Why It's Important to Express Your Sympathy
My Mom died when I was 33. I was pregnant with my second child, and her death was completely unexpected. My Dad passed away when I was 6, so my mother was the world to me.
I was a mess. Then one day I received a card in the mail, and it made things so much better. The card was incredibly random. It was from a woman I'd never met, and didn't know in the slightest. She was a friend of my Mom's, so the name was familiar. My Mom was an expert seamstress, and she and this mysterious woman had been members of a weekly sewing club, called the "So What's."
The card looked like one that came from an all-occasion box from a big box retailer. It was old-fashioned and ordinary, but the sentiment was pure gold. Inside this card, my mother's friend wrote the most thoughtful words I could have asked for: how my mother was so proud of me, how my Mom loved seeing me as a mother, how my mother was sure I'd inherited my Dad's entrepreneurial spirit....All of these things she knew from 20 years of conversations at the sewing circle. These kind, insightful words somehow helped give me closure and comfort as I grieved my wonderful mother.
That day I vowed to never be silent when a friend, family member or even acquaintance suffers a loss. I always try to take the time to write a personal note, a thoughtful text or a heartfelt social media comment, to express my sympathy. You know why? Because it absolutely matters. Sometimes even the simplest gestures of sympathy mean the world to those who are suffering loss. Here are a few ways to put your thoughts into words. Sometimes people say nothing, because they struggle with the right thing to say. This list will definitely help - whatever you do, don't stay silent. If you do, it will eat away at you, and someday you are bound to run into the grieving person, and then you'll really feel like a heel! It's important to reach out in sympathy, and let grieving people feel loved and supported.
Examples of Expressions of Sympathy:
- Sending love, thoughts and prayers to you and your family during this tough time.
- I hope you feel surrounded by much love.
- I am so sorry for your loss, and I am here to help you in any way I can.
- My favorite memory of your Dad is....
- Our hearts are filled with sorrow.
- Thinking of you in these difficult times.
- Sending our sincere sympathies from afar.
- We are heartbroken by your loss and sorry we cannot be there during this difficult time.
- Sending healing prayers of comfort. We are so sorry for your loss.
- With deepest sympathy as you remember your Dad.
- Remembering your wonderful husband and wishing you comfort.
- It was truly a pleasure working with your Mom. She will be greatly missed.
- Thinking of all of you as you celebrate your Dad's remarkable life.
- Our family is keeping your family in our thoughts and prayers.
- Holding you all close in my thoughts and hoping you are doing okay.
- Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace and comfort as you remember your dear Mother.
- Your husband touched so many lives for the good.I'm so grateful I had the chance to know him as a colleague and friend.
- I'm deeply sorry your family is experiencing this painful loss. My heart goes out to each of you.
- Wishing your family comfort and strength in the coming days and weeks ahead. We'll be praying for you.
- Keeping you in my warmest thoughts during this incredibly difficult time, and wishing you hope and healing when you are ready.
- I wish I had the right words, just know I care.
- There are no words to ease the pain of what you are going through but know that you are loved and supported. I am here for you.
- I'm so sorry for your loss. I'm bringing treats and coffee and I'll be there in 20 minutes.
We make it super easy to send a heartfelt note. Here are a few of our FREE notecards, totally appropriate for expressions of sympathy. Just download, print on light card stock or resume paper, fold, and drop in an envelope. Your simple gesture will be appreciated!
