I've Got A Problem

[starone]

Well probably more than one - but this one in particular is bothering me. Here goes - my sister (aged 76) lived in Spain with her husband (aged 86) for the last 25 years or so. I have never been there mainly because do not like heat, although we spoke every week via Skype so I know how they lived. She has died, suddenly. She always thought her husband would die first, although I must admit he seemed very active. He is whatever a local councillor would be in Spain and went out every day, whereas she was more housebound. He was out when we talked so she told me many of her secrets especially the one about the woman friend he has. He rang to tell me that she had died. Then he rang and said he would like to bring her ashes over here and I said he should wait to see what sort of money he had before he made any plans (I knew there was none and probably large bills). Now the phone number which I have rang at various times in the day is not being answered and is not making the normal noise. It might be the Spanish equivalent of engaged or something like that. Short of actually going over there and knocking on the door is there any way I can find out what has happened? I do not know who the neighbours are so I cannot contact them. So, I have her address and her phone number and her email address, which he does not access so that is useless. I would like to know what is going on so that I can move on. Any suggestions, anybody? Hope I haven't rambled too much.

[excelsior-1]

good morning starone

may i immediately offer you my most profound sympathies on the loss of your sister

[starone]

Thanks excelsior. I am very sad, I must admit. Although I haven't seen her in person for 12 years I miss our Skype talks. I can't sleep which is why I am here so early. Not because of the above problem, I don't sleep well anyway.

[Buenchico]

Good morning, Starone. (I really must go to bed soon!)

I'm sorry to hear of your loss.

Try a phone call to the nearest British Consulate, saying that you're concerned for the welfare of your brother-in-law. They might be able to get someone (such as a local police officer) to call on him. Phone numbers here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-madrid
(Scroll down towards the bottom of the page).

Chris

BTW: If you want to check whether it's the engaged tone that you're hearing (rather than, say, a fault) play the recording here:
http://www.thephonebook.bt.com/publisha.content/en/search/international/record.dialtones.publisha?id=L201

[waterboatman]

Good morning starone. I'm so sorry to read of your loss. I can only imagine how you are feeling and I do understand your worries. You don't need such at this time; or any other come to that!

Buenchico has given you some very good advice.

I hope you can get it sorted out soon.

[WELSHYORKIE]

Morning Starone - can't offer anything except my condolences and a cyber hug. xx

[Maydup]

Sorry to hear your news Star, you must feel very empty at the moment without your sister.

While you continue to try contacting your BIL, would it be worth getting a traditional letter into the post? Pop it in a condolence card and give your BIL all you various contact methods just in case he's mislaid them. Does he have anyone with him? Could you try another family member?

[murraymints]

Sorry for your loss....I'd go with Chris on this one ! Xx

[DTCwordfan]

Sorry to hear about this....yes, go the Chris route - the other option could be to give the Spanish Embassy a call and see if they can give you the number for his local cop shop and then to talk to them - anybody speak Spanish around you?

[lady-janine]

so sorry to hear of your loss starone. how very sad for you. and now how very troubling.

i think chris and maydup have just about covered any advice i could give, so good luck. i do hope you manage to get all sorted satisfactorily soon. xOx

[starone]

That's strange, I posted an answer and it seems to have disappeared. I'll try again (hope it doesn't show twice). Anyway, I wanted to thank everyone for their kind words and suggestions. You are always there to help me when I need it. I have tried your sounds Chris and it is definitely not either of those sounds, so don't know what it could be. Thanks also for your link about the British Consulate. I am going to get all my facts together and try them. Will let you know what happens. Chris, I think you must have a halo and very large white wings, you are so helpful to everyone, not only me. Thanks again.

[joko]

is it a landline or mobile? perhaps he is just out a lot? or simply doesnt want to talk to anyone - grief can be like that for some people - they just want to be alone.

how long ago was this? he could also just be at his ladyfriends house - i know thats not nice, but i expect he doesnt want to sit around in an empty house.

[marval]

I was very sorry to hear about your sister, I do hope you can get things sorted soon. You have enough sadness with this added complication.xx

[tamborine]

so sorry for your loss Star, its awful to be out of reach of family at these times. I hope you get contact soon to put your mind at rest.