Offering Condolences to Family After Death of Child

Signing a sympathy card isn't easy. We search for words. Nosotros wonder what would be comforting to hear. Nosotros worry virtually maxim the wrong matter…

But even though it's non easy, it is important to reach out in sympathy. Our words can't take away the pain of losing a loved one, but they can get a long way toward helping a grieving person feel loved and supported.

You should know right up front that y'all won't find the perfect thing to write here. However, y'all will detect ideas from seasoned Hallmark writers for adept, helpful and hopeful things to write in a sympathy card.

Nosotros hope our tips help you relax, write and share your heartfelt caring with someone who is going through a time of grief.

Sympathy Messages: What to Write in a Sympathy Bill of fare

• Condolences
• Appreciation
• Offer to Help
• Post-obit Up
• Sudden or Unexpected Decease
• When Someone Has Died by Suicide
• When Yous Cannot Nourish the Memorial Service
• Loss of Parent
• Loss of Spouse or Partner
• Loss of Child
• Miscarriage
• Loss of Pet
• Sympathy Closings
• What NOT to Write in a Sympathy Card
• What to write in a sympathy card VIDEO

Condolences

In that location are many skilful reasons for keeping your personal sympathy message brusk. It could be that the card has already expressed about or all of what you wanted to say. Or peradventure you didn't know the deceased well, or at all. Whatever the reason, you tin can absolutely be brief and notwithstanding meet as warm and caring.

Examples

• "We are so sorry for your loss."
• "I'1000 going to miss her, too."
• "I hope you feel surrounded by much honey."
• "Sharing in your sadness as you recall Juan."
• "Sharing in your sadness equally y'all retrieve 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 gramps passed away. My thoughts are with yous 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 sibling's remarkable life."
• "Thinking of you all every bit y'all celebrate your grandmother'due south remarkable life."
• "We are missing Anne along with you. With heartfelt sympathy,"
• "Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and condolement equally you remember a friend who was so shut to you lot."
• "Our family is keeping your family unit in our thoughts and prayers."
• "Belongings you close in my thoughts and hoping you are doing OK."
• "Even though in that location is joy in the homegoing, there is sorrow in your loss. Thinking of y'all at this tender time."
• "Te acompaño en estos momentos de gran tristeza."

Writing tip: If you knew the person who has passed but not the surviving family member(s) to whom you're sending your card, it might exist helpful to mention your connection to their loved one (from school, through work, etc.).

Appreciation

It tin be a great comfort to a grieving person or family unit to hear that others thought highly of their loved i, also. If y'all knew and admired the loved one who has transitioned, be sure to let your recipient(southward) know.

Examples

• "What an amazing person and what a remarkable life. I feel and so lucky that I got to know him."
• "What a good and generous human your begetter was. I thought his funeral service was a wonderful tribute to him and all he has done for our community. He volition exist missed."
• "Your granddad believed in uplifting everyone in his circle. I was one of those people. And I am and so honored to have known him."
• "Your mama was an astonishing lady, and I feel privileged to take known her. I know y'all will miss her securely. I'll be keeping yous in my thoughts and prayers."
• "Celebrating the life of a good person and mourning their passing with you lot."
• "Celebrating the life of a good homo and mourning his passing with you."
• "Your girl touched so many lives for the good. I'm grateful I had the gamble to know her as both a colleague and a cherished friend."
• "Your mother blest and 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."
• "Our abuela told us our stories, passed down traditions and held united states together in love. We are so blessed to come from her and to feel her love from heaven."
• "I have the best memories of staying with Aunt Edie as a kid. I don't recollect I've told you lot this, but starting when I was most 10, she would take me to Becker's for ice cream cones…and allow me bulldoze! Just Aunt Edie…I'1000 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 most the vacuuming incident? My face injure for a full day after from laughing so much. I'll always cherish those memories of fun times spent with her."
• "Your mama was always doing for people. A lot of people accept been blessed by her kindness and concord her close in their hearts."
• "Qué persona tan maravillosa y qué vida tan extraordinaria. Me alegra mucho el haberla conocido."

Writing tip: Need a more specific word than "proficient" to draw the deceased? Consider 1 of these: kindhearted, talented, admired, unforgettable, fun-loving, funny, wonderful, well-loved, lovely, sweet, generous, 1-of-a-kind, one-in-a-1000000, honorable, respected, caring, hardworking, potent, energetic, happy.

Offering to Help

If yous're in a position to aid your recipient with arrangements, meals, housework, one thousand work, childcare or something else, and so feel free to include an offer to do and so every bit function of your bulletin. Simply be sure to follow up and follow through.

