When a person is grieving over a loss of any kind – a family member, a friend, or a pet – you may be at a loss for words.
What to write on a sympathy card that can afford some measure of comfort for the recipient?
Let Them Know You Care
First, realize that the most important message of a sympathy card is that you care.
Whoever has suffered the loss may feel life goes on for everyone but them.
Your message should be brief, about three or four sentences.”
1. Explain how you found out the news of the death. “I just heard that Tom died this morning, I am still getting over the shock of it.”
2. Express your sympathy. “I am so sorry for your loss.”
3. Include a favorite memory or positive statement about the deceased. “I’ll never forget the way Tom always made time for us kids no matter how busy his schedule was. He was a wonderful man.”
4. End with a thoughtful sentiment. “In loving memory” or “Thinking of you and offering you hope and comfort.”
Trust Your Heart
Second, when you’re searching for words to write on a sympathy card, trust your heart.
What do you feel?
Write that on the card.
I’m sorry for your loss, or there are no words to express what’s in my heart – both are welcome phrases.
I am here for you if you need a shoulder or an ear or even a hug.
Both of these are viable statements when you are at a loss for what to write on a sympathy card.
You Don’t Need to Be a Great Writer
You don’t need to be Helen Steiner Rice or Elizabeth Keebler-Ross, or Hemingway to write a message on a sympathy card that will be appreciated.
A few simple words, a quotation, a song title you shared, a short poem, a bible verse, if it’s your style and the deceased or his/her family may have shared and valued the same one, is also appropriate.
Write What You Would Want to Hear
Think back; you have suffered a loss somewhere in your past.
What did you need or want to hear?
Those are the words you find work best in your search for what to write on a sympathy card.
You shared some part of your life with this person or the deceased; otherwise, you wouldn’t be sending the card.
What is that connection?
Use that.
Use I remember when… If it’s from the heart, that is all that’s necessary.
Comfort & Grace, Gifts of Sympathy And Encouragement and Acknowledgements: Sympathy Gifts for a Grieving Heart have additional tips for what to write on a sympathy card.
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