Dear Abby: Grandparents left out of granddaughter’s college graduation

Dear Abby: For a year and a half, my wife and I have been looking forward to attending our granddaughter's college graduation. (She will be graduating on June 1.) When I called my son to discuss hotel and other arrangements, he told me my granddaughter initially was allowed only three tickets, but managed to get two more tickets from students whose relatives could not attend. He then informed me that he, his ex-wife, his son, his ex-wife's sister and the sister's live-in boyfriend will be using the tickets.

I feel very hurt that the ex's sister and boyfriend got tickets instead of me and my wife. We had planned to give my granddaughter $500 for graduation. After this slap in the face, should we give her the $500, which we have given to all our other grandchildren upon their graduation?

- Left Out in Florida

Dear Left Out: Yes, you should. Although you are right to feel hurt and offended, the blame should rest with your son and not your granddaughter, and she should not be penalized for it.