One of the hardest things to know is what to say in a sympathy card.
Writing a card is hard when you’re upset or grieving. Or maybe you’re in shock from an unexpected loss.
When I practiced medicine, sometimes the office sent a sympathy card to grieving family members. Knowing what to say was often hard.
It can be challenging to know what to say without offending anyone.
You know what?
It’s important to do it anyway. You’re offering comfort to a grieving person. And sometimes that’s all you can do.
A sympathy card is often thought of as old fashioned or just out of date in the digital age.
It’s not.
What is it?
* It’s personal.
* It’s lasting. Flowers will fade in a few days, but a card or note is something they can hold on to. Sympathy cards are often cherished, read over and over. They may not comprehend what you write today, but maybe several weeks or months from now they will.
* It shows you care.
How do you decide what to say in a sympathy card?
* Offer support and comfort.
* Remember it’s all about the bereaved and their loss. While you may be able to share in their grief, if they were closer to the deceased their loss is likely greater than yours.
* There are some phrases like, “In deepest sympathy” that are a good starting place.
Because I know how hard it can be to figure out what you want to say, I’ve written a little book to give you some ideas.
It’s available on Kindle for a very low introductory price. And if you don’t have a Kindle, Amazon has free apps you can use to read it on your computer or smart phone at www.AskDrIna.com/KindleApp.
To buy the book go to
Right now it’s less than the price of most cards!
In its category on Kindle it’s #2 as I write this and moving up. Can you help move it to #1?
To your healthy caregiving,
Dr. Ina
Ina Gilmore M.D. (ret.)
“The Knitting Dr”
Ambassador of Elder Care, www.HowToLiveOnPurpose.com
Founder, www.CaregivingWithPurpose.com and www.TheKnittingYarn.com
P.S. A death is often unexpected. Be prepared for writing your next sympathy card or letter. Get your copy now at www.AskDrIna.com/SympathyBook.
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Ina, this is a marvelous book. I’m so glad I bought it. I’m a good writer and love people, yet when family, friends or business associates and customers encounter grief in their lives, even I am challenged to know what to say to help people through their grief. I have found most people feel awkward dealing with others’ grief. Ina Gilmore has written a wonderfully helpful book with some marvelous tips even.
John R. Aberle recently posted..By: John Aberle
Thank John! Glad you found the book helpful.