When my granddaughter Sarah announced her wedding plans, my husband Jim and I were thrilled. We immediately brainstormed ways to help make her special day unforgettable.
However, our joy turned to shock when we received a letter from Sarah asking us to pay $5,000 for a vacation she wanted with her fiancé.
The note was hurtful: “I want a vacation with my fiancé on my birthday this year. Pay for it. I hope you saved up enough after years of cheap trash gifts for me.”
The request felt like a harsh blow, considering all we’ve done for her over the years.
We’ve always supported her, giving handmade quilts, heirloom jewelry, and even helping with her car and college expenses. We thought these gestures meant something to her.
Determined to teach her a lesson about gratitude, we withdrew our financial support for her wedding and wrote her a letter explaining our feelings: “Your words and actions show a lack of gratitude and respect that we cannot ignore. We hope this experience helps you understand the importance of appreciation and humility.”
Though Sarah was furious, Jim and I stand by our decision, hoping she will eventually understand the value of respect and gratitude.
