The birth of a grandchild is a joyous occasion, and many grandparents want to be there to celebrate the arrival of their new family member. But what if you’re on vacation when your grandchild is born? Should you end your vacation early and rush home?
A user took to the forum and asked, “Am I wrong for not ending my vacation early and rushing home for the birth of our grandchild?”
Backstory
Image Credits: Roman Samborskyi, Shutterstock
The original Poster (OP) is a 52-year-old man. OP and his wife were on a two-week vacation in Cancun, Mexico. They are from the U.S. and planned all year for this trip, and they saved up money to be able to go on this trip.
They booked and paid for the journey before OP’s daughter was pregnant.
What Happened Next
Image Credits: Deposit Photos
It was their 6th day there when their 26-year-old daughter’s boyfriend called them, saying that she was giving birth and that OP and his wife had to take the next plane ride home.
OP and His Wife Knew
Image Credits: Deposit Photos
OP and his wife knew their daughter was soon to pop, but her due date was at the end of the month, and the event took place at the beginning of the month.
What Happened Next?
Image Credits: fizkes, Shutterstock
OP told him they couldn’t come immediately and asked him to follow their birthing plan and update them. A few hours later, they received a call from their daughter with an update, and she wondered when they would be on their way back.
She Wanted Them There
Image Credits: Deposit Photos
She expressed that she wanted them to be there and that it was taking longer than expected, and she was scared. As a first-time mom, it is evident for her to feel afraid.
What Did They Do
Image Credits: Cookie Studio, Shutterstock
OP and his wife assured her everything would be fine, but they could not pack up and go immediately. Their daughter got upset and hung up on them.
The boyfriend Called And Informed Them
Image Credits: Deposit Photos
Hours later, in the middle of the night, they missed a call from their daughter’s boyfriend as they were sleeping, and OP’s daughter’s boyfriend informed them that there were complications and an emergency c-section was being performed.
The following day, they called their daughter immediately, and she told them that she was scared and that things could have gone wrong. She also accused them of prioritizing their Cancun trip over her and hung up. They tried to call back, but she wouldn’t answer.
The baby was born healthy, and OP’s daughter was okay.
They Saw Pictures On Facebook
Image Credits: Deposit Photos
OP and his wife only saw pictures of our grandchild through Facebook because their daughter didn’t let them see her and barely spoke to them since they had been back home. OP and his wife had planned to be there for their grandchild’s birth, but they needed to leave six days into a trip they had spent money on.
Even if they did, they would have to miss the time. Even if they did make it back, they couldn’t do anything the doctors couldn’t do in the situation. OP felt as though their daughter was being too harsh on them. OP and his wife apologized many times.
Is OP a jerk in this situation?
What Do Others Have To Say?
Image Credits: Deposit Photos
Redditors say, “he is not a jerk.”
“No, you are not wrong – you can’t just rush home from another country, and if you had, same-day tickets would have been astronomical. Your daughter is mad, but it was a no-win situation. You planned the trip away, and you could not just rush home because traveling from another country doesn’t work that way. Also, there are still covid procedures in place, so chances are the nurses would have sent you home.” said one.
Wouldn’t Have Made It Home in Time
Image Credits: Deposit Photos
“I say OP is not wrong. They definitely wouldn’t have made it home in time, and since they were abroad, they should have quarantined before they saw the baby anyway. Would they even have been allowed in the hospital in those circumstances? ” Nothing they could have done for her except worry.” said another.
You Could Be Better
Image Credits: Deposit Photos
“NAH, for not ending your vacation early; that would be a bit much and silly; you didn’t purposely go away when the baby was due. I don’t think your daughter is a jerk because she’s upset and feels unallowed.
I will say.. It is bad that you weren’t calling to check in/slept through something major. It’s so great that she and the baby are okay, but with emergency surgery, things could have gone very differently. If my mom was away and couldn’t get to me when I was in labor, she would be constantly calling/texting to make sure everything was going okay, and she’d make sure she could answer her phone in case there was an emergency.
I would do the same for my babies.. maybe it’s a family thing or a culture thing? But I think she would’ve felt more supported if you had at least checked in more/answered during an emergency. It’s a tough situation all around. Hopefully, she’ll come around after the hormones die, and it’s not so fresh.”
More From Mrs Daaku Studio
Image Credits: Deposit Photos
Relationships can be complicated and you don’t want anyone to take you for granted. Read about this Boyfriend Who Refuses To Buy Food For His Girlfriend For Two Weeks When She Was Laid Off. Says “Don’t Want To Give Money For Nothing
He Kicked Out His Stepmom From Her House Over A PS4. We Think He Is Justified
Image Credits: Deposit Photos
They Cancelled Their 10 yo Daughter’s Birthday Party Because She Didn’t Wash The Dishes. We’re SHOCKED and Think They’re Wrong
Image Credits: Deposit Photos
Future Mother-in-Law Refuses To Accommodate Her Dinner Requests For Christmas. She Walked Off, Went Home and Everyone Is Shocked
Image Credits: Deposit Photos
Instead of Giving, Her Grandma “DEBTED” $14 In The Will. Netizens Thinks She Is Wrong, But We’re On Team Grandma
Image Credits: Deposit Photos
This article was originally published on Mrs. Daaku Studio.