Signing a sympathy card isn’t easy. We search for words. We wonder what would be comforting to hear. We worry about saying the wrong thing… I know from experience, that it is hard to express your pain and comfort at the same time. We can be at a loss for words, and when it is not us going through it, or us in their shoes, our words can feel like they are just that ; words. But believe me, though it may not seem like so, our words can make a profound impact in the other person's day or mood. It can be an uplifting and comforting escape. Yes, our words can have that much power, and we can use them to make all the difference,
You should know right up front that you won’t find the perfect thing to write here. However, you will find ideas as to find comforting words to express your support and love.
Condolences
There are many good reasons for keeping your personal sympathy message short. It could be that the card has already expressed most or all of what you wanted to say. Or maybe you didn’t know the deceased well, or at all. Whatever the reason, you can absolutely be brief and still come across as warm and caring.
Examples
“We are so sorry for your loss.”
“I’m going to miss her, too.”
“I hope you feel surrounded by much love.”
“Sharing in your sadness as you remember Dan.”
“Sending healing prayers and comforting hugs. I am so sorry for your loss.”
“With deepest sympathy as you remember Robert.”
“I was saddened to hear that your grandfather passed away. My thoughts are with you and your family.”
“Remembering your wonderful mother and wishing you comfort.”
“It was truly a pleasure working with your father for 17 years. He will be deeply missed.”
“Thinking of you all as you celebrate your grandmother’s remarkable life.”
“We are missing Anne along with you. With heartfelt sympathy,”
“Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember a friend who was so close to you.”
“Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.”
“Holding you close in my thoughts and hoping you are doing OK.”
Appreciation
It can be a great comfort to a grieving person or family to hear that others thought highly of their loved one, too. If you knew and admired the deceased, be sure to let your recipient(s) know.
Examples
“What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. I feel so lucky that I got to know him.”
“What a good and generous man your father was. I thought his funeral service was a wonderful tribute to him and all he has done for our community. He will be missed.”
“Your mama was an amazing lady, and I feel privileged to have known her. I know you will miss her deeply. I’ll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.”
“Celebrating the life of a good man and mourning his passing with you.”
“Your daughter touched so many lives for the good. I’m grateful I had the chance to know her as both a colleague and a cherished friend.”
“Your mother blessed so many people with her faith and kindness. Praying that you’ll find comfort in your memories of her and in the knowledge that others are missing her, too.”
“I have the best memories of staying with Aunt Edie as a kid. I don’t think I’ve told you this, but starting when I was about 10, she would take me to Becker’s for ice cream cones…and let me drive! Only Aunt Edie…I’m going to miss her fun-loving spirit so much.”
“Nobody could tell a funny story like your mom. Remember at your graduation party—the story about the vacuuming incident? My face hurt for a full day after from laughing so much. I’ll always cherish those memories of fun times spent with her.”
Offer to Help
If you’re in a position to help your recipient with arrangements, meals, housework, yard work, childcare or something else, then feel free to include an offer to do so as part of your message. Just be sure to follow up and follow through.
Examples
“I know I can’t make your pain go away, but I want you to know I’m here with a shoulder or an ear or anything else you need.”
“Thinking of your family with love and wanting to help out in any way I can. I’ll call to see when would be a good night to bring over a meal.”
“You’ve got so much on your mind and on your heart right now. We hope it will make one less worry to know that Kevin and I will be taking care of the yard for as long as you need.”
“I know this must be a very difficult and demanding time for you all. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. If there is anything we can do—from walking Max to picking up your dry cleaning, please let us know.”
Following Up
When someone you know is grieving, you might want to offer ongoing messages of support in the weeks and months following the loss of his or her loved one. You can send these cards to note an occasion like the deceased’s birthday, a wedding anniversary, holidays or any other time when the grieving person may need extra support.
Examples
“It’s been a while, but I know that the hurt doesn’t go away when the cards and casseroles do. I’m still here for you.”
“Just wanted to let you know we’re remembering your mom on her birthday and sending lots of caring thoughts your way.”
“I know Christmas won’t be the same without Sara, but I hope it helps a little to know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers, especially through the holidays.”
