What to Write in Sympathy Cards. . .

What to Write in Sympathy Cards

It is often times very difficult  to express what you want to say in a sympathy card.  Here are a few samples of what you can write:

• “I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of _____.”
• “I’m praying for you.”
• “I’m thinking of you during this difficult and sad time.”
• “In loving memory of ______. We will all miss him dearly.”
• “Love and sympathies to you and your family.”
• “May fond memories of _______ bring you comfort, even as you face these dark days.”
• “May God bless you and keep you in his care, now and in the days to come.”
• “May God comfort you with His peace and strength.”

• “May the love of family and friends sustain you in these difficult days.”
• “Our heartfelt condolences.”
• “Our hearts go out to you in your time of grief.”
• “Please accept my sincere sympathies.”
• “Please know that we are here from you, sending our love.”
• “Praying for you in fondness and friendship, particularly at this sad time.”
• “Sharing your sorrow, as we fondly recall our dear friend ________.”
• “We cannot begin to understand what you must be going through right now, but we send our love, and we promise to pray for your entire family.”

• “With love and fond memories of ________.”
• “With sincere sympathy.”
• “Words fail to express our sadness at the death of ________.”
• “You are in my thoughts.”

Of course, certain overused phrases and well-meaning, but inappropriate, statements are to be absolutely avoided in sympathy cards. Here are a dozen toxic examples of these potentially tacky and damaging statements:

• “At least, she is no longer suffering.”
• “Death and taxes are certain.”
• “Feel better fast.”
• “He lived a full life.”
• “His health went downhill so fast.”
• “I know just how you feel.”
• “It was just his time.”
• “It was worse when my dad died.”
• “Perhaps his death was a blessing, after all.”
• “Time heals all wounds.”
• “You will get over it eventually.”
• “You’ll find someone else.”