“When I Transferred My House to My Grandson, My Daughter Stopped Speaking to Me: It’s Been 4 Months of Silence”

I never thought that a decision made out of love and practicality would lead to such heartbreak. My name is Margaret, and I am a 78-year-old widow living in a small town in Ohio. I have two children: my son, David, who is 50, and my daughter, Lisa, who is 45. For the past four months, Lisa has refused to speak to me or visit, all because I decided to transfer my house to my grandson, Michael.

Michael is David’s son and has always been very close to me. He’s 25 now and recently got married. He and his wife are expecting their first child. Given my age and health issues, I thought it would be wise to ensure that the house stays within the family and goes to someone who truly needs it. Michael and his wife were struggling to find an affordable place to live, and it seemed like the perfect solution.

When I told Lisa about my decision, she was furious. She accused me of favoritism and said that I was being unfair to her and her children. Lisa has two kids, both teenagers, but they live comfortably in a large house with her husband, who has a well-paying job. I tried to explain that Michael needed the house more than she did, but she wouldn’t listen.

The last time we spoke was four months ago. She stormed out of my house, saying she never wanted to see me again. Since then, she hasn’t answered any of my calls or responded to my messages. I’ve tried reaching out through David, but even he says that Lisa refuses to discuss the matter.

I never imagined that my own daughter could be so selfish. I raised both of my children with the same love and care, but it seems that Lisa only cares about what she can get from me. It breaks my heart to think that she values material possessions more than our relationship.

David has been supportive throughout this ordeal. He understands why I made the decision and has tried to mediate between Lisa and me, but to no avail. Michael and his wife have moved into the house and are very grateful. They visit me often and help with chores around the house, which is a great comfort.

However, the pain of losing my daughter’s affection overshadows any joy I might feel from helping Michael. Every day, I hope that Lisa will come to her senses and realize that family is more important than property. But as the days turn into weeks and the weeks into months, my hope dwindles.

I’ve spoken to friends in similar situations, and they all say the same thing: time heals all wounds. But what if it doesn’t? What if Lisa never forgives me? The thought of spending my remaining years estranged from my daughter is almost too much to bear.

I’ve considered writing her a letter, pouring out my heart and explaining my reasons once more. But then I wonder if it would make any difference. Lisa is stubborn, just like her father was. Once she makes up her mind about something, it’s nearly impossible to change it.

As I sit here in my quiet house, I can’t help but feel a deep sense of regret. Not for giving the house to Michael—I still believe that was the right thing to do—but for not foreseeing the impact it would have on my relationship with Lisa. If only I could turn back time and find a way to make everyone happy.

For now, all I can do is wait and hope that one day, Lisa will find it in her heart to forgive me. Until then, the silence between us is a constant reminder of the cost of my decision.