Lily, 5, and Jack, 4, had the incredible opportunity to stay with me for four nights and five days. As an older adult, I initially had some reservations. Taking care of them for such an extended period seemed like a lot, especially since their mom always emphasized that her family came first. I couldn’t help but feel a bit bothered that they asked me for this favor, even though their mom was usually the go-to person for these kinds of things. But then, my son Ethan made an emotional plea that pulled at my heartstrings.

He explained how this was a rare chance for the kids to have a special experience, and I couldn’t deny the compassion I felt. Though a little voice in the back of my mind questioned their motives, I found it hard to say no. While Lily and Jack were away, I received an invitation to a birthday party at Disney World. It struck me as the perfect opportunity to create some magical memories with my grandchildren, and I didn’t think twice about talking to Ethan and Sarah.

To be fair, Sarah often talked about taking the kids to Disney “someday,” but it always felt like a distant dream rather than a concrete plan. So, with the belief that Sarah would still have her chance in the future, I took them to the enchanting Magic Kingdom. I wanted to show them a good time and make unforgettable memories.

When Lily and Jack returned home, I was taken aback by Sarah’s reaction. She was in tears and accused me of stealing a precious milestone from her—the chance to witness their first Disney experience. Her words hurt, and I couldn’t help but feel like she was calling me entitled, especially considering her past demands for childcare assistance.