My grandmother dies not too long ago and while i didnt have to deal with the financial situation (due to my grandfather still being alive) my dad gave me some really good advice. [Background: my grandmother played a huge part is in raising me] He called me the day after my grandmother died (it was sudden, i live 800 miles away) to see how i was doing. I told him i was doing fine but truthfully i was so hammered i probably would have gotten a DUI on the way to work if i hadnt called it. We talked for a bit and he tols me about how hed been there with my grandmother (his mother in law) as everyone said their goodbyes amd he was there with her, holding her hand, when she died. And then he said i have my time to greive (i had a few days i worked until my wife and i lef to be with family and attend the funeral) but im an adult now. Im 25, i have my own family, and i need to be a man. I can bawl my eyes out all i want but when i get there i need to be strong for the family.

Kids and grandkids were incredibly important to my grandmother and somehow we all held back our tears during the wake to the funeral the next day. We all stood strong. And i like to think if the most important people in my gramdmothers life could keep it together then it helped some others do the same and maybe see that her passing ended her suffering. Im not saying im not in tears typing this, but ahe doesnt have to suffer anymore.

What im really getting at is what my dad told me. Theres a time to grieve and a time to be strong. Do your grieving in private and do it as much as you need, but be the strong leveled headed person its needed. Its not a big deal to get a little emotional as you go through a loved ones belongings but to let emotions run financial decisions usually ends in disaster. And on the opposite side, not grieving and just looking at everying logically, legally, and financially just leaves you with a lot of resent and anger in the future.

Grieve and remember when you can. Be strong and logical when you need to.