“I Don’t Have Much, But I Have You:” A Broke Grandma’s Letter That Brought Everyone to Tears

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Have you ever opened social media and seen pictures of your friends on fancy vacations, driving nice cars, or baking cookies with their grandkids in a seemingly picture-perfect kitchen?

Social media can be tricky. It often shows only the best moments—not the whole story. You don’t see their struggles or what their family life is really like.

Having money (or lots of debt) doesn’t mean someone is truly happy. That’s why this letter from a grandma who calls herself “broke” is so touching and powerful.

To my beloved grandchild,
My heart, my soul, my everything.

We live in a world full of stuff—big houses, fancy cars, and name-brand clothes. People say the more you have, the happier you’ll be. They tell us that the biggest, newest, and most expensive things are what matter most.

I can’t give you those things, and for that, I’m truly sorry.

I’m sorry I can’t buy you the snacks you see on TV or take you to Disney like they show in the commercials.
I’m sorry I couldn’t get you that toy you wanted for Christmas or hand you a shiny new phone to play with when you visit.
I’m sorry my car is old and makes strange noises. I’m sorry I don’t dress as nicely as some other grandmas or take you out on big outings.

Sometimes, I feel sad about these things. There are nights I fall asleep wishing I could give you the world—because you, sweet one, are my world.

Even though I can’t give you all the fancy things, there’s one thing I can give you forever: my love.

You are my heart walking outside my body. I thank God every day for you. Life before you feels like a blur, because the day you were born is the day my heart grew bigger.

I can’t take you on fancy vacations, but I can take you to the library for fun story times. I can pack a picnic with my special PB&Js and give you my full attention and admiration.

Let’s bundle up and get front-row seats at the parade—you love parades! Let’s bring candy and sidewalk chalk while we wait. Those memories will last far longer than any toy.

My car may be old, but it will take us to see Christmas lights or to a hilltop where we can watch fireworks and share a blanket.

I hope you’ll always see that love isn’t about what money can buy. It’s about time, attention, and the joy we share.

I may not have much, but I have you. And I will always be your biggest fan.

I love you.

Does anyone else have goosebumps? This really made me stop and think. Spoiling our grandkids doesn’t have to mean buying them stuff—it can simply mean giving them our time and attention. I hope this letter touched your heart as much as it touched mine.

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