Dad passed last year from covid. He had 2 sons from a previous marriage before my mom. They were mostly grown before he and their mom divorced and then he married my mom when we were all young.

When dad passed I kept his phone number (he was already on my account to save $) and got a cheap phone to leave at home so the kids have a way to get in touch with us when we're gone and they're home alone. Neither of them have a phone yet (12 and 8 years old).

12yo daughter came to our bedroom this morning saying that a guy had been texting grandpa's old phone. Turns out it was one of my stepbrothers (or half brothers? - I don't know the correct familial classification) from his previous marriage. He definitely knows dad passed - mom texted him a bunch when dad was in the hospital and after he died. But he isn't really close with anyone in our family. I haven't spoken to him in around 20-25 years. On dad's phone, last night, he sent 2 texts, something along the lines of "dad - is there any chance you're there? I miss you" and then "happy father's day dad - love you".

How do I deal with this? I'm having enough trouble going through my first father's day without my hero and this is bringing a lot of the pain back. I know this is probably his way of coping, but it got my daughter really upset also. He doesn't know she has the phone obviously and didn't mean for it to upset anyone I'm sure. Do I respond and let him know that we're all struggling and that my daughter has dad's old phone and if he wants to talk then here is my number? Or let it go and let him send messages? Or....?

Can you block the number? Maybe send a text then block it

Call him and tell him what is going on.

^This

I would tell dude, your daughter has his old phone. Because he was on your account. Just in case dude gets an attitude. Shuts that down before it starts. Try and get a read on his thinking. Is he coping? Is he crazy? Be straight up with him. It kind of freaks your daughter out. If he has a problem with that. **** him. He may be apologetic, not meaning any harm. Give him your number. Ya'll might reconnect.
But most importantly, unless there's a reason to actually keep that number. I would have it changed soon.

I would think that keeping the phone is fine, but giving it to the 12 year old without changing the number sounds like a no bueno idea. He's probably coping, I know I would for sure.

Change the number or get a new phone.

Can't add much more than what has already been mentioned. But I agree with the phone and your daughter. Get her a new line.

This.

^This

^That^

Call him. It might do you both good to talk about missing your Dad.

let him know the situation

maybe he knew but was caught up in a sentimental moment and sent those texts

^That^

All of the above .. don't put it off.

Good Luck,
Bozz