My sons severed all ties with me once I enrolled in university using the family inheritance pot.

I was devastated and proud at the same time on graduation day, but everything changed when I got home and saw what I had never seen before.

While enjoying my favourite spot and activity, reading on the sofa, I cast a sidelong glance at my visiting lads, Ryan and James, who were seated and watching television. Their gazes darted between one another and me, seeming nervous. The stillness persisted until it became unbearable for me.

I eventually worked up the guts to declare, in a firm voice, “I’ve decided to enrol at the university,” something that had been on my mind and heart for months. “I’m using most of the family inheritance savings to pay for it.”

Ryan got a beetroot red face. “I assume you’re kidding. Dad, that money is for the whole family. That kind of waste is not acceptable.”

James added, sounding even more distant. “How about our futures? Why would you use your mother’s resources for an education that, given your age, you might not even complete? You wish to spend Grandma’s savings on some arbitrary degree even though you have grandchildren who require schooling?”

“I need this,” I answered. “After your mother—” my voice broke, “— passed away, I need something significant to cling to.” For us, education has always been crucial.”

Ryan hit the table with his fist. “This is absurd! You’re self-centered. It seems as though you are indifferent to us or our needs.”