I don't think I've ever been more ashamed of someone in my own family than I was that day.
I was in the kitchen when I heard my mom say to my grandmother, without even lowering her voice, “At your age, wanting jewelry is just ridiculous.”
My grandmother had only asked for a ring. She asked so quietly, almost like she already expected to be told no. My mom's response was so cold that I just stood there frozen. For the rest of the day, my grandmother barely spoke.