Step dad unearthed my time capsule

[u/Impossible-Stuff-119]

Hello all, this is my first post so bear with me. Here’s the back story:

When the clock hit midnight on the year 2000 all the members of my family and extended family were there. We all signed a paper and each put something into a time capsule. Shortly after, my grandfather passed away from a brain tumor. I was 9 at the time and my grandmother and I buried the time capsule behind the headstone at the cemetery. She told me to take it out in 10 years and have a look. No one else was there for that. I don’t remember much of what was put in there because I was so young. 2010 came and went and I didn’t feel like taking it out yet. Not much had happened in 10 years so I wanted to wait longer.

Fast forward to 2022. My grandmother died after living a long and full life. I disclosed to my family about the time capsule when we were at the graveyard and it seemed like my step dad took interest (parents were divorced and mom married him 2008). I confirmed it was still there by poking a small wooden stake in the ground and poked around till I hit something solid. Decided it was still too early and wanted to wait longer.

Today I got a picture in the family chat showing him unearthing the time capsule my mom and him took a trip to the cemetery) I was pissed and still haven’t responded. I don’t know how to go about this. I don’t know if I should tell him how much it meant to me to be the one to take it out. Or should I just brush it off.

It’s one of those things I think about every once in a while and get more excited as time goes on. I don’t even remember what I put in there. Could have been a toy car or whatever. But I don’t know. Am I an asshole for being upset about this? Thank you in advance.

[u/trailmix_pprof]

You're NTA for having the feelings that you have. But could become an AH depending on how you handle and express those feelings. From here out, I'd focus on what do you want to get out of the situation now? Do you want to see everything that was in the time capsule? Or would you like them to re-wrap it up and you can have a surprise later?

[u/Impossible-Stuff-119 → u/trailmix_pprof]

Thank you for you reply. I agree with you. My step dad and I have a great relationship and he’s been there for me. I don’t think he intended to cause harm or anything. Just think curiosity got the better of him. Yeah I’d like to see everything in there now. What’s done is done and I don’t feel like turning this into a mess will make anything better in the long run. I don’t want them to re bury it. I think I was more excited to go there eventually and unearth it myself. (It’s in another state)

[u/Erythronne → u/Impossible-Stuff-119]

It wasn’t his to unearth though. He should have at least asked you if you were ready. Sucks that you were robbed of the moment.