Picking the right sympathy card is an essential part of comforting the grieving. We can’t always be there, so our carefully chosen words are the next best thing.
My father passing away was one of the first significant losses of someone I cherished. There isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of him in some way. Thinking back to that hard time is such a blur. Sympathy cards were one tangible way we were able to look back at all the people who had thought about him and covered us in love and prayers through that difficult time of grief.
I still look over those words celebrating my fathers’ life and memories. Each personal note was a kind and gentle message of concern. And it helped. So when I began designing our new sympathy cards, I wanted the images to express the feelings that I understood. Picking the right sympathy card makes a unique impact on a friend or loved one’s heart in this time of sadness and that they are not alone with their grief in this difficult time.
Sending a sympathy card is a positive and personal message to let someone know they are loved and missed. During this challenging time, it is so important to let others know how much they mean through a handwritten sympathy note. Make sure to be compassionate and brief in your wording so that your caring and emotion is conveyed directly through your words. A fond memory, a contribution to their legacy, or offering a prayer (for religious families) is all it takes for a grieving family to feel the impact their loved one left here during their time.
For our family that meant memories of The Annual Strawberry Festival or The Donut Shop, he helped my mother run or singing gospel music at local nursing homes and restaurants. There are a few key topics to avoid in your card, including the cause of death, advice, and “I know how you feel” comparisons. Avoid these topics to be considerate of the grieving.
Top 10 Tips and Starters for Writing a Sympathy Note
- Consider using the deceased’s name. “My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. Dan was a joyful man, and he will truly be missed.”
- If you are planning to send flowers, you can add a quick reference to them, such as “May these flowers express what our words never will.”
- A few simple phrases for any card “While words seem inadequate, we are sending our love, and heartfelt prayers.” or “You and your loved ones are in our thoughts as you grieve this loss.” or “My deepest condolences on the loss of your sister/brother/mother/father—all my best wishes to you and your family.
- Grieving is a deeply personal process that is different for everyone. Keeping it compassionate and straightforward is best. Resist the urge to write a long drawn out letter and be sure to mail your sympathy card immediately.
- Sympathy cards are relevant for critical moments, such as losing a family member, a friend who has lost a loved one, a co-worker who has experienced a loss, and so much more. When those we love lose someone, a sympathy card is a gentle way to say, “I’m here for you.”
- Mention a fun memory or moment, such as a dinner/ vacation/ or event you attended together. A little laugh on a hard day is appreciated.
- Be sure to include your full name and a phone number to be reached if you have offered to talk, deliver a meal, or help out.
- Handwrite your note and sign your card as technology can make the thought feel cold or impersonal. You can end your sympathy message with a brief sentiment such as “Our thoughts and prayers are with you, The Jordan Family,” or “We are thinking of you, The Wilkerson’s.”
- Be gentle and thoughtful in your wording. Choosing phrases like “your loss” or “passed away” over direct words like “death” can soften the sentiment.
- Consider whether the family is religious or not. If the family is spiritual, it can be very comforting to include a scripture such as “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” ~Isaiah 41:10. Or use a quote such as *Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon, And a horizon is nothing save the limit of our sight. ~Rossiter Raymond would be a beautiful one to include.
While there are (hopefully) fewer opportunities to send a sympathy card, picking the right sympathy card with the right message is essential. Lifting others in their time of need is one tiny thing we can do to provide a moment of kindness through our compassionate and well thought out message. When mere words seem inadequate, remember those mere words can remind someone they matter- or that their loved one was truly loved.
Choose one of our four new sympathy cards or collect all four.
How It Works
Every so often, I will design colorful and unique art that you can use for your scrapbooking projects, DIY crafts, or wall decor. Some of the art will be available as free printables for you to download and use on personal projects. Other days, I will have greeting cards or printable packs for you to purchase in our shop. All of my artwork, whether free or paid, is only for personal use. All copyrights belong to LonnaJordanDesigns.com. A license is available for purchase on each piece of art if you want to use it for commercial products.
Thanks and God Bless, Lonna
