Nancy, I’m 17 years old and I really want to be a doctor. My journey is linked to what my dad, Dave, gave up and how his boss, Mr. Johnson, affected him. After my mom died, my dad spent the rest of his life supporting my dreams.
Dad worked hard and saved money so that we could have a safe future. Under the surface, though, our finances were falling apart. The day of judgement had come, and Dad took me to his office, where I could feel his stress.
I met Mr. Johnson there, and he told me the shocking truth: Dad had stolen from the company to make up for the money he lost in a scam on his college fund. My world fell apart.
The surprising kindness of Mr. Johnson saved my life: he offered to pay for my schooling. This act of kindness and forgiveness gave me hope again.
As Dad dealt with the results of his acts, our relationship was put to the test. We loved our last days together and talked about the funny and sad times we had. His upcoming prison sentence was a constant pain in my heart.
Our last day was sad because we spent it in the park, which brought back memories from our youth. “Keep going, Nancy,” Dad’s words rang in her head. Be brave and follow your dreams.
I had to carry the weight of his mistakes and sacrifices while he was away. Even so, Mr. Johnson’s trust and my promise to make Dad proud made me more determined.
I thought about the trip ahead while I was in my new home, surrounded by walls I didn’t know. No longer was my goal just to become a doctor. It was to honour love, get through hard times, and build a future that would make my dad happy.
I faced the problems with strength and resolve, thanks to the lessons of love, sacrifice, and forgiveness that had shaped my life.
