When my grandmother invited us to her 83rd birthday, I didn’t expect my family to let her down. Gran-Gran, who raised me and my siblings, planned a brunch at her house despite her poor health and even handwrote invitations despite her shaking hands.

On her birthday, I arrived 10 minutes late due to work and found her clearing the table, saying, “No one showed up, but it’s okay. Everyone is busy.” My heart broke, and I was furious. I promised to make up for everyone. I then made calls, lying that Gran-Gran fell and was in the hospital. Feeling guilty, my mom and other family members sent money for an imaginary $2,000 bill.

I spent the night with Gran-Gran and booked a trip to her dream destination. We enjoyed a week at a beach resort, celebrating her birthday. I posted vacation photos online, tagging the family. My phone buzzed with angry calls. I calmly replied, “You promised to come to her brunch and didn’t.”

Back home, Gran-Gran was glowing. “Thank you for this. It’s been the best week of my life,” she said. From then on, my family never missed an event. Whenever they tried to make me feel guilty, I’d ask, “Do you want to discuss this with Grandma?” They’d back off, knowing they couldn’t face what they’d done. Seeing Gran-Gran’s happy face made it all worth it.