A caring way to share family pictures

DEAR AMY: My husband's brother Jim recently passed away. He was the historian of the family and loved genealogy. He was the agreed-upon keeper of all the family photos. My husband would like to ask Jim's wife to allow the rest of the siblings to go through their family pictures and split them up so that each family has pictures for their children and grandchildren. My husband does not want to do this until Jim's widow can handle it. He doesn't want to create any more sadness for her, and it may be an issue for his nephew, Brad. He doesn't know the best way to word it. You often supply the words for a situation and it is always so caring. Could you do that here? When do you feel this would be an appropriate request?

--Worried Wife

DEAR WORRIED: No one should speak to this grieving spouse about this issue for several months, unless she brings up the topic or unless your husband has reason to believe that the family photos will be destroyed.

Your husband could offer to take over this task, but he shouldn't approach his sister-in-law using words that would make her think this collection is being taken from her and split up among other family members. Instead, he should emphasize that the collection will be copied and shared among all family members (including her and her son).

The photos could all be scanned, copied and presented to family members digitally - leaving individuals with the choice of what they want to print and keep for themselves.

Your husband could broach this by saying, "I'd like to continue the genealogy work that Jim started. It was a wonderful legacy I'd like to keep going. I could take on this task alone or do this along with you and Brad if you're interested." Working on this family project together could be a great way for your husband to stay connected with his nephew.