My Son Lied About My JobโUntil I Stood Before His Class and Spoke as a Garbage Truck Driver
Iโve been driving a garbage truck for years. Itโs not glamorous, but itโs honest. Every morning before sunrise, I climb into that truck, roll down quiet streets, and do my part to keep the town clean. It pays the bills, puts food on the table, and gives my family a roof. For me, that was always enoughโuntil Career Day at my son Kevinโs school.
The night before, I mentioned casually, โHey, bud, Iโll be at your school tomorrow for Career Day.โ His pencil froze. โOhโฆ you donโt have to, Dad. Itโs no big deal.โ
Something in his voice stung, but I smiled and told him, โKevin, Iโll be there. Count on it.โ
The next morning, the classroom buzzed with excitement. Doctors, lawyers, and engineersโall in crisp suits and dressesโwere ready to impress the kids. I found a seat in the corner, my shirt plain, my hands rough from years of work.
A man in a tailored suit came up and shook my hand. โYou must be Kevinโs dad. He talks about you all the time. Said you run a waste recycling company. Thatโs impressive!โ
My stomach dropped. A company. Not a truck. Not a driver. Kevin had made up a story. My boy was ashamed.
Before I could think, the teacher called, โNext up, Kevinโs dad!โ My legs felt heavy as I walked to the front. Kevinโs face was red, eyes fixed on his desk.
I took a shaky breath at the podium. โIโll be honest,โ I began. โI donโt own a company. I donโt wear a suit. I drive a garbage truck.โ
The room went silent. A few kids exchanged glances… Watch: [in comment] – Made with AI