When my granddaughter Sarah’s wedding plans took an unexpected turn, my husband Jim and I were forced to confront her shocking sense of entitlement. What began as excitement for her big day quickly spiraled into a lesson on gratitude and respect that neither of us could have anticipated.

We got a letter from Sarah with a check for $5,000 and a note demanding we pay for a vacation. This felt like a slap in the face after everything we had done for her over the years. Jim and I were deeply hurt and disappointed.

We decided to withdraw our financial support for Sarah’s wedding and wrote her a letter explaining our decision. We packed up all the gifts and mementos we had given her, hoping she would realize the importance of gratitude and respect.

Sarah was furious when she found out, accusing us of ruining her life. Despite her anger, we stood by our decision, believing it was a necessary lesson. Some relatives supported us, while others thought we were too harsh.

Reflecting on everything, Jim and I still believe in the importance of teaching tough lessons for personal growth. We hope that in time, Sarah will reevaluate her attitude and values. Love is not about giving in to every whim; it’s about guiding loved ones to become better people.