The hated father

The Wiltshire family was nothing out of the ordinary. They lived in a modest house on a quiet street, far from the bustling city life. John Wiltshire, the father, was a simple man with modest dreams, but he had always believed in the power of hard work and sacrifice. His greatest hope in life was to give his son, Daniel, a better future.

From the time Daniel was born, John dedicated himself to providing for his family. He worked long hours at the factory, often taking on extra shifts to make ends meet. Every dollar he earned was carefully saved, with one goal in mind - securing a brighter and more prosperous life for his son.

Life wasn't easy for the Wiltshire family. They lived frugally, always making sure to save for the rainy days that seemed to come far too often. Daniel, growing up in this modest setting, could never truly understand the extent of his father's sacrifices. All he saw were the worn-out clothes, limited outings, and the small, cramped living space.

As Daniel grew older, he began to resent his father's seemingly frugal nature. He believed his father was holding the family back, keeping them stuck in a life of mediocrity. The resentment grew, and as Daniel approached adulthood, their relationship became strained.

The breaking point came when Daniel decided to move out of their small hometown to pursue his dreams in the city. He hardly said a word to his father, leaving without a proper goodbye. John was heartbroken, but he understood his son's need for independence.

Years passed, and the distance between father and son seemed insurmountable. John became ill and slowly his health deteriorated. With no one by his side, he faced his battle alone. Eventually, he succumbed, leaving behind a deep void in his son's life.

The news of John's passing reached Daniel, and guilt washed over him. He realized he had severed ties with his father, leaving their relationship unresolved. As he attended his father's funeral, grief consumed him. Surrounded by friends and family who had known John's kindness and sacrifice, Daniel couldn't help but feel the weight of his own misunderstandings.

After the funeral, as Daniel sorted through his father's belongings, he discovered something that brought tears to his eyes - a collection of bank statements and investment documents. He couldn't believe what he was seeing – his father had amassed a fortune, hidden away for him, never letting on about its existence.

The realization hit Daniel like a tidal wave. He fell to his knees, overcome with sorrow, gratitude, and regret. All those years of doubting and resenting his father suddenly seemed petty and insignificant. The sacrifices his father had made were out of pure love, an unwavering commitment to securing his son's future.

Deeply moved by the discovery, Daniel made his way to the cemetery, the final resting place of his father. He looked at the sign: Loving Father and wept. Inside him, anger at himself, sincere thanks, and love for his father, who came late, were tearing him apart. He realized how superficial he was, focused on possessions, and did not see what he was getting from a person who was willing to lay down his life for him. He very much regretted the days and years he could not spend with his father because he was so bitter and ashamed. He was ashamed of the person who gave him everything. And that will live on until the end. Only one good lesson in life - he will teach his son to be humble and that love is not measured by money and the latest iPhone model.