Every January I Sent My Son-in-Law $40,000 for My Granddaughter. Then She Whispered, ‘Grandpa, Follow Dad.’

“I’m not refusing to help Emma.

I’m asking where the money will go.”

Silence followed.

Then he changed tactics.

“Look, she’s excited to see you.

Don’t ruin her birthday with one of your business lectures.”

I looked at the small present sitting on my kitchen counter.

It was a drawing kit with dozens of colored pencils and a sketchbook sturdy enough to travel in a backpack.