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Sympathy Card Etiquette

The following tips are meant to be suggestions to help with the composition of a sympathy card.
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• Each person grieves the loss of a loved one in a different way. It is never wise to attempt empathy or draw conclusions for the person grieving like "I know just how you feel." or "Time heals all wounds." Honestly convey, in a few sentences or less what the loss of this person means to you. Acknowledge the loss of the individual while expressing your condolences (i.e. Please accept my/our sympathy on the loss of your father)

• This can be a very confusing time for grieving families. Be sure to clearly identify yourself no matter your method of expressing sympathy is (i.e. use your surname if you are not an immediate family member and make sure your return address is available on the envelope).

• Attempt to send your Sympathy Card as soon as you hear about the death.

• In some cases you may have known the deceased but not be too familiar with the family of the deceased. You should send the Sympathy Card to the closest relative of the person who has died (i.e. the widow or eldest child). In the case where you are familiar with the person grieving, but not the deceased themselves, you can address your Sympathy card to your acquaintance.

Having not known the deceased can often cause serious writers' block. A simple line of condolence is sufficient in this case. If you feel comfortable doing so, offer your assistance wherever it might be needed. Some people may not feel comfortable asking, but if they see the offer in writing they will know you are sincere.

"But what should I say?"

Message suggestions to include on your card:
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• Please know our loving thoughts embrace you.

• Please accept these flowers and hear the words we are not able to speak.

• My thoughts and prayers are with you.

• Thinking of you in these difficult times.

• May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared comfort you now and in the days ahead.

• Our hearts are filled with sorrow.

• We're sharing your sorrow.

• With deepest sympathy.

• In loving memory.

• With heartfelt condolences.

• Fondest remembrances.

• May you take comfort in knowing there is one more angel above us.

• You are in our thoughts and prayers.

• Always in our hearts

• Gone but not forgotten

• May you have memories for comfort, friends for support, and flowers to ease your sadness.

• Though words, however gentle, cannot take your loss away, still may these flowers sent in sympathy help comfort you today.

• Our thoughts are with you.

• May these flowers in some way help to express our heartfelt sympathy.

• Especially for you at this difficult time.

• With heartfelt sympathy and understanding thoughts in this time of sadness.

• You will be in our thoughts and prayers.

• Thinking of you at this time of sorrow.

• Please accept our deepest sympathy for the loss of your Mother.

• Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

• We may not understanding why sad things happen, may it somehow help to know how much we care.

• We wish to express our sympathy in your loss and to let you know that our thoughts are with you.

• At a time such as this, words cannot express our feelings