My granddaughter’s stepmom was taking the money I sent without telling anyone — so I made sure she faced the consequences for her lies.

When I sent money and gifts to my granddaughter after my daughter passed away, I thought I was helping her feel better. I had no idea her stepmom was taking all of it — and even worse, taking away things more important than money. That’s when I knew I had to do something and make her face the consequences.

People say revenge is best when it’s calm and careful. But when you’re protecting your grandchild, you have to be clear and firm. I learned that at 65, when I saw how grief and greed can change a family.

My name is Carol, and I remember the funeral like it happened just yesterday. The sky was gray, the ground was wet from rain, and little Emma held my hand tightly as they lowered my daughter’s casket.

Meredith was only 34 when a drunk driver took her life.

“Grandma?” Emma asked, her six-year-old eyes full of confusion. “Where’s Mommy going?”

I knelt down, even though it hurt, and gently held her shoulders. “Mommy’s gone to heaven, sweetheart. But she’ll always be watching over you.”

“Will I still get to see her?”

Her question took my breath away. I hugged her tight, breathing in the scent of her shampoo—the same one Meredith used.

“Not the way you want to, sweetheart. But when you feel a warm breeze or see a beautiful sunset, that’s your mommy saying hi.”

Josh, my son-in-law, stood nearby, looking lost and empty.

He was always quiet and leaned on Meredith’s energy to get through life. Without her, he seemed like half a person—drifting without direction.

“I can help with Emma,” I told him that day. “Whenever you need me.”

What I didn’t say was that my health was getting worse. The joint pain I’d ignored was actually a serious autoimmune disease. Soon, I’d be too weak to take care of a child full-time.

“Thanks, Carol,” he said quietly. “We’ll figure it out.”

Just eight months later, Josh “figured it out” by marrying Brittany.