Examples

• "I know I can't make your pain go abroad, simply I want you to know I'chiliad here with a shoulder or an ear or anything else you need."
• "Thinking of your family with love and wanting to aid out in any way I can. I'll telephone call to come across when would be a practiced night to bring over a meal."
• "You've got so much on your listen and on your eye correct now. We hope it will brand ane less worry to know that Kevin and I will be taking care of the yard for as long every bit you need."
• "I know this must be a very difficult and enervating time for yous all. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. If at that place is annihilation nosotros can do—from walking Max to picking up your dry cleaning, please let us know."
• "It's so important to get your residue. I'll take the kids for a couple of hours whenever you need time to sit quietly."
• "Sé que no puedo desaparecer el dolor que estás sintiendo, pero aquí estoy para lo que necesites."

Writing tip: In general, the more specific your offer of aid, the better. And no task is besides small.

Post-obit Up

When someone you know is grieving, you lot might want to offer ongoing messages of back up in the weeks and months post-obit the loss of their loved one. Y'all tin send these cards to note an occasion like the loved 1'south birthday, a wedding anniversary, holidays or whatever other time when the grieving person may demand extra support.

Examples

• "It'south been a while, simply I know that the injure doesn't go abroad when the cards and casseroles exercise. I'thousand nonetheless here for you."
• "Just wanted to let you lot 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 DeMarcus, but I hope it helps a trivial to know that you're in my thoughts and prayers, especially through the holidays."
• "Hard to believe it'south been a year since we said good-bye to Noah. Couldn't let this anniversary go past without letting y'all know that I'm thinking of you."
• "This Kwanzaa season, in that location is a new ancestor to accolade. Thinking of y'all, your mother and your family as you lite the kinara."
• "Solo quería que supieras que sigo pensando en ti y en tu familia."

Writing tip: You lot will find some cards specific to sympathy follow-up, merely you might also choose to get with an encouragement or thinking-of-you card, or a blank card with a beautiful or lighthearted photo on the cover, depending on the tone you're going for.

Sudden or Unexpected Expiry

It's never piece of cake to lose someone nosotros love. But oft, a loss that no one saw coming can lead to complicated grief. This might be because of the deceased's young historic period or credible good wellness or an accident or other tragic circumstances. Whatsoever the case, these kinds of losses call for additional comfort, understanding and ongoing support.

Examples

• Words Neglect: "I'm not sure what to say in the face of such a difficult loss. Just desire you lot to know that I intendance nigh you lot, 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'k deeply sad your family unit is experiencing the pain of a loss like this. My heart goes out to each of you."
• This Is Specially Hard: "We never would have felt ready to say good-bye to someone every bit special equally Christina, but this timing feels particularly tough. Wishing your family comfort and strength for the days and weeks ahead. We'll exist praying for all of you lot."
• Wishes/Prayers: "Keeping you in my warmest thoughts every bit you navigate this difficult time—and wishing you lot hope and healing when you lot're ready."
• I'm Hither for You: "It'south going to take time to get through the daze of this loss. Merely want you to know we'll be here for you all the mode."
• Ongoing Support: "Hey, I know it'south been a couple of months since y'all lost Ernesto. Just want you to know I haven't forgotten. I'grand yet thinking most yous. And I'grand here to help out, heed, whatever y'all need."
• Cuando no encuentras las palabras adecuadas: "Ojalá supiera qué decirte ante esta pérdida tan inesperada… Pero lo que sí quiero que sepas es que lo siento mucho."

Pro Tip: If everything y'all try to write feels wrong or awkward, then keep your message curt. The simple act of sending a card communicates caring—fifty-fifty if y'all only sign it "With deepest sympathy" followed by your name.

When Someone Has Died by Suicide

Losing a loved i to suicide is devastating, and the isolation that tin result from others not knowing what to say or how to support has its own sting. Making the effort to connect is an important first stride. Offer your sincere condolences without questions and without judgment.

