Widows & Widowers Support Group
This community is dedicated to those who have lost a husband, wife, or partner. Anything is open for discussion here, with the hope that we can focus on grief, bereavement, life after loss, and continuing on after a great loss.
cajones
The three month mark is slowly approaching and I'm still in shock I keep expecting him to come home. I haven't really touched too much because I do still expect him to come back and I know I'm not ready to go through a lot of his things there are little things I've found in plain sight that I have set aside for his family Trent and I live in the loft above my parents garage we were waiting for me to graduate college and get a real job before we moved out. We met in high school and a week before Christmas his dad kicked him out and ever since he's lived with me. He used to be a big hunter and he brought his guns here he always told me you never tell anyone how many you have and because he didn't have a gun safe he hid them sporadically. The one he bought me ifs on my side of the bed and he had one on his side the rest he hid around in a corner with dressers blocking them under a chair I honestly don't know where they all are and I know I'll find them when I start looking for them. So this brings me to last night. I try to have a good relationship with Trent's family because I know that what he would have wanted and I have forgiven a lot on Trent's behalf for his dad what he did on the day of Trent's service was unforgiveable a lot of people said I should of been done with him that day. His dad texted me last night which isn't strange we talk usually once a week and it started off normal I told him he would be receiving a letter from a lawyer which was naming me executor of Trent's estate and that's when things turned. He asked about when he could get the stuff that he had brought up that he wanted. I read the message and I was busy painting our new store that I decided I would deal with him the next day because I wasn't in the mood for that I was exhausted from lack of sleep so I let it go. A few minutes later he sends me another message and I lost it I guess he knew just what words to say to get a reaction out of me. He said the things that Trent would want him to have. I didn't say it but I thought how does he know what Trent would want him to have I don't even know that. There is one that his dad wants and that's because its been in the family for generations and that's fine I understand he will have it as soon as I look for it. One day we talked he mentioned about the rest of his guns and how he would buy them from me I told him I didn't know and now he expects me to give them all to him. I will admit I responded and I said something I do regret saying but I felt like I needed to stand up for myself because everything he has requested besides the guns I've said yes to and I don't want him to feel that he can walk all over me. I sent him a long message basically telling him its hard for me to go through his things and that I will in my own time and I haven't been able to find the gun and I haven't exactly looked for it either but that he would have it when I found it and then I said whatever else I decide he can have he will when its time. I regret that more than anything. He sent me a message but I was just done with him for the night so I ignored it and then I got another message which I took as a threat not against me but he said that the guns were never registered in Trent's name he never had them transferred just so I know. The guns are registered in his moms name for the most part because his dad isn't allowed to own a gun or be in possession of one. I know the guns aren't going to bring him back but we used to shoot in the backyard and I think he would want me to have them. I just don't know what to do about his dad I'm not gonna lie I'm a little scared of him. Part of me wants to find the gun today and tell him to come get it but he wants Trent's boat and I can't do anything with it right now so I would have to deal with the pressure about when he can have that. I understand he's grieving but there is no need to take it out on me and its pretty bad when his other son wants nothing to do with him. I don't know I'm sorry this is so long but what are your thoughts.
The lawyer's letter should also tell him how long the estate has to accept claims, etc. This should give you some time as well to take your time and consider what you are doing, what you have to do and what you can wait on.
You need some expert advice on this. Don't be shy about calling the lawyer. This is one of those times in life when you need one.
As far as the boat, that is part of the estate and should be dealt with according to what the lawyer tells you, not what his dad wants.
I hope that helps a little. I am sorry you are going through this. And I want you to know that it took me months before I stopped expecting Cliff to walk through the door, too. It wasn't until I finally changed everything in our room (he died in our bedroom) that I stopped expecting to see him there. It was painful to make the changes, but it was one of the best decisions I ever made. I hope things get a little easier for you soon.
Love and Hugs,
Martha
Martha is exactly right, you need to speak with the lawyer - there are consequences with the guns if he is not allowd to have any.
I know that with my father in-law - he couldn't have any becuase of a felony conviction, he couldn't even have them in the house he lived in, so even though they may be in his wifes name, I am not sure he can have them in the home or be around them at all. When he was on parole - if he was coming over to our house, we would have had to remove the guns from the house while he was there.
Again, would check with the lawer, this is definately one of those times you need to seek thier advice and knowledge.
I would take ALL the guns and give them to the nearest police department with the explanation of how you got them and what your in-laws want from you.
I would call my in-laws and let them know that the guns are at the police station and if they want them they are free to go there and claim them.
It's out of your hands then. And, no matter what you do with your FIL he will NOT change, he will always be demanding and try to bully you. If he sees that you will not be bullied and you will ALWAYS be in charge of your own life with the help of the police he will either back-off or do exactly what he would have done if you had spent the money for a lawyer, which is try to make your life more miserable.
I suggest you move and not leave a forwarding address to Trent's family. The boat is yours. Sell it and use the money to move with.
ca, you're in the middle of a nightmare and it will only go away with some positive moves from you.
Good luck!
Roz
You're still in the healing, grieving process and if you're not allowed to go through this YOU will be the one who suffers in the end.
Give this tyrant what he wants by involving the law into the equation. If he thinks he can get his way with you there will be no stopping him. Involve law enforcement and give him the boat if you need to, with the instance that he let you grieve in peace.
Take care of you and allow yourself the kindness and grace that you deserve at this time.
Roz
Love and Hugs,
Martha
I walked out with him to talk some other business and my BIL told me he didn't like that guy and he would rip me off. My BIL didn't know how well I knew the dealer. My BIL didn't come around much and I have known the dealer and all his family for more than ten years and have been to his home many times. My husband talked guns with him frequently when we were all together.
My BIL wanted one particular family gun that my husband had and he told me he would buy it from me. I had it appraised and went way down in price for him. My dealer friend handled everything from the auction and made sure I was paid. Only about half of his guns were registered. Really lax guns laws here.
So I saved this gun for him at a rock bottom price. Though I've considered calling my dealer friend and seeing if he could find a buyer. My husband passed away in January 2011. Only two weeks ago did my BIL call and tell me he had the money to pay me for the gun. He didn't get the gun until I had the cash. Well, he brought me most of it in cash, but had to write a check for part of it. That didn't make me happy, but I took it to his bank the next day and cashed it.
My husband wanted his brother to have the gun, but he didn't tell me to give it to him. Long story on that part, but I think my BIL was thinking that I might eventually call him and just give him the gun. Not gonna happen.
If your collection is anything like mine, it was worth a LOT of money. If you're not gun savvy, ask around and find someone trustworthy to help you with a sale locally. Don't let anyone bully you either. After a threat like that, I would be tempted to include that gun in the sale and let him know that he has a chance to bid like everyone else. Having a gun expert will help with the legal aspects of the sale.
Good luck to you and let us know how it turns out.
Nessie from KY
My lawyer said NOTHING was to go anywhere until that was done that was the law in WA state. So again contact an estate lawyer to get the law, that should put him off until you have had time to process what you are going through - and time to do what has to be done.
I am sorry for your loss and the greed of some people