Last year, I invited my dad to move in with me and my two boys after my mom passed away. Life had been relatively peaceful until my dad started attending “online chess club” meetings behind closed doors. At first, I thought little of it, but then his behavior became odd—long meetings, secretive conversations, and odd textbooks on economics and psychology. I even noticed strange credit card charges for “educational resources.”

One day, my son overheard Grandpa discussing money and projects, and immediately, I feared the worst: Was he involved in a scam?

Determined to get answers, I confronted Dad. “Dad, we need to talk about this chess club,” I said. To my surprise, he revealed the truth: he wasn’t involved in a scam. Instead, he had secretly enrolled in online college classes to major in economics. His “chess club” meetings were actually his virtual classes, and he hadn’t told me because he was embarrassed.

“College at your age?” I asked, overwhelmed with emotion. “This is amazing!”

He explained that he didn’t want me to worry about money or feel burdened, especially with my boys’ education ahead. I hugged him tightly, realizing how wrong my assumptions had been.

Now, our evenings are different. Dad’s classes have become a family event—Leo helps him with tech issues, and Ryan quizzes him. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to chase a dream.