Sympathy Cards and Comforting Messages

Sympathy cards are much more valuable than any other type of greeting. It is likely that a hurting friend will treasure a nicely done card as a token of remembrance. It's comforting message might be read over and over again. It might be shared with friends and family or displayed on a table with pictures and flowers. Sending a sympathy greeting is a simple gesture that will make a big difference to a hurting friend.

Ideas for What to Write Inside of a Sympathy Card

The purpose of your sympathy greeting is to let the bereaved know that you are thinking of them and sharing in their sorrow. Your message should be brief, about three or four sentences.

Explain how you found out the news of the death, "I just heard that Tom died this morning, I am still getting over the shock of it."
Express your sympathy. "I am so sorry for your loss."
Include a favorite memory or positive statement about the deceased. "I'll never forget the way Tom always made time for us kids no matter how busy his schedule was. He was a wonderful man."
End with a thoughtful sentiment. "In loving memory" or "Thinking of you and offering you hope and comfort."

In some instances you may just want to write a sentiment and then sign your name.

Need help knowing how to address a card?

Find it here, plus answers to other sympathy etiquette questions

Sample Sympathy Messages

Find the right wording for sympathy cards can be difficult. Here are some ideas that you can use. Just reading the following sympathy sentiments can give you some great ideas to right your own.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.
May you find peace and love in the memories you cherish.
Thinking of you in these difficult times.
Our hearts are filled with sorrow.
Sharing in your sorrow.
May you endure this difficult time and come to a place of peace and acceptance.
Our deepest sympathies during your time of loss. Please know that we are here for you. With love and prayers,

Look at more Sympathy Sentiments

If you want to write more than a sentiment, but still want to write something a little bit poetic, some of the following condolence messages may suit you. These are longer sympathy messages similiar to what you might find in a sympathy card. One of the following messages hand-written in a blank greeting card would make a lovely and thoughtful expression of sympathy.

"May the peace which comes from the memories of love shared, comfort you now and in the days ahead."
"Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers."
"Although no words can really help to ease the loss you bear, just know that you are very close in every thought and prayer."
"You have my deepest sympathies on the death of your uncle. Know that our hearts go out to you in your time of sorrow."
"I was deeply saddened to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time."
"You have my sincere condolences on the loss of your father. We are with you during this time of grief."
"We are deeply saddened by your loss. We will cherish the memories of the times we spent together."
"Lean on your friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about."
"As you comprehend this profound loss, let yourself cry knowing each tear is a note of love rising to the heavens."
"May the God of comfort help you during this difficult time and may the love of those around you help you through the days ahead."

For even more ideas go to verses for sympathy cards.

Besides dwelling on the details of the death, phrases or sayings that you may want to avoid are:

"I know how you feel."
"It's for the best."
"Time heals all wounds."
"He is in a better place now."
"I hope you will feel better soon."
"Sending happy thoughts your way."
"It was his time to go."
"Tomorrow will be a better day."
"This too shall pass."
"He won't suffer anymore."

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