Although my story starts off poorly, it ends on a relatively upbeat note. It is all about my grandmother, the sweetest woman in the planet. During our parents’ divorce, this incredible woman reared my brothers, Sandra, and me virtually.
I say this to let the reader know how important and beloved this amazing woman is to us—or at least to me. She surprised everyone before her 83rd birthday because she is a great person and did not want to cause trouble.
My grandma had planned a whole brunch at her house, rather than us making her anything special! Despite her declining health, she had all of this arranged. That day, she rose early to make her own bread and pastries!
Like everyone else, I received invitations from my grandmother a week before the event. Even though her hands were shaking, the woman had penned and drew her invitations, as if cooking her own food was not enough!
I was more than motivated to go because of the time and work she had put into getting ready for her big day. However, work held me back on her birthday, and I was ten minutes late for the celebration.
I had previously purchased a gift for her and pitched with it in hand, despite my tardiness. My angelic grandmother was clearing dishes from the table and putting coffee in the sink when I walked in.
I asked her, Gran-Gran, did I get the time wrong for your birthday party?. What happened? Where is everyone?” My voice was still stable, I asked. I just thought I missed the festivities. But with a lump in her throat, my granny admitted:
It’s okay, Sany, People didn’t even turn there for my birthday..” But it’s okay, sweetheart. I know everyone is busy.”
But my BLOOD BOIL and my heart broke in to a million pieces, as I saw her eyes water. The poor woman only managed to force a cracked smile as she tried to act fine.
“Busy? And mom retired, Tim is unemployed, and Sarah is basically ‘between jobs,’ whatever that means! They have no excuse!” I hugged my Granny. Everyone in my family had PROMISED to be there. But none of them had the decency to pitch!
I promised to compensate everyone. A plan of retaliation started to take shape in my head as I gave her a hug. It was PERSONAL to me now, even if Grandma did not need to know! I excused myself and walked outside to make some phone calls after we had spent some time together.
I made the decision to give my family a well-earned lesson. I called my mother the first time. “Hello, Mom! You are where? I found Gran-Gran by herself in the house after she fell! When my mother inquired about what had transpired, she seemed worried.
Continuing the falsehood, I stated, “I’m not sure what happened. I arrived late for her birthday party and discovered her laying face down in the kitchen.” I informed her that my grandmother was now in the hospital receiving medical attention.
I persuaded her that if you had bothered to come, this could have been averted. “I am sorry, Sandra. I got sucked into something, sweetie. “I will go see how she is doing now.”
“Involved in what? “You are retiring!” Unable to hide my anger, I snapped. She yelled, “Do not take that tone with me!” before I could cool down.
I was honest when I said, “Sorry, Mom, I am just so worried about Gran-Gran.” “I also need you to give some money to pay for the expensive hospital bills.” My mother, feeling bad, consented to deliver her share of the fake $2,000 bill.
I called my brother, Tim. “Where are you? Why didn’t you come to Gran-Gran’s brunch?”
“Something came up,” he mumbled. “Like what? Another video game marathon?” I retorted. “She’s in the hospital, Tim. Do you even care?” His breath caught in his throat before asking, “Is she going to be okay? What happened?”
I dismissed him, telling him that I was too anxious to discuss the specifics. However, I took into consideration that if someone had gone to her brunch, what happened to her would not have happened.
My strategy was to hit them where it hurts—their wallets—and make them all feel bad. Tim and I both told him that everyone was contributing money to pay the hospital bills.
He pledged, “I will hustle some cash from a friend.” My mother had already sent some money by that point. Since I had not disclosed to her which hospital Gran-Gran was admitted to, she also wanted an update on her health.
I made similar calls to my sister and a few other relatives. Each one, feeling guilty, agreed to send money. In no time, I had collected a significant amount! I kept them all in suspense, claiming Grandma was hanging in there. I revealed that visitation would be allowed the next day.
To keep Gran-Gran company, I spent the night at her house. I made travel arrangements for her and me to a stunning location she had long desired to see the next morning. I gave her the tickets as a surprise.
“Gran-Gran, pack your bags. We’re going on a trip!” I said, grinning from ear to ear. Her eyes widened. “What? How did you afford this?”
“Let’s just say I collected a few IOUs,” I replied with a wink.
We spent a week at a beach resort, enjoying the sun, the sea, and each other’s company. I made sure Gran-Gran had the birthday celebration she deserved. We took countless pictures, capturing EVERY joyful moment.
I told everyone that Grandma was being discharged to reassure them before we went. I explained that stress was the cause of her fall. I told them they did not have to worry because I would take care of her.
I tagged every member of our family in the trip photos I posted on social media. Phrases like “Gran-Gran’s special excursion!” and “Best birthday ever!” were placed in the captions. Before shortly, my phone was vibrating with messages and calls.
My mother gave me the first one. She sobbed, “But you said the money was for the hospital.” I gently answered, “But you promised you would come to her brunch and you didn’t,” and hung up.
Next, my brother called. “What the hell, sis? You tricked us!”
“And you broke Gran-Gran’s heart,” I shot back before ending the call.
Each family member received the same response. I felt a sense of satisfaction watching them squirm. They had let her down, and they needed to understand the consequences of their actions.
When we returned home, Gran-Gran was glowing. She hadn’t stopped smiling since we left! “Thank you for this, darling. It’s been the best week of my life,” she said, hugging me tightly.
You are worthy, Gran-Gran. Additionally, next year will be even better, so do not fear. My family never missed another event after that day. Even though they attended all of my birthdays, holidays, and Sunday dinners, they ignored what I did.
A few of them even attempted to instill shame in me. However, I questioned them, “Do you want us to go and discuss this with Grandma?” everytime they did. This frequently caused them to retreat since they lacked the courage to confront what they had all done.
And I knew it had all been worthwhile whenever I saw Gran-Gran’s joyful expression! However, I felt a little bad about defrauding everyone in this manner. So to all those who read my story, do you think I overreacted and took things too far?
What would you have done if you were in my shoes?