Writing a sympathy card can be a challenging task, especially when you’re trying to express condolences for the loss of someone special to the recipient. Here is a comprehensive guide on how to write a sympathy card:
- Start with a heartfelt greeting: Begin your message with a warm greeting that expresses your sympathy. You can begin with “Dear [Recipient’s name],” or “To the [Recipient’s name] Family.”
- Express your sympathy: Offer your condolences and express how sorry you are for the recipient’s loss. You can use phrases such as “I’m sorry for your loss” or “Please accept my condolences.”
- Share a memory: If you knew the deceased, share a fond memory or story. It can be a cherished moment or something that brought a smile to your face.
- Offer support: Let the recipient know that you are there for them during this difficult time. You can offer to help with anything they need or just be someone to talk to.
- End with a closing message: End your message with a final expression of sympathy, such as “Thinking of you during this difficult time” or “Sending love and comfort to you and your family.”
Here are some sympathy quotes that you can add to your message:
- “Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch.” – J.K. Rowling
- “Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy.” – Eskimo Proverb
- “Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.” – Vicki Harrison
- “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller
- “Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.” – Author Unknown
- Remember, the most important thing when writing a sympathy card is to be sincere and heartfelt. Your words can provide comfort and support during a difficult time.
Quotes to add in Sympathy cards
Here are some quotes that you can add in a sympathy card:
- “Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near, still loved, still missed, and very dear.” – Anonymous
- “Perhaps they are not stars in the sky, but rather openings where our loved ones shine down to let us know they are happy.” – Eskimo Proverb
- “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller
- “Grief is the price we pay for love.” – Queen Elizabeth II
- “To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” – Thomas Campbell
- “Although it’s difficult today to see beyond the sorrow, may looking back in memory help comfort you tomorrow.” – Anonymous
- “Those who have shown us love, brought us joy, and made us laugh, have given us the lasting gifts of a beautiful life and blessed our memories forever.” – Anonymous
- “May the memories held deep within your heart help to soothe your spirit during this difficult time.” – Anonymous
- “Your loved one will always be as close as a memory, and the God of all comfort will always be as close as a prayer.” – Anonymous
- “What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller.
How to conclude a sympathy card
Concluding a sympathy card can be done in a few different ways, depending on your personal style and the relationship you have with the recipient. Here are a few options:
- Sincerely: This is a simple, classic way to end a sympathy card. It’s appropriate for most situations and shows that you genuinely care about the recipient and their loss.
- With love: If you are close to the recipient, ending your card with “with love” can be a nice touch. It shows that you are not only expressing sympathy, but also sending warmth and affection.
- Warmly: Similar to “with love,” ending your card with “warmly” can convey a sense of closeness and comfort.
- With deepest sympathy: This phrase is a traditional and respectful way to end a sympathy card. It communicates a sense of solemnity and acknowledgement of the gravity of the situation.
- Thinking of you: Ending your card with “thinking of you” can be a good way to let the recipient know that they are in your thoughts and that you are there for them during this difficult time.
Ultimately, the most important thing is to write from the heart and choose a closing that feels authentic to you and appropriate for the situation.
While sending free sympathy cards to someone who has just lost a loved one is sweet, it is also considerate to get in touch with the individual again—whether it be in person, over the phone, via email, or in a letter. If you get in touch with the bereaved on the anniversary of the loss of their loved one, too, to let them know you are thinking of them, they would appreciate it.
