Linda had always loved being a grandmother, but being taken for granted was something she could no longer tolerate. When her son dropped off her grandkids on New Year’s Eve—without warning—her heart sank. It wasn’t the first time he had assumed she was free to babysit, but this time, it stung more than ever.
She had plans, ones she had been looking forward to for weeks. Yet, as the hours ticked by and her son ignored her calls, she realized she had been left with no choice but to cancel them. Again.
The grandkids, innocent in all of this, were thrilled to be at Grandma’s house. But as they played, Linda sat in silence, resentment growing. Why did her son believe that just because she was retired, her time belonged to him?
By the time he finally picked them up—well past midnight, with barely an apology—Linda had made her decision. This would be the last time.
The next morning, she sent a message: “I love my grandkids, but I’m not your backup babysitter. From now on, ask first. If I say no, respect it.”
This time, she wouldn’t let guilt sway her. She had given enough. And in the new year, she was finally putting herself first.
