Offer Your Condolences
Let your loved one know that you feel for them by offering them a note of personal sympathy. Perhaps the most traditional sympathy card message is simple yet appropriate, “I am so sorry for your loss.” Other possibilities might include, “my deepest sympathies are with you,” or “sending love and light to you during this difficult time.” It’s okay if the message is brief — you might not have known the departed well, or perhaps the person you’re writing your condolence note to is a work colleague. It’s okay — brevity is perfectly fine, as long as you’re coming from a place of warmth and care. If you had a more personal relationship with the deceased, feel free to elaborate. However, try to avoid making your sympathy note about yourself. After all, the point is to console the other person. Your grief may be legitimate, but may also be better addressed at another time.
Show Your Appreciation
While we’re often encouraged to “give people their flowers” by singing their praises and thanking them for their gifts while they’re still with us, celebrating someone’s life after they have passed on can be just as important. Sharing a story about how the deceased touched your life can often be a source of great comfort for the family members who survive them. The gift of appreciation may warm the heart of anyone who receives it. It can be nice to know that others appreciated someone as much as you did. It’s often safe to say that someone “touched my life in countless ways” before sharing a few specific examples. A personal story about how someone else’s loved one positively impacted you, especially if they didn’t know about it, is a blessing usually well received. It can also be appreciated to point out the positive quirks or habits that the departed possessed, such as a unique laugh or a knack for telling stories. By offering specific anecdotes, the person receiving your card will know your love for the deceased was genuine.
Offer a Helping Hand
Sometimes the greatest gift you can give someone is your help. If you’re not sure how to offer this to your friend while they are beginning their grieving process, you can include it in your sympathy card. Sincerely telling someone “I’m here for you” can be an invaluable gift. Just be sure you can come through on that promise. If you are in a position to financially assist someone with bills or groceries, you may also include that in your card. You may even go a step further and include an actual gift card for a grocery store. There are many other ways you can help outside of a financial capacity. Offer to pick someone up or drop them off at the airport. Make yourself available for babysitting or house sitting. Ask about food allergies and then offer to bring them dinner. Most importantly, offer your time. The gift of a shoulder to cry on or an ear to listen can mean the most to someone who may be feeling isolated and unsure. Lastly, giving reassurance is helpful. Let them know that they are loved, deserving of rest, and supported during this difficult time.
Many of these sympathy card gestures may appear simple, but can make a serious, positive impact. When people are experiencing grief, the smallest gesture can sometimes anchor them during a tumultuous storm. Kindness can be given in infinite supply and should be offered to those who need it most. We hope that these helpful thoughts about sympathy cards will assist you as you draw your loved one near. They are lucky to have someone who cares for them.
We want to help you make the best decisions for you and your family to celebrate the memory of a life lived. If you have any questions about our cemetery, funeral home or cremation services, please contact us.
