Grandparents Sacrifice Their Savings for Grandson’s Education—His Graduation Decision Leaves Them Heartbroken

Old Couple Spends Last Savings for Grandson’s Education, He Doesn’t Invite Them to His Graduation – Story of the Day

An old couple uses their remaining money to make sure their grandson receives a quality education, but he doesn’t ask them to the graduation ceremony. When the two go to investigate, they find something startling.

Since he was eight years old, Hugh Ferguson has been nurtured by his grandparents, Ellis and Jeff. Hugh’s grandparents were granted custody of him after his parents perished in a vehicle accident years ago while returning from a party with friends in Mexico.

Due to their retirement from well-paying occupations, Hugh’s grandparents were able to raise him without any financial difficulties. Furthermore, after their children had left home and settled with their various families, they were ecstatic about the chance to become parents once more.

They therefore gave Hugh their all and made sure he never felt abandoned. However, Hugh started abusing his grandparents’ affection, and with time, his demands only increased.

Despite this, Ellis and Jeff never refused him because they felt sorry for him for losing his parents so young. However, the couple’s savings were exhausted during Hugh’s last semester of college, and they began to worry that they would no longer be able to provide for him.

“What are we going to do, darling?” When Ellis heard about Hugh’s tuition, she groaned and rested her head on her hand.

“There’s no need to worry, Ellis,” according to Jeff. “I asked around, and I believe we’ll be able to cover the required amount.”

“Did you ask several people?” Ellis regarded him with concern. “How will we pay them back? You understand that the costs are substantial.

“That boy lied to us, Jeff!” Ellis stated. “Hugh’s graduation is only three days away, and he hasn’t told us anything about it.”
“Oh, stop being such a worrywart, darling!” Jeff waved his hand in agreement. “This is just a semester! This is something we can overcome. In addition, our grandson is enrolled in one of the top universities in the nation! When he graduates with honours, we will be proud of him. And it will all be worthwhile when we see him sporting his graduation cap.

Somehow, Ellis forgot her worries when Jeff mentioned Hugh’s graduation, and they borrowed money from one of Jeff’s friends to pay for Hugh’s tuition.

After several months, Hugh’s graduation date was finally drawing near. Jeff and Ellis had started preparing for the big day and were eagerly awaiting it. In order to send his favourite suit to be dry cleaned, Jeff had already gone through his closet.

Ellis smiled tearfully at him. It’s going to be so special, Jeff! He’s graduating, and it feels like we only started raising him a short time ago! His parents would have been pleased with him, I’m sure. If only they were present to encourage him.

Comforting her, Jeff placed his arms around her. “I’m sure they would be just as proud as we are, Ellis, no matter where they are. We’ll see the moment of pride in a few more days!”

But days went by, and it seemed that Hugh had not provided any information on the graduation. Ellis and Jeff even noticed that he was deliberately avoiding the subject when he called.

After speaking with Hugh that evening, Ellis made the decision to look up the graduation dates on the university’s official website, and she was shocked by what she saw. She shouted, “Jeff!” at him from the living area. “Come here right now!”

Jeff complained and went to the living room, where he was reading his book. “Ughh, what is it now?”

“That boy lied to us, Jeff!” Ellis stated. “He hasn’t informed us about his graduation, which is in only three days. “Look at this!” she exclaimed, turning the laptop in his direction.

“What?” It was unbelievable to Jeff. How come he didn’t invite us? That’s strange.

“Jeff, I’m shocked too. Shall we simply ask him why?

Jeff, however, declined.”Nope, Ellis Sadly, Hugh is withholding something from us. You heard his voice on the phone, didn’t you? “You know what, get your bags ready!” he said suddenly. “We’re going to his university tomorrow!”

“But Jeff…” Ellis was unable to complete.

“Ellis, we have no other choice. In order for us to meet him, please check the tickets.

Ellis and Jeff were frightened on the approach to Hugh’s school since they couldn’t understand why Hugh wouldn’t extend an invitation to them on such a significant day in his life. Unfortunately, they learnt that Hugh had been expelled shortly after his first semester when they got there!

“But where did he spend all of our money?” Ellis questioned Jeff, but a voice from behind cut him off. “Oh, Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins, why are you here today?”

A young man in his twenties was standing behind them when Jeff and Ellis turned around. “Hi there, I’m Peter. I apologise; I heard you talking about Hugh. Hasn’t he informed you that he relocated into a rental home following his expulsion?

Ellis looked at him, unable to speak. “How do you know us?”

“I apologise for not introducing myself correctly. I am also good friends with Hugh! I’ve often seen your photos on his phone.He mentions you two a lot! We still communicate even though he graduated from college a long time ago. If you would like to see him, I can provide you with his address.

