Dear Varla,
I’ve been having a little trouble out of my daughter-in-law. She has refused to let me see my grandson after a little “incident” which I think she blew out of proportion. When I came over to watch him, she didn’t want us leaving their house because of the new covid strain.
Well, between a quick trip to the grocery and my sister’s house we didn’t exactly stay home the whole time, but I don’t think a runny nose is enough to restrict my time with him. Is she being unreasonable?
-Blow Out of Proportion
July 27, 2022
Dear Blown Out,
I’m so sorry for the delay in replying to your message, our church business meeting ran all the way through to Wensd'y service.
Now honey, I understand where you’re coming from. You raised your son, after all, and what’s so different about that grandbaby? Well, for one, this is a whole new world from the one we grannies raised our own babies in. Seems like every other grandyoungin’ of mine that pops out has a different kind of allergy or prescription for their temperament. But as new as all this seems, there are just so many people around these days, that all of those issues that always existed now have the light of day shining on ‘em all the time.
Since the 90’s I’ve kept this in mind: if your kids and grandkids can work your phone and gadgets and all the appliances in your house better than you can, they have a right to be heard and considered. Us old birds can sit back and keep our noses out of the younger generation’s approach to childrearing. Now, it’s harder’n a pine knot to do, but a momma’s word is law. Now I’ll be praying for you and yours, but I don’t think your daughter-in-law acted unreasonable at all. I think an apology from you to her directly would do a lot. Offering contrition will cost you nothing, but offering nothing will cost you more. Lord bless & keep y’all!
Now that’s a tip you can take to the bank.
-Varla Sue