For Louisa, a 68-year-old retired grandmother, she opted for her dream vacation instead of contributing to her ill granddaughter’s medical expenses.
What followed left Louisa in disbelief and deep despair, prompting her to reach out to us to share her experience and seek guidance.
This is Louisa’s letter:
I’m a 68 y.o. widow and I’ve been saving my retirement money for a dream trip. My late husband and I always dreamed of seeing Paris, but life got in the way, and we never had the chance. Now, I wanted to take that trip-for both of us.
Recently, my grandchild, 12, became very ill, and my daughter begged me to help pay for the treatments. I said, “I won’t give up my last chance of joy!!” She stormed out in tears.
Today, when I came home my door was open. I rushed inside and froze when I saw my daughter packing up my belongings. I asked her what was happening, and she coldly replied, “I’m renting out the house to pay for my child’s treatment. You can keep your trip money and even stay in Europe because you won’t have a home when you come back.”
I was stunned. The house is in her name because my husband and I, before he passed, decided to transfer it to her-she was going to inherit it anyway. But I never imagined she would use that against me and force me out of my own home. Now, I’m staying in temporary housing, trying to figure out what to do next. It seems I won’t be taking that trip after all, as I’ll need the money to find a permanent place to live. I still can’t believe my own daughter would treat me this way.
Did I make a mistake? Was I wrong to hold onto my dream instead of helping her?
– Louisa
I genuinely don’t believe you were in the wrong, though I think there may have been a better way to address the situation.
You might have considered offering to pay a portion of the money, but she clearly made a mistake by acting out of spite.
I appreciate you sharing your experience, Louisa!