Archive: Around Town

Dear Margaret: My mother passed away a few months ago. I'm executor of her estate. In the midst of my grieving, some of her grandchildren are contacting me on a regular basis to see if they can come onto her property and go through her belongings and see if there is anything they want. Some of the grandkids have made requests for specific items. I've been keeping them at bay so far, and my brothers are bugging me to start cleaning up and letting their kids in. I know I don't want everything in the house, but I'm not able to even think straight at this point to begin distributing her belongings. How can I handle this without looking like I'm being selfish?
Slow to Settle

Dear Slow to Settle: Let me assure you that you are neither slow nor selfish. Tell those inquiring that you understand they'd like a memento from their grandmother, and you will certainly make sure they receive one. Unless your mother's will specifies they receive certain objects, let them know that this may be a long process as you work through not only your grief, but the ensuing paperwork involved in settling an estate. I would encourage you to take all the time you need. If selling a home is involved, I see nothing wrong with taking up to a year to get it on the market, if at all possible. My condolences to you as you navigate through this difficult time. If you feel the need to talk to a grief counselor, please give yourself space to do so.

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