What would you do if someone you loved demanded money—with an insult attached? That’s what Jim and I faced when our granddaughter Sarah sent us a note: “$5,000 for my birthday trip. After years of terrible gifts, you owe me.”
The audacity left us speechless. We’d given her heirlooms, handmade quilts, even helped with her education. Yet to her, it was all worthless. “Enough,” Jim said. And so, we took back every gift—quilts, jewelry, even her childhood bike.
When we canceled her wedding funds, Sarah exploded. “You’re selfish!” she cried. But selfish was expecting endless handouts without gratitude. The family was divided, but we didn’t care. Love means setting boundaries—even when it hurts.
Some lessons aren’t easy. But they’re necessary. And Sarah just learned hers the hard way.
