It had been seventeen years since I saw my parents last, and the hurt from our past still hurt. But nothing could have prepared me for the shock on their faces when they stood at my front door and looked up at my fancy house.
Their faces showed that they were confused, shocked, and maybe even embarrassed. How did their son do so well after being kicked out of the family for breaking tradition? They thought that son was having a hard time making ends meet.
As a child, both of my parents were doctors and wanted me to follow in their path. I had other plans, though—to act and start my own business. They were shocked when I told them about my dreams. My mom asked, “You’re what?” as if I had done something wrong.
My dad’s answer was even meaner: “Leave.” If you can’t carry on our family’s traditions, you don’t fit here. I went out by myself with just $100 and a bag of clothes to show them they were wrong.
It paid off after years of hard work. I built a successful business and made a name for myself in the financial world. My family, on the other hand, was too busy with their own lives to notice what I had done.
That is, until they went back to Sydney to look for a new house. They were hit hard by the harsh truth of the city’s real estate market. Homes in the areas they wanted to live in started at $20 million, which was so expensive that even doctors found it hard to believe.
As they were having trouble finding a place to live, I casually asked them to come see my place. How they reacted was hilarious. They were amazed by the modern design, well-kept yard, and sparkling pool.
My mother was shocked and asked, “How much do you pay to rent a room here?” I smiled and said, “I don’t rent; I own it.” Their stunned silence said a lot.
Many people said bad things and had questions, like “How did you afford this?” “Is this some kind of show?” But I stood strong and didn’t believe what they said. “You never asked me about my life, my problems, or my good times.” “Why now?”
Their tone changed and became almost beseeching. My mom said, “We’ll stay with you,” sounding tired. “We can’t be seen as worse off than our own son.” I laughed very hard for a long time.
“Do you think you can judge me, bring charges against me, and then ask to live with me? After being quiet for 17 years?” I turned my head away. “You have a better chance of living with my neighbors.”
They got angry, and my dad yelled, “You’re out of the will!” “Not a dime.” I laughed and shrugged. “What will I do without the inheritance from people who can’t afford to live in my neighborhood?”
I could see the helplessness in their eyes at that very moment. He said, “We just wanted the best for you.” I gave a sad smile. “No, you wanted what was best for you—a person to carry on your legacy.” But I made my own.