Examples

• Loss of Close Friend: "Trey was such a dear and loyal friend. He made an incredible impact on me and I will miss him then much. All my thoughts are with you lot and your family."
• Loss of Family Member of Close Friend: "Friend, there are no words for something as heartbreaking as this. I wish y'all didn't have to know this pain. Call me any fourth dimension, solar day or night, and I'll be checking in with you lot through the days and weeks to come."
• Unintentional (east.g. overdose): "I know how hard your sibling was struggling and how much your family has been through, and I'thou and so lamentable this happened."
• Military/PTSD: "Your family has served this country with courage and honor. You take so much to exist proud of. I hope that can bring you some comfort in your heartache."
• "Information technology's non fair that PTSD took someone who already gave and so much of himself/herself to others. It shouldn't be this way. I hope that you experience surrounded by love and back up every footstep of this journey."
• Immature Person: "I'chiliad still stunned about Ramesh. I tin't imagine what such a loving family like yours is going through right now. Ramesh actually shone his calorie-free when he was here. I loved that about him. He will be remembered and loved ever."
• LGBTQ: "Kai was 100% themselves, and I loved that about them. Their self-assuredness is something that will always inspire me even as I miss them so much. If you ever desire to share memories and stories, I'm here."
• En este momento tan difícil de entender.
• Pérdida de united nations familiar o amigo: "No puedo imaginar lo que están sintiendo en este momento tan difícil de entender, pero espero que tú y tu familia encuentren paz y consuelo en los gratos recuerdos de su ser amado. Los acompaño en su dolor."

Writing Tips:Acknowledge that the topic of suicide is very sensitive, and the recipient may have many complicated feelings. It'due south of import not to share your opinions on suicide and instead exist supportive of the person grieving and however they are experiencing grief.

Language Note: In being compassionate toward people whose lives have been impacted by suicide, information technology is important to avoid terms like "committing suicide," which tin evoke feelings of guilt and arraign. Instead, say "died of suicide" or "died by suicide."

When You lot Cannot Attend the Memorial Service

Information technology's a very human instinct to desire to offer condolences and support in person when someone has died. All the same, for a variety of reasons—either your own circumstances or the family's need to forego or delay a memorial service—information technology may exist impossible to exercise and then. In those cases, you may wish to say a piddling more in your written message.

Examples

• Wish I Could Be With You: "I wish I could be there to honour your dad along with you. He was a great man."
• Looking Ahead to a Memorial Later on On: "I know Kara's memorial service won't happen for a few months yet. Only didn't want to let that much time go past without reaching out to tell you lot how saddened I am past her passing. She was such a sweetheart. She'll be deeply missed."
• This Is Hard: "Information technology's hard to lose someone who meant and then much to all of u.s., and even harder that nosotros 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 alee."
• I'k Here for Yous in Other Means: "Fifty-fifty though I tin't be at that place for Tom's service, merely desire you lot to know I'yard here to drop food by, mow the lawn or anything else that comes upwards."
• Homegoing: "In that location is a celebration in sky and a celebration in our hearts even though we can't be there to put our artillery effectually you."
• "Ojalá pudiera estar ahí contigo para honrar la memoria de tu papá. Fue un gran hombre."

Pro Tip: When you lot can't be there to honor the deceased in person, you might also choose to brand some kind of honoring gesture in addition to sending a sympathy card.

Loss of Parent

It'southward never like shooting fish in a barrel to lose a parent. No matter how erstwhile nosotros are, no matter how close or complicated the human relationship, it hits difficult. And it calls for some special words of comfort. (Note: These message examples alternate references to mother and father but could work for either.)

Examples

• Compliment: "Your father was such a wonderful man. I was lucky to know him."
• She'll Ever Be With You: "Yous'll always remember how information technology felt to express mirth with her and be loved by her. I promise those memories will bring comfort in time."
• He Lives on in You: "The lessons your dad taught you, the love he gave, the mode he cared for people…all those good things alive on in y'all."
• Y'all Were a Condolement: "Y'all were a joy to your mother all your life, and a huge condolement to her over these past few months. It'southward sad to lose her, merely I hope you feel good about the manner you were at that place 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 Also: "Your mom was such a skilful friend. I loved her, as well."
• When Y'all Didn't Know Him: "I didn't accept the hazard to know your father, but I know he must take been someone special to have raised a great son like yous."
• This Is Hard: "It'south and then difficult saying good day to your mom. My heart goes out to you correct now."
• He was a pillar in our community: "Your daddy was father, brother, uncle and wise elder to so many in our community. He was much of a man."
• Share a Memory: "Nobody could match your dad for making people feel special. I'll e'er remember being the smallest kid on the pee-wee baseball game squad he coached, but feeling big, because he made me team helm."
• Siempre estará contigo: "El amor infinito de tu mamá siempre permanecerá en tu corazón, y su recuerdo vivirá para siempre en nuestras memorias. Lo sentimos mucho."

Pro Tip: If yous've lost a parent yourself, it's fine to mention that, but take intendance not to make your message more about you lot and your feel. Keep the focus on sending comfort and support to the person yous're writing to, and don't assume you sympathise exactly how they feel.

