**Diary Entry A Lesson in Respect**
When my daughter gave birth to a son, I was over the moon. But that joy soon gave way to worryshe had a demanding job that required her constant presence, and she couldnt take full maternity leave.
I couldnt leave the little one alone, so I happily stepped in to help. Every morning at eight sharp, Id arrive at her house in Manchester and stay until evening, tending to the baby. I bathed him, fed him, soothed him to sleep, washed his tiny clothes, and made ironing my new pastime. Our daily walks became part of the routine.
Everything was fineuntil the day everything changed.
That afternoon, worn out from a long stroll, I fancied a little snack. I opened the fridge, took a slice of cheddar and an apple. Then, out of nowhere, my daughter snapped:
*”Dont you dare touch the food in our fridge. That was all bought with our money.”*
I was stunned.
*”But Im here all day, every day Am I supposed to starve?”*
*”Bring your own food. This isnt a charity,”* she said coldly before walking off.
In that moment, I realised Id raised a selfish woman who took me for granted. So I decided to teach her a lesson shed never forget.
Clutching that apple, it hit meId raised someone indifferent and ungrateful. Where had I gone wrong? Id given her all my love, all my strength, always stood by her, supported herand in return, I got nothing but frosty ingratitude.
The next day, I didnt show up. At eight sharp, I called her instead:
*”Darling, youll need to find someone else to watch the baby. I wont be coming anymore. Im too old to feel like a stranger in a house that once was full of warmth.”*
She was furious. Shouting, blaming mebut Id made up my mind. I wouldnt let her treat me like some convenient solution anymore.
I still adore my grandson with all my heart. But I refuse to be treated like hired help. Im a mother. Im a grandmother. And I deserve respect.
**Lesson learned: Love shouldnt come at the cost of dignity.**
