When my granddaughter Sarah’s wedding plans took an unexpected turn, my husband Jim and I were forced to confront her shocking sense of entitlement. What began as excitement for her big day quickly spiraled into a lesson on gratitude and respect that neither of us could have anticipated.

“We started talking about the wedding right away, thinking about how we could help make it special,” I recalled.

“We got a letter from Sarah that left us both speechless,” I explained, recounting the moment we received her demand for $5,000 for a vacation.

“Can you believe this? After everything we’ve done for her?” I asked Jim, holding back tears.

“I remember. It’s a shame she left it behind,” Jim remarked sadly as we packed away the handmade quilts and heirloom jewelry we’d given her over the years.

“We’ve always prided ourselves on being generous,” I told Jim firmly as we withdrew our financial support for her wedding.

“Sarah, we do love you. But love is not about giving in to every demand,” I calmly explained over the phone after she accused us of ruining her life.

Reflecting on everything, Jim and I still stand by our decision. It’s been tough, but we believe in teaching tough lessons for personal growth.