When my son Dan remarried, I prayed his new wife, Laurel, would treat his daughter, Mary, with kindness. Instead, her sweetness was an act.
Behind closed doors, she mocked Mary’s clothes, grades, and even her late mother. I stayed quiet—until Laurel’s 40th birthday party. Mary had saved her own money to buy Laurel a handwoven shawl, but when Laurel opened it, she laughed and called it “cheap” in front of everyone.
That was it. I stood up, handed Laurel an envelope, and announced it held plane tickets to Hawaii—for me and Mary. I told the guests I wouldn’t stay silent while my granddaughter was disrespected. We walked out together, and the trip restored Mary’s confidence. Now Dan knows: his daughter comes first, and I will always defend her.
