This isn't nearly as juicy as many posts on here (wow!), but was frustrating in it's absurdity.
My maternal grandfather contracted cancer and was to die within a year or so. My father was executor. GF had three daughters and they were to each receive an equal share of a small life insurance policy. Shortly after GF got sick, cousin "Karl" decided to start spending lots more time with GF. Eventually GF removes my father as executor and install Karl with a provision that daughters will pay Karl for services as executor. GF eventually passes and family is told to let Karl know if there were any possessions we wanted.
Growing up, all the grandkids (10 of us) would spend a week at GF's house. We would mostly go fishing in his pond and generally run around outside. So when he passed, I asked cousin Karl if I could have one of his old fishing poles (they were not valuable other than in a sentimental sense). Karl informs me (through my mom) that the poles were gone and he would let her know if they were found.
Similarly, when my paternal grandfather became ill, my aunt cleared out his home of antiques (she liked to sell them on eBay). When GF passed, aunt had sold or kept anything of any meaning or value (after allowing her children to take what they wanted). Fortunately the positive is that one of her children thought poorly of her shenanigans and gave my dad (his uncle) a handful of items. We now proudly have GF's old rocking chair in our living room where my toddler son (named after his Great GF) has an unusual interest in the chair.
My parents are fine financially and it was never financial, but the manner in which direct family members hoarded sentimental things was embarrassing and hurtful. My aunt passed a couple years ago and we paid our respects, but some resentment remained. And on my mom's side, I do still see Karl at an annual family function, but his behavior still impacts how he perceives the family (self-imposed on his part).
As for my brother and I, seeing how things happened with our grandparents, we won't go through the same drama. I am executor for my parents and it is understood that everything is 50/50 to my brother and I, while certain sentimental things are already declared for each of us and beyond that, we can divide other "things" as we choose for our children.
These stories are so incredibly sad, but as with anything, there are good people and bad. This just reminds me to be thankful for my family. Ugh.
