t there for.

Graduation feels like something I want to share with people who have actually been around.

He called my aunt. My aunt called my mom.

Now my mom, who has every reason to be on my side, is saying I’m being too hard on him.

She says he’s trying. Maybe he is trying. But I’ve been waiting for that for eight years.

Never Miss a Story

Sign up to get our BEST stories of the week straight to your inbox.

It is understandable that OP wanted his graduation to be surrounded by people who had consistently supported him.

His father may genuinely be trying now, but I don’t think it’s enough to erase years of missed moments.

Perhaps the father should still come and watch, but he shouldn’t expect that things between them will magically be okay.

Let’s check out the comments of other people on this story.

Short and true!

Here’s another valid point.

This user shares their personal thought.

If you enjoyed this story, check out this post about a brother who doesn’t want to help his sister cover their aging father’s groceries.

Another one chimes in.

Finally, here’s an honest assumption.

It’s hard to celebrate someone’s effort when years of absence still hurt.

10 OLDER SISTER STEALS COLLEGE SAVINGS

Add TwistedSifter to your Google News Add us as a preferred source on Google

Author

Heide Lazaro

Heide Lazaro is a veteran human-interest writer and digital culture expert with over a decade of experience in editorial strategy. Specializing in lifestyle, social dynamics, and the internet's most compelling stories, Heide has authored and published more than 10 books online. Beyond her daily reporting, she is a dedicated motivational speaker who helps audiences connect through the power of storytelling. When she isn't sifting through the web's wildest real-life drama, Heide is an avid runner, painter, and novel-enthusiast fueled by a truly excellent cup of coffee.