My daughterinlaw, Poppy, blew up when I reminded her that in our family its customary to give a boy his grandfathers name. Ive always gotten along well with Poppy; we live together without constant bickering or hurtful words. Sure, we argue now and then, but we usually find a quick compromise and hold no grudges.
When I learned Poppy was pregnant, I was over the moon. It wont be long before I have a grandchild running around the house. The fact that it would be a boy made my son, James, grin from ear to ear; hed always dreamed of having a son, and the moment he heard the news he declared straight away that the child would be named after his own father, Arthur. In our clan, boys are traditionally named for their grandfathers. As soon as Poppy heard that the babys name was already settled, she started a row and insisted she would pick the name herself, ignoring our wishes.
I wanted to discuss the matter calmly with her, but she flatout said the decision was made. James tried to back me up, but his wife wouldnt listen and claimed her parents would whisk her away from the delivery ward and that shed be staying with them after the birth.
James treats his wife kindly and does everything he can to show his love and care, yet Poppy never seems to appreciate it. Shes rather selfish, never keeping quiet even for Jamess sake. I tried to explain our familys traditions, but she cut me off the moment I opened my mouth.
To my surprise I found out that James and Poppy had already settled on a name for the baby, and they told me they would decide every family matter on their own, caring little for my opinion. I see things differently, because that child will be my grandchild and will carry on our line.
When the name question came up again, Poppy brusquely told me it wasnt my business. I was stunned. Id poured my heart and all my energy into James, and now I felt cut out of his life. I cant make sense of it. How am I supposed to go on, how do I talk to my daughterinlaw, how do I keep a relationship with my own son?
