08/28/2025
I'm 72. My life’s work was in libraries, saving money wherever I could—clip by clip, penny by penny. Despite never having much, I swore one thing: if my granddaughter ever needed me, I would be there.
So when she tearfully confessed that her dream wedding's expenses—the dress, venue, catering—were too much, my heart ached. She’s my only grandchild and the center of my world. I wanted her to have everything, even if I never did.
That same week, I sold the bungalow I'd called home for forty years, brimming with memories of my late husband and family gatherings. I reminded myself: homes can be replaced, but family is priceless. She deserved it all.
My savings paid for her venue, the designer dress she loved, and a live band. She embraced me, tears streaming, declaring me "the best grandma in the world."
As the big day neared, I waited daily for an invitation to land in my mailbox. It didn’t arrive.
Eventually, the uncertainty was too much. I drove to her place. When she answered, I asked plainly:
"Sweetheart, did my invitation get lost in the mail?"
She seemed a bit irritated, like the question was unwarranted, and sighed.
"Oh, Grandma. I didn’t want to hurt your feelings, but… no, YOU’RE NOT INVITED."
The words stunned me. "Not invited? But… I gave up my home. I gave you everything I could."
She just shrugged. "I know and I appreciate it. But we made a rule: no kids under 16 and no one over 65. We want it to feel fun—not boring."
Those words struck deep. The world seemed to shift under me.
Barely audible, I said, "So, I was good enough for my money, but not for your day?"
She smiled awkwardly and replied, "IT’S NOTHING PERSONAL, GRANDMA. WE JUST WANT EVERYONE TO HAVE A GOOD TIME."
Tears welled up in my eyes. I knew what had to be done. I rushed to my car. ⬇️