search email community favorite this article chev-right latest posts article list comments tags video article login twitter facebook menu pinterest whatsapp

61-year-old dad secretly pays off kid's student loans, who finds out their dad did it by selling his beloved Harley: ‘He used every penny to clear my debt’

Advertisement
  • 01
    Old Father and Son, Morning Coffee in a Garden
  • Advertisement
  • 02

    My dad secretly paid off my student loans, but I found out how he did it and I don’t know how to feel.

    Two months ago, I got a letter saying my entire $68k student loan balance was paid off.
  • Advertisement
  • 03
    I thought it was a scam at first. But after calling the servicer, they confirmed it: "a family member made a full payment." I immediately knew it was my dad.
  • 04
    He's always been supportive, though not the emotional type. I called him crying, thanking him. He brushed it off and said, "Don't worry about it.
  • Advertisement
  • 05
    Just focus on living your life." It wasn't until last week that my mom told me how he did it.
  • 06
    He sold the Harley he's been restoring since before I was born. The one he used to tell me would be his "retirement ride." He sold it quietly, to some collector in another state and used every penny to clear my debt.
  • Advertisement
  • 07
    He's 61. Works maintenance at a plant. His knees are shot. That bike was the one indulgence he ever allowed himself.
  • 08
    Photo of Black and Brown Harley Davidson 750 Parked on Gravel Road
  • Advertisement
  • 09
    I don't even know if I should thank him again or apologize. I feel both incredibly loved and incredibly guilty.
  • 10
    He traded his dream for my freedom, and I don't know how to carry that. I just needed to tell someone because I can't stop thinking about it.
  • 11
    Zaphod392 You give that man a hug and love him as much as you can, that's what you do.
  • Advertisement
  • 12
    santacruzbiker50 Talk to him! Tell him all of what you just told the internet. Tell him more. Tell him everything. Tell him you love him. Do it now. source: I am a father about your dad's age; I am a son of a generous yet recalcitrant man.
  • 13
    JP6- Doing that for you is one of the proudest moments of his life. Don't feel guilty, but do feel loved
  • 14
    AdAccomplished6870 Don't apologize, and don't try to make it up to him, that would diminish his gift. Just tell him every chance you get that you know what he sacrificed and you appreciate it, and you will not squander the gift.
  • Advertisement
  • 15
    virtualchoirboy Take some time to stop and consider that he may have realized that riding simply won't be possible as he gets older. While it may have been a dream for years, for all you know, he has health issues that would make it impossible for him to handle it if he were to get into a rough spot. You mentioned his knees are shot, so maybe he's also more worried now about possibly getting into an accident and what it would do. By selling the Harley, he's removing the temptation AND being able
  • 16
    honorthecrones As a 70 year old with two kids, I'm letting go of a lot of old dreams because I am realizing that they no longer have the same importance to me. Your dad is showing you what is truly important to him. It's you!
  • 17
    iknowsomethings2 You give that man a huge hug and tell him how much this means to you. Then set up a weekly, or bi-weekly or monthly date with him. Show him how much you appreciate him. This makes me so happy
  • Advertisement
  • 18
    GentlemanlyAdvice It was his choice. He did it because he loves you. This is what he wants in return. You go see him in person You throw your arms around him and kiss him on the cheek You tell him you love him very much and appreciate what he did for you and you won't let him down. Tell him you'll live a life that makes him proud of you. Then buy him a nice steak dinner and go live your life well.
  • 19
    radicalnachos Get him a new fixer upper and help him build it. He's showed you he cares, time for you to do the same.
  • 20
    RussChival Your freedom and success was his real dream all along...

Tags

Scroll Down For The Next Article
Show Comments
Next Article