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Grandparenting

Am I making a huge mistake?

(15 Posts)
2Understand Fri 14-Nov-25 17:52:57

I had written a post about a month ago regarding difficult step children not acknowledging me or even their dad often. Now I have what might be a silly question to most of you, but here it is. My husband passed away rather suddenly 2 weeks ago and after dealing with his daughter who intended to "take over" after his passing, I am exhausted being heartbroken and want to be left alone. I am just now starting to address all the many things that need to be done with the estate and it is emotionally difficult. Now I am getting pestered by her showing she cares about me which to me seems so very disengenous. But here is the question and please be kind if you think I'm way out of line in my thinking. My husband's exwife over the years has been quite difficult and they clearly were on bitter terms. She sent me a sympathy card and my first thought to do with it is mark it "return to sender" and drop it in the mailbox. Am I being ugly and regret I did this? I feel like I have nothing to lose because there would be little interaction with his kids I'm sure after they get their inheritance.

Lathyrus3 Fri 14-Nov-25 18:00:31

Just put it in the bin. Do something unmentionable to it first if you want.

I do recognise that feeling, I truly do. But many years down the line I am content to think that I didn’t give in to it.

I am very sorry for your pain,

Flutterby345 Fri 14-Nov-25 18:05:35

If you have not actually sent it yet I wouldn't. As it looks as if she won't be directly inheriting anything she might just be being nice for a change. On the other hand she would probably understand your reaction if you did send it. A person grieving must be allowed to do whatever they need to do. Do whatever you feel.like doing but sleep before making a decision.

Flippinheck Fri 14-Nov-25 20:32:49

I am so sorry you have lost your DH. You must be going through such a sad and stressful time.
I wouldn’t return it (not that I would trust Royal Mail to actually do that); it would just make you look petty.
I send you kind wishes.

Smileless2012 Fri 14-Nov-25 20:37:55

Sincere condolences for your loss 2Understand. My advice is the same as Lathyrus'; just bin it flowers.

CanadianGran Fri 14-Nov-25 20:50:01

I think she was operating by the norms of society in sending a card. You can ignore it without any guilt.

I'm sorry for your loss, and hope the next few months are not too difficult for you. The amount of administration can be overwhelming when you are dealing with grief.

Cabbie21 Fri 14-Nov-25 21:09:45

Sorry for your loss,
Just ignore the card. Tear it into shreds, if it helps you.
I hope your step-children are supportive at this difficult and busy time.

25Avalon Fri 14-Nov-25 21:26:54

Be the better person and put it in the recycling bin, then forget all about it. You have enough to deal with at the moment. Grief takes us all in different ways and can vary from one day to the next. This is a really hard time and I am sending you a big hug.

crazyH Fri 14-Nov-25 21:43:31

I am an ex-wife, who has got over most of her bitterness.
It’s very nice of your husband to remember his children, in his Will and I admire you for allowing him to do so.
My children will most probably not inherit anything from their father. His new wife will make sure of that.
And that is why I say I have got over ‘most’ of my bitterness. I still feel upset that he makes no effort to see them. As for his estate, I don’t think my/our children will see any of it.
Sorry for your loss flowers

crazyH Fri 14-Nov-25 21:46:37

Don’t send it back. Just bin the card.

Babs03 Fri 14-Nov-25 22:03:10

Anger is normal in these circumstances but would just rip the card up and bin it as others have said.
The daughter may very well not care about you but if she hangs around give her some of the stuff to do that you are having to deal with alone, delegate, maybe she feels guilty. People often do after a death. In any case she can take over some onerous duties you are not looking forward to doing.
So sorry you are going through this and I hope you continue to post on here where you can say whatever you want and feel it is a safe space.
Take care
🌹🙏🏾

Ohmother Sat 15-Nov-25 09:44:37

Pay it forward and put it into the recycling bin. It’ll do some good elsewhere.

Sorry for your loss. Reach out to Cruise or Samaritans if you feel you need to offload without burdening others. Sending virtual hugs.

StripeyGran Sat 15-Nov-25 12:06:42

I think you must be in shock. It's exhausting. Try to access what little support is out there.
Pay no attention to the card.

2Understand Sat 15-Nov-25 14:18:47

It's in the bin. Thank you for your support.

Romola Sat 15-Nov-25 15:02:11

Well done, you did the right thing.
You are of course in shock and I send you best wishes that you will find courage to cope with all that has to be done.