My youngster, however, responded to my enthusiasm in an unexpected way. His reply, upon learning of my travel itinerary, was curt and depressing. He said, “Mom, you’re too old to travel alone.” “It’s reckless and dangerous.” His remarks served as both a harsh judgment and a caution against my intentions. Complicating matters further, he recommended that I pay my granddaughter’s college tuition instead of using the money for my vacation. The message that was being conveyed was very clear: the financial demands of the younger generation should take precedence over my own wishes. My confidence was shaken by his response.
I started to wonder if I was being unreasonable to want to spend money on my own education over that of my granddaughter. Was I just trying to live my life on my terms, or was I being selfish?I was at a loss for what to do as I considered these issues. On the one hand, I had always taken great satisfaction in being a loving grandmother and mother who was prepared to make sacrifices for the sake of my family. But, I also believed that I had earned the right to some finances and time for myself because I had raised my family and worked assiduously all my life.
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