What happens when a dream honeymoon isn’t dreamy enough? One shocking phone call from my stepdaughter set the stage for a lesson in gratitude she never saw coming.When Gary and I gifted Brooke and her new husband a luxury villa in the Dominican Republic, we thought it was the perfect way to send them off. But the morning after they arrived, Brooke called—furious.

“The villa’s tiny. The pool’s a joke. The beach is five minutes away. Honestly, Dad, it’s like you don’t care. You’re so cheap!”Gary’s face went red with anger, but I had another idea. I called the villa manager and downgraded their stay to the smallest, most basic hotel room on the property.

Hours later, Brooke called back, shrieking. “We’ve been moved to some dump! Fix this!”I kept calm. “You said the villa was too cheap, sweetheart. I thought something simpler might be more your style. Gratitude is important, Brooke.”

Gary added firmly, “We’ve given you everything, and this is how you act? Grow up.”For days, silence. Then finally—another call. Her voice was small, humbled. “I’m sorry. I’ve been ungrateful. I understand now. Thank you—for everything.”Gary squeezed my hand after we hung up. “She finally gets it.”I smiled. “Sometimes, the best gift isn’t a villa. It’s a wake-up call.”