Loss of Spouse or Partner

Someone who's but lost their spouse or partner is both grieving and likewise facing a huge adjustment to their day-to-mean solar day living and sense of identity. Whether they've been sharing life for vi years or sixty years, it'southward a shock to lose that feeling of togetherness in everything. You might cull to admit this in a direct or indirect fashion in what you write.

Examples

• Compliment the Relationship: "What the ii of you shared was truly something special. You lot loved each other and so well."
• Compliment the Deceased: "Stephanie was one of the funniest, most vibrant people I've e'er met. I'thousand then grateful I got to know her."
• He'll Always Be With Yous: "Someone who shared so much of life with you will forever be a office of you. Keeping you in my prayers as you remember your husband."
• Have Care of Yourself: "I know the days and months ahead will be a big adjustment, so please give yourself a lot of grace. Do any you need to take care of y'all—and know I'thousand here for you, likewise."
• I Believe in You: "I know it must feel like this pain will never stop. Only I believe in my heart that condolement will observe you when you're ready. I believe you've got the strength to come up through. And in time, I hope you'll believe it, also."
• Miss Her Too: "Linda was such a terrific colleague and friend. I miss her deeply."
• Loved Him Too: "I promise information technology helps a little to hear how much Matt was loved by others, too—me, for one."
• When Yous Don't Know the Surviving Spouse/Partner: "Fifty-fifty though we haven't had the chance to meet in person, I experience similar I know you from the glowing way Jim talked near you. It was easy to run across how much he loved you."
• This Is Hard: "Losing the one you love is so hard. And and then I'm praying hard for yous—for peace, for comfort, for whatever you need correct now."
• Share a Memory: "I was only thinking nigh Anne's unforgettable dinner parties—particularly the one with the notorious lemon-bar incident. That was the best. And SHE was the best."
• Share What'due south True: "He held y'all down and lifted you up in this world. I hope you can still experience him and his dearest around you."
• Admiración hacia la pareja: "El amor que compartieron fue realmente especial. Deseo de todo corazón que su recuerdo te traiga tranquilidad y consuelo."

Writing Tip: For a surviving spouse who even so has kids living it home, consider including them in your message. You could mention them in your greeting ("Beloved Ellen and Family" or "Dear Finn, Katie, and Joe"), in the trunk of your message, or both. Another option would exist to send a split card to each of the kids.

Loss of Kid

This is an peculiarly tough one. Every parent wants so much to nurture, protect, and see their kid grow up, simply sadly, life doesn't always work out that way. When writing to someone who'southward lost a kid, try to relax and remember that the gesture of reaching out volition probably mean just as much as the bodily words you write.

Examples

• Compliment: "Della was such a sugariness girl. I wish she could take stayed with you, and with all of us, for so much longer."
• They'll Ever Be a Office of You: "You'll always miss Alex, just they'll e'er be with you in the memories you lot continue, the stories your family tells, the laughter you share, and the love you lot all hold for them. May those expert things aid heal the hurt in time."
• I'chiliad Sorry: "Then deeply sorry y'all take to go through a heartbreak like this. Sharing in your sorrow and keeping your family in our almost caring prayers."
• Time Was Brusk/Love Was Large: "Fifty-fifty though Maddie was with usa for also short a time, she filled the world effectually her with and so much joy. And you filled hers with and then much dearest."
• His Life Mattered: "Though nosotros only got to concur him for a picayune while, he brought us together and brought so many smiles. Celebrating all the days that were brighter because he was here."
• Loved Her Likewise: "I hope there'southward some comfort in knowing how much we loved Aya, too."
• Miss Him Too: "Missing Henry right forth with you."
• This Is Heartbreaking: "It just feels wrong that you should have to say goodbye to your kid. Whatever you lot're feeling, please know y'all're not lonely. I'grand only one of many who want to do whatever we can to support you in the weeks and months to come."
• Share a Memory: "Jamal was the first to be a friend to anybody who needed 1. I was just remembering when our class got a new student this spring, and Jamal made a point of sitting with him at lunch. He was a special kid."
• Siempre será parte de ti: "Tu hijo es una estrella en el cielo, y su luz iluminará siempre tu camino y tu corazón."

Writing Tip: You tin conform most of these message ideas for parents who accept lost an developed son or daughter. The heartbroken feeling that life isn't supposed to work like this volition nevertheless apply—and the need for caring, support, and prayers will be similar, too.

Miscarriage

Miscarriage is the kind of loss that you may just know well-nigh if you're role of the mom's or couple'south inner circle of family and friends. If that'southward the example, you accept a unique opportunity be a source of condolement and support in a earth that doesn't know.

