It was my daughter’s seventh birthday recently. The smell of cake, balloons, and laughing filled the house. The grownups were chatting, the kids were running about, and I was just delighted because everything had gone so well. We had invited family and friends.
Only my daughter, mother-in-law, and I remained in the room when my husband walked out the remaining visitors.
My young daughter was joyfully sorting through her gifts, which included a sketching set, a doll, and a cuddly bunny. Her eyes glistened with happiness.
My mother-in-law abruptly approached, removed the doll from my daughter’s grasp, and collected it in a clear plastic bag. She then added a couple more presents.
My daughter’s voice was shaking as she said, “Gramma, why are you taking my presents?” — Today is my birthday!
She said dismissively, “It’s okay, mommy and daddy will buy you more.” This is not the case with my other grandchild.
Her older daughter’s child, who resided in a different city, was that “other granddaughter.” To be honest, they had everything they needed, including a brand-new tablet, pricey toys, and lovely clothing.
I felt a surge of rage. I did something I have never regretted because I had lost my tolerance 
I said calmly but firmly, “You have no right to take my child’s presents.” — Purchase something for your other grandchild if you wish to make her happy.
Without a word, my mother-in-law spun around and gave me a face slap.
A slap that hung in the air like a drip of ice, frigid and piercing.
I refrained from crying. I stood up straight, met her eyes, and said, “That’s enough.”
I approached, grabbed the gift bag, and gave it back to my daughter.
— You have these, my love. Nobody is allowed to touch them.
After that, I called my husband and quietly shut the door, saying, “Come home.” Right now.
No words were necessary as he entered and saw us, our daughter in tears, and me flushed.
My mother-in-law attempted to defend herself by saying, “I only wanted what’s best,” but he cut her off abruptly, saying that the wisest course of action is to avoid labeling children as “mine” or “the others.”
She has never returned to our house without permission since that day.
And my daughter still holds onto that doll as a memento of the day she was first genuinely safeguarded by her mother.
