I never thought I’d see the day when our granddaughter would extort us. But Sarah’s letter left no room for misunderstanding: “I want $5000 for my birthday trip. No more worthless gifts.”
Worthless? The hand-stitched quilts? The family jewelry? The car down payment? To her, apparently, they meant nothing.
Jim’s face darkened as he read the note. “We’ve been too generous,” he muttered. And so, we did the unthinkable—we took it all back.
The attic became a museum of revoked kindness: childhood toys, heirlooms, even photos of happier times. Then we called the wedding planner and canceled our contribution.
Sarah’s rage was immediate. “You’re monsters!” she shouted. But monsters don’t spend years giving selflessly. Monsters don’t hurt when their love is thrown back in their faces.
Some family members think we went too far. But how else do you teach gratitude to someone who treats generosity with contempt?
This wasn’t punishment. It was a lesson—one we hope she learns before it’s too late.
