“Do not ask them to contact you if they need anything,” Enebrad says. Absolutely never say, 'I know how you feel.” Additionally, it’s always best not to ask how you can help. “Focus on the griever and his or her feelings. “Never make it about you and your experience with loss,” she says. Shirley Enebrad, an author and certified grief recovery specialist agrees. You want your words to do the opposite, not highlighting the death but celebrating the life.” “While you may feel this way, any phrase that brings attention to the death can produce more grief and sadness.

“Never write, ‘They're in a better place and there's no more pain,’” says Smith. Just be sure to avoid writing things that could be upsetting or misinterpreted. “Reminders of that funny moment at the family gathering, the first time you met the deceased, milestones you may have shared, or something that was unique to the deceased are all things you want to share,” says Smith. While these messages are intended to spark ideas and serve as inspiration, you should always be authentic and include a personal memory or anecdote, if possible. In the weeks, months and years following the tangible items will remain.” In the days after a funeral the family is bombarded with guests and comfort. “The recipient may forget the day you called or visited but your card is a keepsake.

“Handwritten notes are one of the most personal forms of communication,” says Tanea Smith, owner of She’s Got Papers, an online stationery boutique. Whether it’s a friend coping with the sudden loss of a spouse or a colleague whose mom recently passed, sharing your heartfelt sympathy lets them know that they’re not alone and that you’re thinking of them. These messages will show the bereaved how much you care while remaining respectful and supportive. It can be especially difficult if you didn’t know the deceased personally.įor help finding the right words, we’ve rounded up some thoughtful messages to write inside a sympathy card, note or letter for someone dealing with the death of a loved one.

You want to acknowledge their loss and grief, but also don’t want to say the wrong thing. Finding the right words to express condolences to a person who’s lost someone can be a challenging and emotional experience. Writing a sympathy card is never a welcomed task.

My best friend passed away quotes