I cut him off with a gentle hug. “It’s okay, Kevin. I know. But remember, you should never feel ashamed of who you are or what your family does. Be proud of your roots.”
He nodded, a little more relaxed now. “Thanks for coming, Dad. I didn’t know how to say it, but you were great.”
As we walked out of the school together, I felt a sense of fulfillment. I wasn’t just a garbage truck driver; I was a father showing his son the value of honesty and pride in one’s work. And in that moment, I realized that my job had given me more than just a paycheck—it had given me perspective, and now, it had helped forge a stronger bond with my son.
