**Diary Entry**
When my daughter gave birth to a son, I was over the moon. But that joy soon turned to worryshe had a demanding job that kept her tied up, and she couldnt take full maternity leave.
I couldnt bear to leave the little one without care, so I happily stepped in. Every morning at eight sharp, Id arrive at her house in Manchester and stay till evening, looking after my grandson. I bathed him, fed him, put him to sleep, did the laundrythe ironing board became my closest companion, and our daily walks were my quiet joy.
Everything ran smoothly until one day, it didnt.
Exhausted after a long stroll, I fancied a bite to eat. I opened the fridge, picked up a bit of cheddar and an apple. Then came the words I never expected from my own daughter:
Dont you dare take food from my fridge. We bought all this with our money.
I was speechless.
But Im here all day, every day Am I supposed to go hungry?
Bring your own food. This isnt a charity café, she snapped before disappearing upstairs.
Thats when it hit meId raised a selfish woman who didnt value my help at all. So I decided to teach her a lesson she wouldnt forget. I hope I did the right thing.
Clutching that apple, I realised Id raised someone cold and ungrateful. Where had I gone wrong? Id given her everythinglove, support, my whole life. And in return? Not a shred of gratitude.
The next day, I didnt show up. At eight sharp, I rang her instead:
Darling, youll need to find someone else to look after your son. 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, blamingbut Id had enough of being treated like a convenience.
I still love my grandson with all my heart. But I wont be treated like a hired help. Im a mother. Im a grandmother. And I deserve respect.
*Lesson learned: Kindness should never be mistaken for weakness.*
