We Eagerly Anticipated the Day We Could Visit the Child, But We Were Not Welcome

Last month, I finally became a grandmother. I was floating on air, overwhelmed with happiness, counting the days until Id be able to meet the new baby. But were not welcome. My daughter-in-laws displeasure is unmistakable. We brought gifts and money, thoughtful things for the baby, and yet she seems unsettled every time we visit. My sister-in-law reacts the same way.

I feel wounded, because I truly am just trying to be a loving grandmother. My daughter-in-law was curt with both me and my daughter, even though Emily was only offering some well-meant adviceshe has three children, after all. Whats more, they returned half the presents. A newborn doesnt need so many soft toys, they said. But children grow, dont they? Eventually, those toys will come in handy. Why act like this?

When we visited, we werent even offered a cup of tea. My son just sat there, silent, eyes fixed on the floorhes clearly not the one in charge at home. We drove back, and I couldnt stop the tears; I never expected such a cold reception.

Now, all I see are photos of my grandchild. I cant bring myself to visit anymore. I invite my children to come round, but my daughter-in-law refuses. I asked my son if hed bring the little one to the park in the pram, but he wasnt able to. My daughter-in-law controls his every moveshe wont let him go.

She puts the baby on formula, saying its easier that way and she wont be so exhausted. She assumes well judge her, so she avoids seeing us altogether. But I dont care about all that! I just want to see my granddaughter. I have no intention of criticising her, every mother has her own ways.

I used to get on well with my daughter-in-lawand her family too. But since the baby was born, its as though shes become a different person. Ive never done anything to hurt her, so why has she changed towards me? My friends are astonishedhow can I have a granddaughter that Ive never seen?

My own mother put the flat in my name. I was planning to sell it and split the money between my son and daughter. But after everything thats happened, my husband is dead set against it. He says wed be better off letting it to tenants, rather than helping ungrateful children. Perhaps hes right. As we grow older, it seems therell be no one there to look after us. Its a painful truth.