My family demanded I skip my anniversary trip to babysit my sister’s kids and called me heartless when I refused. They guilt-tripped me for weeks about being selfish and not understanding family priorities.
I ignored them for two months.
They finally arrived at my door demanding I pay their professional babysitter bills since it’s my fault.
I said something that left them speechless.
I’m 32F, married to my husband, Henry, 34M, for three years.
My story.
We’ve built a good life together. We both have decent jobs, no kids by choice, and we’re financially stable.
My sister Nancy, 29F, has three kids: twin six-year-olds and a four-year-old. She’s a single mom after her ex disappeared two years ago, and I’ll admit, life hasn’t been easy for her.
Now, every year since we got married, Henry and I take an anniversary trip. Nothing crazy expensive, but it’s our tradition. This year, we planned a week in Colorado—hiking, some nice dinners, just us. We booked everything six months in advance, took time off work, the whole deal.
Three months before our trip, Nancy calls me crying. Her usual babysitter—our mom—was having surgery and couldn’t watch the kids during the exact week we’d be gone. Apparently, Nancy had planned some important business trip she couldn’t reschedule.
She can’t reschedule.
“Please, Lucy,” she begged. “I know it’s your anniversary, but this trip could change everything for me. It’s a conference that only happens once a year, and there are potential investors there.”
I felt bad. I really did.
But I explained that we’d already paid for everything, taken time off, and honestly, we needed this trip. Work had been stressful for both of us, and we’ve been looking forward to it for months.
That’s when things got ugly.
“Seriously, you’re choosing a vacation over family?” Nancy’s voice turned cold. “I can’t believe how selfish you are.”
I tried to suggest alternatives. Maybe she could bring the kids or reschedule or find another babysitter, but apparently none of those options worked for her once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
The conversation ended with her hanging up on me.
I thought that was it.
But I was wrong.
So very wrong.
The next day, my phone started blowing up. Mom called first.
I heard about Nancy’s situation.
“Lucy, honey, I heard about Nancy’s situation. I know your trip is important, but family comes first. Maybe you and Henry could go another time.”
The story doesn’t end here –
it continues on the next page.
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