At 73, I Became a School Janitor Just to See My Grandson — My Story

My daughter and I had always been two peas in a pod, but one day she cut me off to start a family of her own. I could never have guessed what would reunite us years later.

My wife, Laura, and I had struggled to have a child for many years. That all changed when we were blessed with a baby girl, Rachel.

Unfortunately, Laura's health declined after childbirth. "Joseph, Promise me that you'll move heaven and earth for our baby girl," Laura told me as she lay in a hospital.

A short while later, Laura passed away. I never remarried and dedicated my life to raising Rachel. For many years, we were best friends. I didn't mind playing the roles of both mother and father.

As time went on, I could feel my daughter begin to pull away from me. She wouldn't watch the football game or go on road trips with me.

When she turned 16, I tried to throw her a surprise party, and she wasn't impressed. "Dad, I just feel like you're suffocating me," she told me.

"My girl. Look at you. I can't believe it."

All I wanted to do was protect her and fulfill my promise to her mother. It became impossible to argue with her over time. She did say that she wants to become a lawyer, I thought to myself.

I thought it was just teen angst, but when she turned 18, things went from bad to worse. Rachel told me she was moving to another state with her boyfriend, Dylan. At that point, I hadn't even heard of this boy.

"I thought you wanted to attend college and get your law degree. What's this all about?" I asked in bemusement. "Things change, dad. I love Dylan more than anything. I didn't tell you about him because you're so possessive of me." Rachel said.

I didn't know how to react. I couldn't understand why Rachel wanted to abandon her dreams for this person I'd never met. I worried my little girl was running off with a stranger and feared for the worst.

"Dad, I need my college fund money so that Dylan and I can get settled in when we move," she said. In anger, I refused her request. I told her I didn't trust her new boyfriend and knew nothing about him.

My world came crashing down as Rachel packed her things and ran off.

No matter how often I called or texted her, I wouldn't get any response.

Two years later, just after I'd retired from teaching, I was shopping at my local supermarket when I saw a sight for sore eyes.

"Please, I'll take any job. I don't even need the money."

It was Rachel, only she was clearly pregnant. She was shopping for baby supplies and noticed me staring at her from down the aisle.

"My girl. Look at you. I can't believe it. How are you? How have you been?" I asked, feeling a lump form in my throat. Sadly, Rachel looked at me with the same scowl she had the last time I had seen her.

"Just leave me alone. Wouldn't you know if I wanted to talk to you?" Rachel replied angrily before leaving the store. She wouldn't even call me dad anymore. I felt pretty depressed after our sour interaction, but I continued trying to stay in contact.

I found her social media accounts, and it turned out that she and Dylan had moved back to town when she fell pregnant. Thanks to a Facebook update, I found out she had given birth and attempted to visit her at the hospital.

"You can keep your congratulations and leave," she told me.

A year later, I drove to her house and dropped off birthday gifts for her son, Elijah. I watched from the car as Rachel read my card and threw my presents into the trash.

I felt defeated and began to reflect. Perhaps I had alienated my own daughter by rejecting her wishes.

I knew I couldn't give up on my family, so I still sent cards and wishes every chance I could.

Four years later, I saw her post a picture of Elijah's first day at school. I had the idea of asking for a job at the same school to see my grandson. I sat with their principal, who told me their teaching staff was full. He also told me I was a bit too old for any position.

But I wasn't giving up and told him my story. "Please, I'll take any job. I don't even need the money. I'll cut the grass or mop the floors. I just want to see my grandson!" I pleaded.

Out of sympathy and maybe even pity, he agreed. "I'll bring you on as a part-time janitor, but please try to stay out of trouble," he told me.

For the next few weeks, I was over the moon. I still wished to make amends with Rachel but seeing Elijah every day brought a smile to my face. He is a sweet boy who always greeted me when he passed by.

One day, I heard a commotion in the hallways. I found another boy hitting Elijah against the lockers. "Hey, what do you think you're doing!" I shouted. As the bully ran away, I consoled Elijah and told him to tell the principal immediately.

The next day, I was called into the principal's office as a witness to the incident. Much to my surprise, not only was Elijah there but so was Rachel. Thinking she would be angry, I admitted everything on the spot. I told her why I had been working as a janitor and how I helped Elijah. I turned to see my daughter crying in her chair.

"I'm so sorry that I've made you go through all this trouble just to see your family," she said as she grabbed a tissue. "That's okay. Just know that I would move heaven and earth to protect you and Elijah," I replied as I held back tears of my own.

Rachel then invited me over to her place for the weekend. I finally got to meet Dylan, and we got along quite well. I apologized for not giving him a chance all those years ago and explained that I only wanted to protect the only thing I had left.

Now, I've finally reconciled with my daughter, and I'm a part of her family again. Rachel, Dylan, Elijah, and I have started watching the game on the weekend again. During Elijah's school holidays, we're all going on a family road trip together.

What can we learn from this story?

• Never give up on love. Despite being pushed away by his daughter, Joseph never gave up on his family.
• Forgiveness will always heal. Both Rachel and Joseph found a way to forgive each other, and their family is stronger for it.

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If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a granny who makes a long journey for her grandson’s birthday but her daughter doesn’t let her in the house.

This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life. If you would like to share your story, please send it to info@amomama.com.