I only ever knew my parents from the photos in the family album. My mum passed away when I was born, and after losing the woman he loved, my father couldn’t bear to look at me. He gave up all rights to me. It was my grandfather who took me home from the hospital and became my guardian.
Grandad couldn’t give up his job, so he hired a nanny to look after me until he returned from work each day. Things got a bit easier for him once I started nursery school. Time passed quickly, and Grandad and I always got along well; we never argued, always found common ground, even during my rebellious teenage years. I was eternally grateful he was by my side. The thought of what might have happened to me if it werent for him filled me with dread.
I showed my gratitude by helping out at home and working hard at school. He was proud to see his granddaughter being chosen for so many academic competitions and sports events.
He also helped me shape my career path. I’d always been interested in biology, but I wasnt sure which direction to choose. Grandad introduced me to his old friend, a brilliant doctor. We had a long chat, and I realised this is what I truly wanted to do.
I spent all my years at university studying hard. I did my placement at one of the top hospitals. There were tough times along the way, but I managed to qualify and even specialised in neurosurgery!
Just after I finished my studies, the director of a well-respected private hospital contacted me and offered me a job. It would have been mad to turn down such an opportunity. The job was demanding, filled with long days and many operations but, Im proud to say, not one failed. After a year, I was being asked to give lectures, even the experienced doctors wanted to hear from me. Three years later, my name was recognised internationally. So when I was offered a post at one of the best hospitals in America, my grandfather and I werent surprised, and we decided it was worth trying.
We moved abroad together. But Grandad didnt stay long; he always missed home, so he went back. I would have gone with him, but I fell in love here. I met Theo during one of my lectures hes a surgeon at another hospital. We started as friends, then dated, and eventually moved in together. We decided to get married back in England because I wanted Grandad to walk me down the aisle. When I tried to persuade him to come back, he firmly refused, saying his years were numbered and he wished to be buried in his homeland.
The day Theo and I spent playing board games with Grandad, I received a phone call from my father. He started off congratulating me on the wedding, but I didnt want to listen to empty words. I asked outright what he wanted. His response was:
I want money, darling! Youre living like a queen now. Youve found yourself a wealthy man abroad and youre swanning about with all your riches. So what harm could it do to give a bit to your own father?
I didnt want to listen to any more, so I hung up and blocked his number.
I cant imagine how he had the nerve to ring me and claim to be family now, after he cast me aside.
To me, I have two family members, and Id do anything for them. My father, though, means nothing to me.
