Jennifer’s heart raced as she arrived at her mother-in-law Margaret’s house, hearing her young son Alex crying in the living room. Margaret, in an attempt to teach Alex “gratitude,” had thrown away some of his cherished toys because he hadn’t reacted as expected to a new gift.
Jennifer believed there was a more compassionate way to teach values and silently vowed to make that point today.
As she comforted Alex, Margaret stood nearby, arms crossed. “He has to learn to appreciate things,” she insisted. Jennifer took a calming breath, holding back an argument.
She scanned the room and spotted Margaret’s treasured fine china—a family heirloom. Keeping her composure, Jennifer began packing up Margaret’s everyday dishes, leaving only the delicate china in its place.
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