... Dad’s request for the ring seems more like a punishment for our argument than any sentimental feelings about his father. ...
DEAR ABBY: For my 50th birthday 10 years ago, my father, with whom I have had a tumultuous relationship, gave me cherished rings as gifts. One was my grandmother’s and the other was my grandfather’s, both of whom are deceased. This was at a time when we were in a good place, and it meant the world to me that he thought enough of me to give them to me. They were the only things I had of his parents.
I have no ill will toward Gavin, but my dad specifically told me years ago he didn’t want Gavin to have the rings because he had previously sold some family heirlooms he was given. Abby, Dad’s request for the ring seems more like a punishment for our argument than any sentimental feelings about his father.