I gave my father a reality check when he was boasting that he paid for my college while giving me not a single cent.

I couldn’t help but feel the weight of my journey as I stood at the platform on my graduation day. I had worked hard and made sacrifices for years to get to this point. Although it was a dream come true, my father was not present in the throng.

My relationship with my dad had been tense during my time in college. We had been estranged from one another due to his incessant urge to dictate every detail of my existence. But what really wounded me was not just his dictatorial behavior; it was also the fact that, although he claimed to have paid for my education, he had not given a single penny. Rather, I had funded my own studies by taking out student loans and working part-time jobs.

I knew that my graduation speech would be my opportunity to fight the lies and put the record right. As I took the podium and prepared to speak my truth, the room erupted with excitement.

“I would like to thank each and every one of you for coming today,” I said, sounding firm and determined. “However, there is one individual I would like to thank – someone who, even though they are not here in person, has greatly influenced my path up to this point.”

I mustered the strength to speak out about the truth, and the room fell silent.

I went on, my voice ringing with a calm determination, “I want to thank my father.” “I appreciate you teaching me the value of independence, teaching me how to support myself, and motivating me to pursue greatness in the face of hardship.”