Examples

• Your Loss Is Real: "The beloved you felt for your baby-to-be was real, and so is the loss you're experiencing. I hope you tin exist gentle with yourself and honor whatever you're feeling right now."
• I'm Sorry: "I'grand then sorry y'all've had to allow go of the dreams you were already cherishing for your babe."
• This Is Hard: "I tin can't begin to sympathize all you're feeling right now, just I know information technology can't be easy. I wish yous didn't have to go through a loss like this."
• Wish for Healing: "Keeping you and Keisha in my thoughts and hoping for healing to come up to you in time."
• I'm Here for Y'all: "I was securely saddened to hear you've had a miscarriage. Merely want you lot to know I'chiliad here for you lot—to talk, to bring over a meal, or any you need right now."
• It'south Not Your Error: "Just wanted to remind yous that there was zero you could or should accept done differently. Sometimes these things just happen. I'm sorry information technology had to happen to you."
• Lo siento: "Siento mucho la pérdida de tu bebé. Aquí estoy para ti, para hablar, para escucharte, para lo que necesites."

Writing Tip: It's pitiful for an expecting mother to lose a pregnancy even when she already has children, or may go on to have others. So avoid saying anything like "At least you already have Emma" or "You tin can always try again." Those thoughts come from a good place, but they risk implying that the mom or couple should just get over it quickly and motion on.

Find more messages and ways to back up parents who accept lost a baby.

Loss of Pet

Pets are genuinely family members for a lot of the states, and when we lose one, it tin can be a huge comfort to have others recognize how much they meant and how pitiful it is to say farewell.

Examples

• Compliment: "Benny was such a skilful dog. So deplorable you lot've had to say good day to him."
• You Loved Her Well: "From your first hi, to your last bye, Shadow felt how much y'all 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 call back happy times with your loyal companion and friend."
• She'll Always Be Office of Y'all: "Trixie may be gone from your lap, just she'll stay in your center 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 concord such an of import place in our lives and our hearts. Thinking of you every bit you call up Gertie."
• Share a Retention: "I'll never forget walking into your kitchen and finding every unmarried chiffonier open up and Fluff peeking out from a drawer. He was such a clever cat."
• "Lucas era un perro tan bueno y cariñoso. Siento mucho que hayas tenido que decirle adiós."

Pro Tip: If your recipient has had to brand the hard decision to accept their pet put to sleep, consider affirming them in that decision. Let them know you support their pick, that you lot know it wasn't like shooting fish in a barrel, that yous share their sadness only are glad their friend isn't hurting anymore.

Sympathy Closings

A warm, respectful closing is a graceful mode 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 deplorable fourth dimension,
• In caring sympathy,
• With you in sorrow,
• Sharing your sadness,
• Thinking of you,
• Caring thoughts are with you,
• God bless,
• God bless yous and condolement you,
• Keeping yous in our prayers,
• Lifting yous up in prayer,
• Praying for you,
• Wishing y'all peace,
• Wishing yous healing,
• My centre goes out to you,
• Please accept our condolences,
• My sincere condolences,
• Prayerfully,
• Con el más sentido pésame,

What Non to Write in a Sympathy Card

Hither are a few thoughts and phrases to avoid in sympathy cards, because they risk either minimizing the recipients' unique feelings of grief or actually making them feel worse.

Examples

• "I know how you feel." We all feel and procedure grief differently.
• "She was so young." No demand for a potentially painful reminder.
• "What a terrible loss." Avoid dwelling on the pain or difficulty of the loss.
• "You should…" Instead of advice, offer comfort and support.
• "You will…" Steer clear of predictions most how their grief journey will go.
• "This happened for a reason." Even with the best intentions backside information technology, this idea risks assigning blame for the death.
• "Sé cómo te sientes." No es bueno asumir cómo se sienten las personas. Todos experimentamos el duelo de manera diferente.

Writing tip: If yous're still worried about saying the wrong thing, then keep your message very short. The simple act of sending the card lets your recipient know you care.

What to write in a sympathy card VIDEO

Find out the uncomplicated formula for crafting your own sympathy message and get some real life examples and watch-outs from Hallmark Senior Author Cat Hollyer.

• Tags:
• Greeting Card Letters and Ideas
• What to write video guide

• Credits:
• Boosted contributions by Cat Hollyer, Linda Barnes, Allyson Cook and Suzanne Heins. Melvina Immature, Megan Haave and Cindy Phillips.

Keely Chace is a Hallmark Master Writer who loves reading, running and spending time with her husband and daughters. She shares writing tips in her "What to Write" series on Hallmark & Community.

charlesfroact.blogspot.com

Source: https://ideas.hallmark.com/articles/sympathy-ideas/what-to-write-in-a-sympathy-card/

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