“Hard to believe it’s been a year since we said good-bye to Bill. Couldn’t let this anniversary go by without letting you know that I’m thinking of you.”
Sudden or Unexpected Death
It’s never easy to lose someone we love. But often, a loss that no one saw coming can lead to complicated grief. This might be because of the deceased’s young age or apparent good health or an accident or other tragic circumstances. Whatever the case, these kinds of losses call for additional comfort, understanding and ongoing support.
Examples
Words Fail: “I’m not sure what to say in the face of such a difficult loss. Just want you to know that I care about you, and I share in your sadness.”
Acknowledging Unexpectedness: “We were surprised and saddened to hear about Mike’s passing. He was such a good guy. We’re going to miss him so much, too.”
I’m Sorry: “I’m deeply sorry your family is experiencing the pain of a loss like this. My heart goes out to each of you.”
This Is Especially Hard: “We never would have felt ready to say good-bye to someone as special as Christina, but this timing feels especially tough. Wishing your family comfort and strength for the days and weeks ahead. We’ll be praying for all of you.”
Wishes/Prayers: “Keeping you in my warmest thoughts as you navigate this difficult time—and wishing you hope and healing when you’re ready.”
I’m Here for You: “It’s going to take time to get through the shock of this loss. Just want you to know we’ll be here for you all the way.”
Ongoing Support: “Hey, I know it’s been a couple of months since you lost John. Just want you to know I haven’t forgotten. I’m still thinking about you. And I’m here to help out, listen, whatever you need.”
When You Cannot Attend the Memorial Service
It’s a very human instinct to want to offer condolences and support in person when someone has died. However, for a variety of reasons—either your own circumstances or the family’s need to forego or delay a memorial service—it may be impossible to do so. In those cases, you may wish to say a little more in your written message.
Examples
Wish I Could Be With You: “I wish I could be there to honor your dad along with you. He was a great man.”
Looking Ahead to a Memorial Later On: “I know Kara’s memorial service won’t happen for a few months yet. Just didn’t want to let that much time go by without reaching out to tell you how saddened I am by her passing. She was such a sweetheart. She’ll be deeply missed.”
This Is Hard: “It’s hard to lose someone who meant so much to all of us, and even harder that we can’t all be together to say good-bye. We want you to know we’re with you in spirit—now and in the days and weeks ahead.”
I’m Here for You in Other Ways: “Even though I can’t be there for Tom’s service, just want you to know I’m here to drop food by, mow the lawn or anything else that comes up.”
Loss of Parent
It’s never easy to lose a parent. No matter how old we are, no matter how close or complicated the relationship, it hits hard. And it calls for some special words of comfort. (Note: These message examples alternate Mom and Dad but could work for either.)
Examples
Compliment: “Your father was such a wonderful man. I was lucky to know him.”
She’ll Always Be With You: “You’ll always remember how it felt to laugh with her and be loved by her. I hope those memories will bring comfort in time.”
He Lives on in You: “The lessons your dad taught you, the love he gave, the way he cared for people…all those good things live on in you.”
You Were a Comfort: “You were a joy to your mother all your life, and a huge comfort to her over these past few months. It’s sad to lose her, but I hope you feel good about the way you were there for her.”
Miss Him Too: “Just wanted to say how much your father meant to me, and how much I miss him, too.”
Loved Her Too: “Your mom was such a good friend. I loved her, too.”
When You Didn’t Know Him: “I didn’t have the chance to know your father, but I know he must have been someone special to have raised a great son like you.”
This Is Hard: “It’s so hard saying goodbye to your mom. My heart goes out to you right now.”
Share a Memory: “Nobody could match your dad for making people feel special. I’ll always remember being the smallest kid on the pee-wee baseball team he coached, but feeling big, because he made me team captain.”
Loss of Spouse or Partner
Someone who’s just lost their spouse or partner is both grieving and also facing a huge adjustment to their day-to-day living and sense of identity. Whether they’ve been sharing life for six years or sixty years, it’s a shock to lose that feeling of togetherness in everything. You might choose to acknowledge this in a direct or indirect way in what you write.
