This is senior abuse and manipulation! The law would be on your side! It's called the "Bank of Mom". I don't think you're wrong to go on a cruise and your son's behaviour is inexcusable. He obviously feels "entitled".
I Refuse to Sacrifice My Happiness to Save My Grandson
We all strive for our families’ well-being and happiness. However, there are times when we must prioritize our own needs. Betty, a 72-year-old widow, had been eagerly saving for a long-awaited trip. Her plans were upended when her grandson fell seriously ill, and her family requested the money she had set aside. Betty’s refusal to assist led to a dramatic conflict. She has now written to us seeking advice.
Here is Betty’s letter:
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Betty, thank you for sharing your story with us. We have some tips that we hope can be helpful to you.
Open a dialogue with your son.
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I can't believe that a grandma wouldn't help her grand child.
Approach your son with a calm and open heart, seeking to understand his perspective. Explain your feelings and the importance of the trip to you, but also listen to his concerns about his son's health.
Acknowledge the emotional stress he is under and express your desire to find a compromise. Perhaps you can agree on contributing a smaller, more manageable amount to the treatment fund while still retaining enough for your cruise.
Seek mediation or counseling.
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Go on that trip. Enjoy. Forget about them. They should have sent u for that trip a long time ago with their money. If U feel guilty ask them would they sacrifice their savings to cure u if u got sick? Kids r selfish & horrible. Never appreciate what u have sacrificed till now. Sweetie, enjoy 💋
Consider involving a neutral third party, such as a family therapist or mediator, to help facilitate a constructive conversation between you and your son.
A professional can help both sides articulate their needs and feelings in a safe space, working towards a resolution that respects your desire for happiness and your family's need for financial support. This can help mend the strained relationship and find a middle ground.
Explore alternative funding options.
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I've been on quite a few cruises, and I too am old. Unless the grandmother is taking an around the world trip, cruises are simply not that expensive and I can't believe that the money she is spending on that trip would make a discernible difference in her grandson's treatment. That would be a hard thing for me to decide, but my last cruise including airfare was somewhere around $3,500, and I wondered just what a difference this would make to a medical bill?
Suggest exploring other financial options for your grandson's treatment. This could include setting up a crowdfunding campaign, reaching out to charitable organizations, or applying for medical grants.
By actively participating in finding these solutions, you show your commitment to your grandson's well-being without having to sacrifice your long-awaited trip.
Prioritize your own well-being.
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I hear a lot of compassion in your life has fallen out with your family it seems. If my baby came to ask for my help, HELP! You never know what will become at the end of the day. Many a comment nastily, I am not bashing on you. If my choice was to help my baby and or grandbaby yet I chose to say no; I personally couldn't live with myself. Helping doesn't mean you must completely drain your bank account; could you not modify your vacation into something else that you could enjoy? I would hope you could consider the sacrifice to come ask in the first place, it probably wasn't easy for them either. Did you consider that they may need it for the treatment, you didn't say if it was to be a loan or gift.
Reflect on the importance of your mental and emotional health. As a 72-year-old widow who has diligently saved for this dream trip, your happiness and well-being are also important. If you decide to prioritize your cruise, write a heartfelt letter to your son explaining your decision and your love for your grandson. Sometimes, maintaining your own well-being can provide the strength needed to support others in different ways.
Remember, your decision doesn't mean you love your family any less, but rather that you also value the years of effort you've invested in your dream.
Rebecca is another mother who chose to prioritize her own well-being. When her 16-year-old pregnant daughter announced she would need help raising the baby, Rebecca refused and even asked her not to keep the child or to leave the house. This decision led to a dramatic turn of events, and a distressed Rebecca wrote to us for advice.
Comments
It won't help and either way it will be forgotten.
It's NO ONES BUSINESS! She should do what she wants. Everyone has decisions to make in life and No One should tell anyone how to decide.
Guys I didn’t mean to start a huge argument pls everyone stop I was just sharing my opinion
Truly sorry to hear about your grandson. But is there a reason why you're son and daughter in law didn't have a savings of there own and a health plan. We all need to go on a trip to unwind and have fun so you really shouldn't feel guilty about that. And He shouldn't hate you or disowned you for something he and his wife didn't prepare for themselves either. Prepare yourself not to give bank information so has to avoid disheartening conversations
Anyone who would pick their happiness over the health of a child deserves every bit of social backlash they receive. Despicable.
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