So, I saw this, and it got me thinking. (My response is after the grandma’s story.)
First, yes, it’s their money and they can do with it what they will! However, I think the grandma missed out on an enormous teaching opportunity. This could have been a loving conversation. But to me, here, the grandma acted no better than the granddaughter. Lovingly talking to people when they are difficult is the most generous and hard thing people can do. Instead of withdrawing, and “teaching them a lesson,” how about initiating a coaching conversation with love?
Stories like this make me sad, because they tap at that one little human emotion that makes us all cheer vindictiveness: “She deserves it!” Oooh, it feels so good, so righteous!
But what if, instead, we chose to rise above that immediate gratification of vindictiveness, and emulate grace and love when someone acts ugly? I think we should strive to teach, nurture, and love others. This is especially true for our young ones, who are still navigating the difficulties of learning to be an adult. Everyone matures differently, and some need more guidance.
The grandma changed a life through this, but I think she could have had greater impact with education rather than spite, regardless of the justification.