After using the family inheritance pot to enroll in university, my sons cut me off completely. On graduation day, feeling both proud and heartbroken, I returned home to an unexpected sight that changed everything.
I was sitting reading on the sofa — my favorite place and pastime — glancing across at my boys, Ryan and James, who were visiting and sat watching TV. They looked tense, eyes flicking between me and each other. The silence stretched until I couldn’t take it anymore.
Finally, I drummed up the courage to say what hat been on my heart and mind for months: “I’ve decided to enroll at the university,” I said, my voice steady. “I’m using most of the family inheritance savings to pay for it.”
Ryan’s face turned beet red. “You’re kidding, right? That money is for the family, Dad, for all of us. You can’t just waste it like that!”
James chimed in, his tone colder. “What about our futures? Why would you spend Mom’s savings on an education that you might not even finish because of your age? You have grandkids who need school tuition, and you still want to drop Grandma’s savings on some random degree?”
“I need this,” I replied. “After your mother —” my voice cracked, “— passed, I need something to hold on to, something meaningful. Education has always been important to us.”
Ryan slammed his fist on the table. “This is ridiculous! You’re selfish. It’s like you don’t care about us or what we need.”
“Selfish?” I felt a pang of anger. “Your mother would have understood. She always wanted me to pursue my dreams, and I need to honor that.”
But their faces were set. I knew they wouldn’t budge. The argument went on for hours, but in the end, I walked away, resolved to follow through with my decision.
***
A few months later, I was stepping onto the university campus for the first time. It felt surreal, being surrounded by students way more than half my age, but I was determined. I threw myself into my studies, savoring every lecture, every discussion. It was invigorating.