The daughter of a coal miner informs him that she is embarrassed of him and that he cannot attend her graduation celebration. He goes nonetheless, and after grabbing the microphone, he says something that makes her cry and realize how foolish what she said was.
Okay, I’ll give you a call later. The 18-year-old Sabrina exclaimed, “Dad’s here,” hanging up the phone as her coal miner father, Pete, parked his van.
In an attempt to evade Pete’s notice, she changed the station on the TV. She was terrified of the talk about her graduation, which was in two days.
Pete wasn’t invited by Sabrina because she thought his unclean look and the smell of coal and sweat would disgrace him.
“Hey, my love! Pete enthusiastically exclaimed, “Look what I got for you,” as he entered.
Taken aback, Sabrina suppressed her joy. She detested seeing her dad’s coal-stained hands and face, but she loved surprises. To prevent them from getting soiled, she never allowed him touch her belongings.
Pete knew her quite well. He had respected her space ever since her mother died. “Sweetheart, I hope you like these,” he murmured, setting down two parcels on the table.
After he disappeared from view, Sabrina opened the first package and discovered a stunning outfit. She opened the second, blushing, to discover a pricey outfit.
“Dad, thanks for the dress. Who is the outfit for, though?
“It’s for me, darling! I have to appear presentable for your graduation.
Sabrina snapped, “Dad, I don’t want you to come,” out of frustration. I don’t want my friends and their parents to tease me because of you when they are here.
Pete emerged from the restroom, wiping his face in shock.
“What did you say?”
“Dad, the dads of my friends are well-off, prosperous, and attractive. I don’t want you to seem unkempt when you stand among them. Your face and hands will reveal that you are a coal miner, regardless of how beautifully you dress. I beg you not to attend my graduation.
Even though he was devastated, Pete managed to respond, “But thanks for the dress.” I adore it. Pete was left with a broken heart as Sabrina disappeared inside her room.
Pete chose to come, even though he thought Sabrina was too young to comprehend, and he had a surprise prepared.
On the day of graduation…
Proud of her beauty, he said, “Dad, at least let me drop you at school.”
“Leave me alone. Not at all, Dad. Dave, my pal, is coming to get me. I don’t want your van to scuff my outfit.
“All right! I hope you have an amazing day! And keep in mind—please don’t come. You won’t, I promise. Goodbye, and see you later!
Pete got dressed and went to the event as soon as she departed.
Sitting among the parents and applauding as pupils received awards, he thought, “I can’t miss such an important day in my daughter’s life.”
“Miss Sabrina Parker is our next caller,” the presenter declared.
Pete hurried to the front to get a video of Sabrina getting her graduation. “Amazing, my love!” he said again from beneath the platform. “I’m very happy for you!”
Shaken, Sabrina walked by him and went to hang out with her pals, ready to get mad at him later.
The presenter asked out of the blue, “Mr. Parker, can we have you on stage?”
With confusion, Sabrina observed Pete approaching the platform.
“Why is he phoning my father?” What’s going on?”
Pete stepped up to the mic and said, “Mr. Lauren, thank you! Good evening to all of you! Would you kindly let’s begin the slideshow?
The room went dark, and a moving film of Pete and Sabrina over the years was shown on a projector. He had planned to surprise her by working with the principal.
“I cherish my daughter. I’m so proud of you, Sabrina. If your mother were here, I hope she would be too. See how good we did, Emma, if you can hear me! Despite your doubts, I couldn’t be more proud. Well done, Sabrina—we made it!
A torrent of tears ran down Sabrina’s cheeks. She came to Pete and gave him a hug while sobbing, “Dad, thank you! I apologize.
After Pete dried her tears, they had a great evening. While driving home, Sabrina pondered Pete’s remarks on her mother.
Why did you suggest that Mom would be proud, Dad? She isn’t present. How is she able to be?
Pete grinned. “Honey, your mom is still alive. This town is home to her!
Sabrina was shocked since she had always assumed her mother was dead.
“What? IS MUM A LIVE? How come you didn’t tell me?
Pete sighed, prepared to give in. She had no desire for you. Your birth father has passed away, she continued, leaving me to choose between raising you and placing you in a shelter.
Emma had disclosed that Sabrina wasn’t Pete’s biological daughter after the couple’s divorce. Pete decided to raise her as his own, brokenhearted.
“You couldn’t be anybody else’s. “You are my entire universe,” Pete sobbed.
Sabrina gave him a strong hug. “You’re not my biological father,”
“You’re my daughter in every meaningful way,” he answered.
“I apologize, Dad. I’ve been so mean to you, calling you odorous and filthy. I am really grateful for what you have done.
After Pete dried her tears, they took a car ride to commemorate her graduation.
Sabrina had moved past her father’s humiliation. She came to see that dad was a hero who had given her all the love and attention she required as a child, not a cause for guilt.