A 65-year-old woman wrote an emotional letter to our editorial team, sharing her story that deeply moved us. She told how she raised her grandchildren as her own after their parents died in a car accident. Despite all her hard work to give them a good life, she later found out her granddaughter wanted to get rid of her because she had no money left. But this loving grandma didn’t accept this and decided to teach her a lesson that they’ll likely remember forever.
Emma wrote us a letter and shared her painful story with us.
Emma, 65, has always given good advice to people in tough situations. She never thought she would be the one sharing her own painful story. Emma wants to hear others’ opinions about her situation after discovering that things in her family had become very unhealthy.
Emma wrote, “Hi, I’m writing this letter with many emotions as I revisit what recently happened in my family. I have two grandkids, who are now grown up and settled in their lives. I’ve been their grandmother and mother since they were 10 and 12 years old. My son and his wife died tragically in a car accident, leaving their kids, my grandkids, without parents in a single day.
My grief was immense. I thought my life was over because I lost my only son and daughter-in-law. My only way to survive was to find new meaning in my life. I dedicated myself to my grandchildren, Paul and Rachel, who became my only anchors after the tragedy.
Rachel and Paul were old enough to understand the tragedy, and they were in such a desperate state that it hurt me to see them. I arranged therapy for both of them, went through it with them, and worked hard to appear optimistic for their sake. I was full of grief, but I had to pull myself together for their wellbeing and comfort.
After the tragedy, my life changed immensely. I went from being a grandmother to a multi-functioning person, acting as their mom and dad. I became the sole caretaker and provider. My life goal was to make sure Rachel and Paul lived well, and they did. They had everything they needed and more. I worked hard to provide them with a good life and education, raising them with love and care.
Emma made sure that her grandkids prosper in life.
Emma shared, “Rachel and Paul are grown up now, engaged, and living in their own homes with good jobs. Paul lives with his fiancée, while Rachel is planning to move in with her partner later this year.
I felt very lonely after they moved out, so I asked Rachel if I could live with her in her big house, which I helped her buy. She agreed, but now I realize she wasn’t really happy about it. I thought we would enjoy living together, but I was wrong.
One day, I overheard Rachel on the phone with Paul, saying she couldn’t stand me anymore. She called me a burden because I didn’t contribute much financially and complained about my painting. Paul tried to defend me, but Rachel said things were different now and wanted me to leave. She called my paintings ‘sentimental nonsense’ and said I was a ‘dead weight.’
Rachel insisted Paul take me in, which he did happily. I moved in with Paul and his fiancée, Tina, who showed me so much love and care. Tina saw my paintings and encouraged me to show them to a friend who worked in art. To my surprise, he loved my work and arranged an exhibition. My paintings sold quickly, and I made a nice sum of money and even got a moment of fame.
Rachel came to the gallery and apologized for her actions. She was interested in the money I made from my art. That’s when I made a plan. I took the microphone and shared my story with everyone at the exhibition, including many of Paul and Rachel’s friends and colleagues. I forgave Rachel but announced that I was giving all the money to Tina, who believed in me and my art.
Rachel left without a word and has cut contact with me since then. I feel hurt but also believe I needed to teach her this lesson. Am I wrong in this situation?”
