My dear Gran-Gran invited our family to celebrate her birthday, and that’s when it all began. I had no idea that my family would let her down in such a painful way. I was resolved to impart a lesson on them that they would never be able to forget.
Gran-Gran is a remarkable woman who raised my siblings and me essentially during our parents’ divorce. She is everything to me, thus I found it incomprehensible that the other members of my family could let her down.
Rather than having us arrange something exceptional for her 83rd birthday, Gran-Gran decided to host a brunch at her home. She got up early to bake her own bread and pastries in spite of her health problems. Even though her hands were shaking, she wrote and assembled the invitations herself.
I was inspired to attend by Gran-Gran’s special day by the time and work she put into it. Regretfully, work obligations caused me to arrive ten minutes late. I was astonished to find my grandmother clearing dishes off the table and putting coffee down the sink when I first went in.
I questioned Gran-Gran why there was nobody else at the celebration, feeling both confused and worried. She told me, fighting back tears, that nobody had bothered to come. Her attempts to conceal her disappointment and act as though everything was fine crushed my heart.
I was unable to overlook this. I vowed to myself that I would make up to Gran-Gran and leave my family with a lasting lesson. I excused myself and went outside to make some phone calls after spending some quality time with her.
Initially, I informed my mother over the phone that my grandmother had fallen and was currently in the hospital. I put her under pressure by telling her that if she had gone to the brunch, the accident might have been prevented. My mother consented to send funds to pay the fictitious hospital expenses.
Next, I called my brother and asked him why he hadn’t been there. I informed him that Gran-Gran was hospitalized and that his presence might have had an impact. He said he would pay some money toward the imaginary bills.
I called additional relatives in a similar way, making them feel bad and persuading them to contribute money for the purported hospital bills. I surprised Gran-Gran with a trip to a stunning location she had always wanted to see with the money we raised.
We made wonderful memories together and lavishly celebrated her birthday during our time together. Gran-Gran was beaming with happiness when we got home. My family never missed another event after that day. Every birthday, holiday, and Sunday meal they attended.
I had no remorse about what I did, even though they still gave me the cold shoulder over it. Gran-Gran’s joyful expression made it all worthwhile. How would you have responded if you had been in my position? Tell me what you think.
Though it has been romanticized for artistic purposes, this work draws inspiration from actual individuals and events. For reasons of privacy protection and story improvement, names, characters, and details have been changed. Any likeness to real people, alive or dead, or real events is entirely accidental and not the author’s intention.
The publisher and author disclaim all liability for any misinterpretation and make no claims on the veracity of the events or character portrayals. The thoughts represented in this story are those of the characters and do not necessarily represent the viewpoints of the author or publisher. The story is offered “as is.”
If you spot a rubber band on your front door handle, you need to know the sick thing it means
There are few things more important in life than the safety and security of ourselves and our loved ones.
It should go without saying that the majority of us want to avoid danger wherever possible, and most of all in our own homes. For as long as humans have been civilized, our homes, be they small or large, ancient or brand-spanking new, have provided us with an added sense of security.
Which is why it’s so terrifying when we fall victim to burglaries and the like. The very idea of a stranger gaining access to our home and being able to snoop around and touch or take what they please gives me the creeps.
I’m sure I’m not alone in that, so I thought it a good idea to share an important warning concerning a tactic employed by some criminals looking to gain access to properties by preying on unsuspecting homeowners. Want to know more? Read on…
Security at home is usually something people take seriously. Some own dogs that they rely on to be both a warning and defensive system. Others have security cameras outside their homes in the hope of warding off would-be criminals or filming them if they’re undeterred.
As has been the case time and again throughout history, however, criminals always endeavor to stay one step ahead of the preventative methods in place to stop them.
Warning!!! Two weeks ago during the day, a hard knock was at my front door, not a regular knock but almost pounding, (I…
Posted by Kim Fleming Cernigliaro on Thursday, April 21, 2016
A Texas woman, Kim Fleming Cernigliaro, found that out a few years ago, when she found herself at the center of an alleged break-in attempt at her home.
Following her terrifying ordeal – which occurred in 2016 – Kim took to Facebook to explain what had happened, as well as to give a rather sinister warning that people would be wise to remember.
“Two weeks ago,” her post began, “during the day, a hard knock was at my front door, not a regular knock but almost pounding, (I honestly thought something may have happened to someone and they needed help) but something didn’t feel right…and I DO NOT answer the door when I am here by myself. So don’t bother!
“After several Knocks, they finally left. I glanced and could see it was a man through the stained glass of my door. After about 30 minutes I walked outside to look for what I thought would be a brochure, but instead found a rubber band around my knob to hold the door to open when I unlocked the latch. I called Ron and he told me to get the gun out and leave it out.”
Shockingly, as per reports, Kim had come very close to being the victim of a technique used by criminals to gain entry to people’s homes.
Kim’s post went on to reveal that she had contacted the local sheriff, who had informed her that it was quickly becoming a trend in the area.
She continued: “As soon as you unlatch the door, they do not wait for you to turn the knob, they can bust in on you. Anyway just be careful, I USE to be such a trusting person, but not at all anymore!”
See more about the rubber band trick in the video below:
Wow! I’ll certainly be thinking twice about answering the door to unexpected strangers from now on! Share this article to help us get the message out there.
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