**Diary Entry A Grandmothers Dilemma**
My daughter-in-law asked me to keep my distance. I respected her wishesuntil the day she called me, desperate for help.
After my sons wedding, I visited as often as I could. I never arrived empty-handedId bring homemade pies, fresh scones, or a hearty stew. Emily, my daughter-in-law, always praised my cooking, tasting everything first. It felt like we had a warm, close bond. I was glad to be useful, to feel welcomed not as a stranger but as family.
Then, one day, everything changed. I stopped by, and only she was home. Over tea, I noticed her tense expressionlike she had something to say but couldnt bring herself to speak. When she finally did, her words cut deep.
“Perhaps its best if you visit less often Maybe Thomas should come alone,” she said, avoiding my gaze.
I hadnt expected that. Her tone was cold, and her eyeswas that resentment? I wasnt sure. After that, I stayed away. I vanished from their lives to avoid being a burden. Thomas visited alone, and Emily never came by again.
I kept quiet. Didnt complain to a soul. But inside, I ached. What had I done wrong? I only wanted to help. All my life, Id tried to keep the peace in our family. Now, my presence had become a nuisance. It hurt to feel unwanted.
Time passed. Their child was bornour long-awaited grandson. My husband, James, and I were overjoyed. Still, we held back. We only visited when invited, took the little one for walks to stay out of the way. We did everything not to intrude.
Thenthe call. Emilys voice was quiet, almost matter-of-fact.
“Can you watch Henry today? Ive got an emergency.”
It wasnt a requestjust a statement. As if wed been begging for this chance. Yet not long ago, shed asked me to stay away.
I wrestled with what to do. Pride whispered, *Say no.* But reason argued, *This is your opportunity.* Not for herfor Henry. For Thomas. For the sake of family. Still, I answered differently.
“Bring him to ours. You didnt want us dropping in uninvited. I wont impose in your space.”
Silence. Then, after a pause, she agreed. When she brought him, it felt like a celebration. We played, laughed, and took him to the parkhours slipped by in joy. What a blessing, being grandparents! But deep down, a bitterness lingered. How should I act now?
Should I keep my distance? Wait for her to reach out? Or swallow my pride and try again? For Henry, Id do anythingforgive harsh words, start anew.
But do they even want me? Does *she*?
I wonder if she realises how easily trust is brokenand how painstakingly slow it is to rebuild.
