Viewing Sympathy Cards: What Do I Say?Sympathy Cards: What Do I Say?
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Never underestimate the powerful message you convey by just sending a card at a time of grief. While many ask that donations be given in lieu of flowers, it is always appropriate to send a card to honor the departed one. This article explains. By Karen Miller One of the most difficult cards to send to a family or friend is a sympathy card. Why? Because if you are like us, you have many mixed feelings on what is truly appropriate for the situation. However, never underestimate the powerful message you convey by just sending a card at a time of grief. While many ask that donations be given in lieu of flowers, it is always appropriate to send a card to honor the departed one. If you are reluctant to send a card, just because you don't know what to say, don't give up! Review the following lists of phrases and read each one aloud. Place a checkmark by the ones that sound 'natural' and appear to be a fit for your situation. Work with it until it feels right; combine or adapt them to meet the unique situation. If you are a spiritual person, you may want to choose a phrase like: Some people may be intimidated to mention prayer, especially if they are not regular church attendees, so some good choices would be: This is NOT a time where you need to go into details. One sentence with your signature can be sufficient to let your friends know you care and you are there for them. Send a card as soon as you hear the news. Then follow-up with another card to focus on the survivors and let them know you are there to help them through the grieving process. If you are sending a card to someone that is of a different religion, and you are unfamiliar with his or her grieving process, take a few moments to conduct web-based research about what is acceptable and not. The person will appreciate you taking the time to send an appropriate sympathy card. If you feel inclined, and were close to the deceased person, you may want to send a short heartwarming story about how the deceased made a difference in your life or in the lives of others. This is a time to celebrate the uniqueness of that individual and to help establish ways to remember him or for for the goodness and happiness brought to others. This message will become a cherished memory that lives on for many years. Your thoughtfulness to share this special moment with that family member will lift the person's spirits and help to focus on the positive. Another way to share a memory is to put together a collage of pictures and phrases that were meaningful to the survivors and / or the deceased. Perhaps there were special vacation spots, annual family gatherings, or traditions that were continued based upon the leadership and participation of that family member. Having cards that show the person smiling, in good health, hugging and sharing special moments with family are priceless. Adding a short note about how the person was a great BBQ chef, or knew how to arrange flowers just the right way, or even how the person's smile lit up a room can bring joy into the grieving hearts of those who mourn. If you did not know the deceased personally but are friends or business acquaintances with someone who has suffered a loss, don't try to make up a story. Just focus on letting your friend know that you are there for him/her. Simply saying 'I am here if you need someone to talk to' may be very comforting to that person. Don't be afraid to offer condolences to pet owners, too. So many folks young and old have pets that are truly members of their families. My mother recently lost her cat Morris, who lived through all of his nine lives to the ripe old age of 24. Morris and my mom had been through a lot together, and I knew she was very sad to part with him. I found a simple little card and wrote a quick line to comfort her. The next time we spoke, she told me how important that sympathy card was to her, since Morris was 'her child'. Finally, what about e-cards in this situation? My advice is to send a REAL card. Even if the card does not arrive in time for the funeral, it will be appreciated. Many people keep the cards they receive and read them time and time again to help them get closure on their loss. We hope this article was useful and that you will print it and save it for future reference. About the Author: Scott and Karen Miller make it a habit to send cards to friends and family every day. Be a part of the online community that shares thoughts on how to use cards to connect to one another and enrich lives with positive messages - My Heartfelt Cards. Article Source: Eulogy Site - http://EulogySite.com More free articles: 1st Rate Articles - 1stRateArticles.com |
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