When my granddaughter Sarah announced her wedding, my husband Jim and I were thrilled. We had always supported her, gifting handmade quilts, heirloom jewelry, and even helping with her college and car expenses. But excitement turned to heartbreak when we received a shocking letter from her.

Inside was a $5,000 check and a demand: “Pay for my birthday vacation. I hope you saved up after years of cheap gifts.”

Jim and I were stunned. We had given her love and support, never expecting such entitlement. Realizing she needed a lesson, we gathered all the gifts we had given her—quilts, jewelry, even childhood mementos—and returned them. We also withdrew our financial support for her wedding and wrote her a heartfelt letter about gratitude and respect.

Sarah’s furious response was immediate. She accused us of ruining her life and spread stories about our “cruelty.” While some relatives sided with her, others supported our decision.

Though painful, we stand by our choice. Love isn’t about fulfilling demands—it’s about guiding loved ones toward growth. We hope that, in time, Sarah will understand that true appreciation matters more than material gifts.