Ellis and Jeff looked at each other anxiously, astonished that Hugh had withheld so much from them. Jeff said, “That would be very considerate of you, Peter,” and Peter gave them the address.

Ellis and Jeff were taken aback to see that Hugh lived in a modest home in a dilapidated neighbourhood. With sorrow, they rapped on the door, and Hugh replied. The sight of Ellis and Jeff there startled him.

“Gran and Grandpa! Why are you here?

“Hugh, do you really believe you can keep things from us? Why are you here? If you haven’t been attending school, where have you been spending all of the money we sent you? Jeff asked sharply.

In embarrassment, Hugh lowered his head. Quietly, “I’m sorry, Grandpa,” he said. “I’m sorry to have let you and Gran down. However, I had no other option… Come in, please. I don’t think I can hide anything from you any longer, therefore I have to tell you.”

As they settled in, Hugh brought everyone tea and biscuits before sharing his story.

Hugh was expelled for his tardiness, it turned out. He continued to get the money that Jeff and Ellis supplied him and used it to rent a modest house since he was too scared to tell the truth for fear of being reprimanded by them.

Later, he started taking a few low-paying jobs to make ends meet. His partner Natalie’s recent pregnancy was the real sorrow. He intended to complete his degree, but he had to keep working to support her and their child, so he was unable to go back to school.

“I apologise for disappointing you all.Like, I had to keep working even if I really didn’t want to. We’re both trying our hardest to provide for our child, but Nat isn’t home at the moment because she’s at work. I apologise for being such a bad person to you both.

Jeff stated unequivocally, “Well, there’s no doubt about that,” “We’re angry with you, Hugh, since you lied to us… But we’re also pleased with you. I am, at least.

Unable to understand Jeff’s words, Ellis and Hugh exchanged bewildered glances.

“Are you pleased with me? However, why? He was asked by Hugh.

Hugh, you mentioned that you assumed parental responsibility for your child, didn’t you? Believe me, I would have been worried about what to do if I had been in your situation. But Hugh, you sacrificed everything for it. I’m really proud of you because of this.”

“What’s the point, Grandpa?” With regret, Hugh said. “Despite our best efforts, we are unable to cover the costs. Nat continues to work despite being six months pregnant. Then there are the costs of delivery and everything else.Right now, I’m not sure what to do.”

“That’s why you should never keep secrets from your family, Hugh,” Jeff concluded, giving his grandson a shoulder pat. “You see, we don’t currently have any money to support your academic endeavours. In fact, we took out a loan to cover your last semester. However, we can assist you with your youngster.

“What? You borrowed money? Hugh was on the verge of tears.

“That’s okay, Hugh,” Jeff reassured him. “We’ll find a way to pay it back. However, we propose that you move in with us.You see, staying with us will at least save you money on rent. We would also like to discuss it with Natalie. “Yes, Ellis?”

She said, “Your grandfather is right, Hugh,” with a smile. “You are our grandchild, and while we’re upset with you, we still love you.”

“Many thanks! I adore you all. With those words, Hugh gave them a hug. “I really apologise once more for disappointing and letting you down. I sincerely apologise.Soon, Nat will return home. She would be overjoyed to meet both of you.

“Darling, you are also loved by us. Let’s wait for Natalie to return home now, shall we?” Ellis gave him a back pat.

Natalie was given the same suggestion by Jeff and Ellis when she got home. She thanked them for helping them and expressed her happiness at meeting them.

Before Natalie was sent to Hugh’s hometown, Jeff and Ellis resided with Natalie and Hugh at their house for more than a month.

While Ellis and Jeff established their own tiny, home-based bakery, with Ellis handling the baking and Jeff handling the deliveries, Hugh started searching for better employment opportunities.

The entire family paid off the loan they had taken out for Hugh’s college education and managed to generate a good monthly income. Hugh started working part-time while pursuing his degree at a nearby institution. He put a lot of effort into getting a scholarship, and it paid off.

When Hugh and Natalie welcomed their baby, Ava, two months later, Jeff and Ellis took over to care for her while Hugh and Natalie were at work.

Hugh needed four more years to settle down and be able to care for his family on his own, but he succeeded. After graduating, he secured a decent job and even paid back all of the money he had borrowed from Jeff and Ellis, who carried on with their bakery.

Later, when Natalie and Hugh received triplets, more joyful news arrived at the Jenkins’ door.

What does this narrative teach us?

Never withhold the truth from those you care about. Jeff and Ellis could have assisted Hugh considerably sooner if he had told them about his issues earlier.
As a family, we can accomplish the impossible. Together, Jeff, Hugh, Ellis, and Natalie weathered the biggest financial crisis and survived it as a family.
Family is about home and love. The younger heads agreed that taking in Hugh and Natalie was the best move they had ever made because they received support and affection from Ellis and Jeff.