A man took to Reddit recently as he’d just discovered the true, heartwarming reason his father wanted to start a business with him. His story is a testament to family love and shows that it can come in many forms.
They Were Close
OP, a military veteran, had always been close to his father, but he never imagined that his dad’s offer to open a plant shop together had an ulterior motive.
Let’s Open a Store!
In 2018, his father approached him with the idea of opening a shop, citing his love for plants and the desire to turn it into a successful business venture.
Having just returned from the military, OP agreed to help, and within a week, they opened the store.
His Dad Was a Plant Expert
OP’s father was extremely knowledgeable about plants and taught him everything he needed to know about running the shop.
They sold a variety of plants, including succulents, bonsai, and flowers, but unfortunately, the store didn’t do well.
What Went Wrong?
Rent was expensive, and foot traffic was low, leading to significant financial losses. Despite this, OP’s father insisted on paying him a full living wage.
Eventually, OP couldn’t bear to watch his dad work so hard and lose so much money, so he told him he didn’t want to do it anymore, and the shop closed soon after.
He’s Always Had Regrets
OP had always regretted not sticking it out longer and helping his dad make the business successful.
Feeling guilty about how it all ended, OP made a promise to himself that he would help his father restart the business once he had made enough money in the future.
A Surprising Turn
Recently, he decided to ask his mom if his dad had ever mentioned starting the business again since he was so passionate about it.
However, things took a surprising turn when he discovered that the real reason his father started the business was to keep him occupied and help him overcome his depression!
He Was on a Psych Ward
During a visit to the psych ward where OP was recovering after a severe bout of depression, he mentioned how doing nothing all day made him feel worse.
His Dad Did This Out of the Goodness of His Own Heart
His father, ever the silent supporter type, took it upon himself to come up with the business idea and used his savings to get it started.
He knew he was going to lose money, but he did it anyway because he wanted to help his son.
He Was Left Shocked
OP’s mother revealed this truth to him, and it left him feeling a mix of emotions.
On the one hand, he was grateful for his father’s selfless act, but on the other hand, he felt guilty that his father had gone to such lengths to help him.
They’re Not an Emotional Family
As an Asian family, they had never been one for expressing their emotions, and OP found it hard to find the words to thank his father properly.
Despite his discomfort with expressing affection verbally, OP knew he had to let his father know how much he appreciated him.
He wanted to say “I love you,” but he knew his father would “do the boomer equivalent of cringing” at the sentiment.
He Wanted to Thank His Dad
OP planned to thank him at some point, but he was still struggling to come to terms with the reality of the situation.
It’s clear from the story that the dad loves his son and wanted to do everything he could to help him during a difficult time.
He may not have been able to express his emotions in words, but his actions spoke volumes.
It’s a Story of Familial Love
The story of the plant shop is more than just a failed business venture; it is a touching display of a father’s love for his son.
OP knew he could never repay his father for everything he had done, but he vowed to try his best to show him how much he meant to him.
Parents Will Do Anything for Their Kids
His father’s actions were a testament to the lengths a parent would go to help their child, even if it meant putting their own financial stability at risk.
OP couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with gratitude and love for his father,
Maybe He Should Reopen?
Perhaps the best way for OP to show his appreciation is to follow through on his plan to help his dad restart the business.
It may not make up for what his dad did for him, but it could be a way to show that he cares and is willing to put in the effort to support his dad.
He Showed Affection in His Own Way
OP’s dad may not have told him he loved him, but he showed it in his own way. OP learned that sometimes, the greatest acts of love are the ones that go unsaid.
He will continue to cherish the memory of their time spent working together and hold onto the love and support his father had given him.
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The post He Found Out That His Father Was Secretly Supporting Him in His Darkest Hour first appeared on Career Step Up.
Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / LightField Studios. The people shown in the images are for illustrative purposes only, not the actual people featured in the story.
Source: Reddit
