Dad Showed Up To My Graduation Straight From A Night Shift—Covered In Soot, Eyes Bloodshot, Pride Glowing Through The Grime
My dad showed up to my graduation straight from work—filthy uniform, soot-covered boots, bloodshot eyes—and wrapped me in a bear hug, leaving a greasy handprint on my gown. I smiled for the cameras, but inside, I was spiraling. In my bag was an unopened letter: my acceptance to medical school. He had sacrificed everything to…