My friend’s 12-year-old son fell off a skateboard and suffered a severe compound fracture just above the elbow. Surgery was unavoidable. The situation was painful, traumatic, and terrifying for the kid. Naturally, we all showed up at the hospital, family, friends, loved ones, bringing gifts and distractions to lift his spirits and support his father through the ordeal.
But right in the middle of it all, out of nowhere, the boy’s grandmother broke down. Not from concern or heartbreak. No. She erupted into tears and shouted, “When is it ever going to be my turn?” before storming out of the room like a child denied attention.
A 12-year-old boy was in agony, facing surgery, and this grown woman was throwing a tantrum because the spotlight wasn’t on her. She was jealous. Jealous that a child in pain was receiving more care and compassion than she was.
That moment exposed her completely. It wasn’t about family. It wasn’t about love. It was about attention. The fact that she could watch her grandson suffer and still make it about herself is all you need to know.
Some people don’t visit to support. They show up to compete.
