“They’re moving us to a budget hotel! What’s happening?” she exclaimed.
“You mentioned the villa wasn’t good enough,” I replied gently. “We thought a simpler stay might align better with your expectations.”
She was upset, but Gary stepped in with clarity. “This wasn’t about the size of a pool. It was about gratitude. We’ve always tried to give you the best—and it still wasn’t enough.”
There was silence for days.
Then, finally, she called back. This time, her voice was different. “I’m sorry,” she said. “That hotel wasn’t great—but it opened my eyes. I was ungrateful. I didn’t see how much you’ve done for me.”
Gary and I exchanged a look. “Thank you for saying that,” I told her. “We only wanted you to understand that behind our gift was love—and respect.”
“I understand that now,” she replied.
After the call, Gary hugged me and smiled. “You handled that perfectly.”
“Sometimes,” I said, “the best gift isn’t a destination—it’s a little perspective.”