I never imagined I’d find myself questioning my mother’s choices—until I stumbled across a receipt for a $1,800 designer dress. My son is about to start college, and every dollar counts toward his education. So, when I saw that my 70-year-old mom had spent that much on a dress instead of contributing to his college fund, I couldn’t help but feel upset.
Growing up, my mom was the epitome of selflessness. She worked extra shifts, wore the same coat for years, and always put her family’s needs above her own. She sacrificed so much to give us a better life, which is why her recent purchase felt so out of character.
When I confronted her about it, her response stopped me in my tracks. “For seventy years, I’ve given everything to my children,” she said. “Just once, I wanted something for me.” Her words hit me hard. I realized that after a lifetime of putting others first, she wasn’t being selfish—she was reclaiming a piece of herself.
It took me a moment to see things from her perspective. My mom has spent decades being a caregiver, a provider, and a role model. If buying a beautiful dress made her feel happy and valued, who was I to judge? Maybe it wasn’t about the money at all. Maybe it was about reminding herself that she’s more than just a mother or a grandmother. And maybe, just maybe, that was okay.