Examples
Compliment the Relationship: “What the two of you shared was truly something special. You loved each other so well.”
Compliment the Deceased: “Stephanie was one of the funniest, most vibrant people I’ve ever met. I’m so grateful I got to know her.”
He’ll Always Be With You: “Someone who shared so much of life with you will forever be a part of you. Keeping you in my prayers as you remember your husband.”
Take Care of Yourself: “I know the days and months ahead will be a big adjustment, so please give yourself a lot of grace. Do whatever you need to take care of you—and know I’m here for you, too.”
I Believe in You: “I know it must feel like this pain will never end. But I believe in my heart that comfort will find you when you’re ready. I believe you’ve got the strength to come through. And in time, I hope you’ll believe it, too.”
Miss Her Too: “Lauren was such a terrific colleague and friend. I miss her deeply.”
Loved Him Too: “I hope it helps a little to hear how much Matt was loved by others, too—me, for one.”
When You Don’t Know the Surviving Spouse/Partner: “Even though we haven’t had the chance to meet in person, I feel like I know you from the glowing way Jim talked about you. It was easy to see how much he loved you.”
This Is Hard: “Losing the one you love is so hard. And so I’m praying hard for you—for peace, for comfort, for whatever you need right now.”
Share a Memory: “I was just thinking about Anne’s unforgettable dinner parties—especially the one with the notorious lemon-bar incident. That was the best. And SHE was the best.”
Miscarriage
Miscarriage is the kind of loss that you may only know about if you’re part of the mom’s or couple’s inner circle of family and friends. If that’s the case, you have a unique opportunity be a source of comfort and support in a world that doesn’t know.
Examples
Your Loss Is Real: “The love you felt for your baby-to-be was real, and so is the loss your experiencing. I hope you can be gentle with yourself and honor whatever you’re feeling right now.”
I’m Sorry: “I’m so sorry you’ve had to let go of the dreams you were already cherishing for your baby.”
This Is Hard: “I can’t begin to understand all you’re feeling right now, but I know it can’t be easy. I wish you didn’t have to go through a loss like this.”
Wish for Healing: “Keeping you and Mike in my thoughts and hoping for healing to come to you in time.”
I’m Here for You: “I was deeply saddened to hear you’ve had a miscarriage. Just want you to know I’m here for you—to talk, to bring over a meal, or whatever you need right now.”
It’s Not Your Fault: “Just wanted to remind you that there was nothing you could or should have done differently. Sometimes these things just happen. I’m sorry it had to happen to you.”
Loss of Pet
Pets are genuinely family members for a lot of us, and when we lose one, it can be a huge comfort to have others recognize how much they meant and how sad it is to say goodbye.
Examples
Compliment: “Benny was such a good dog. So sorry you’ve had to say goodbye to him.”
You Loved Her Well: “From your first hello, to your last goodbye, Shadow felt how much you loved her. She was one lucky kitty to have you for her person.”
Wish for Good Memories: “Wishing you smiles amid the tears as you remember happy times with your loyal companion and friend.”
She’ll Always Be Part of You: “Trixie may be gone from your lap, but she’ll stay in your heart forever.”
Miss Him Too: “I was so sorry to hear about Speck. I sure am going to miss seeing him when I’m out walking.”
She Meant a Lot: “Our fur babies hold such an important place in our lives and our hearts. Thinking of you as you remember Gertie.”
Share a Memory: “I’ll never forget walking into your kitchen and finding every single cabinet open and Fluff peeking out from a drawer. He was such a clever cat.”
Sympathy Closings
A warm, respectful closing is a graceful way to wrap up your sympathy message. Choose one of these, or create your own.
With sympathy,
With deepest sympathy,
With heartfelt sympathy,
With prayers and sympathy,
With sincere sympathy,
With warm thoughts and prayers,
With caring,
With love at this sad time,
In caring sympathy,
With you in sorrow,
Sharing your sadness,
Thinking of you,
Caring thoughts are with you,
God bless,
God bless you and comfort you,
Keeping you in our prayers,
Lifting you up in prayer,
Praying for you,
Wishing you peace,
Wishing you healing,
My heart goes out to you,
Please accept our condolenc
