My heart is breaking because I can’t give grandson a Christmas present

DEAR DEIDRE: Knowing I won’t be able to give my grandson a Christmas present this year is breaking my heart.

His mum split from my son last year, and things got nasty.

Now she’s not letting any of the family see him, and she isn’t even passing on cards or gifts.

His birthday present was sent back to me, unopened.

My only grandson is six. I’m his 54-year-old nan, and l miss him so much.

We used to be close and I treasured our time together. I’m sure he misses me too, and I am worried he thinks I’ve abandoned him.

I’ve bought him the train set he once saw in a toy shop window. It’s all wrapped, ready to give him.

I know my son behaved badly, but I feel like I’m being punished too.

What can I do?

DEIDRE SAYS: Being apart from our loved ones is particularly painful at Christmas. 

Perhaps you could write to your grandson’s mum and appeal to her as a mother. 

Ask if she’d at least allow you a Zoom call with your grandson, and agree to pass on your gift. 

You need support to deal with this. Please contact Grandparents Apart (grandparentsapart.co.uk) who are there for grandparents who can’t see their grandchildren, for whatever reason.