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.

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.

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