How to Write a Sympathy Card

Supporting a Griever / Supporting a Griever : Litsa Williams



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Why is writing a sympathy card so hard? It seems like it should be simple, yet even the most compassionate card-authors often find themselves Googling things like "What to write in a sympathy card?."

If this is you, don't feel bad, most of us have done it.  

If you think about it, writing a sympathy card is actually anything but easy. On the one hand, you have a friend or family member experiencing infinite pain, on the other, you have a measly 5x7 blank space to say something helpful or comforting.  

Add to that the anxiety people feel about saying and doing the "right" or "wrong" thing. They don't teach you how to craft appropriate sympathy card messages in school. This day and age, most people have little practice writing cards and letters at all!  

Here's the good news: the fact that you're researching this topic indicates you are a thoughtful and caring friend, which is an essential first step. You may not have the perfect words, but you have good intentions, and this counts for a lot more than people realize.

That being said, you probably aren't reading this because you want to be reassured. You are probably reading this because you want to know what to write, so we are going to give you a little guidance. 

Below are some simple DOs and DON'Ts for writing a sympathy card. Additionally, you may wish to scroll through the following posts:

 

DO:

Pick a simple card: We know it can be tempting to go with an elaborate card with a long, printed message -- Hallmark wrote all the words so you don't have to, right!?! But a simple card with a longer, personal note will be a lot more meaningful. This will allow you to personalize your message and shows that you took the time to think of your friend.

Consider what you know about the recipient: We can't tell you exactly which card to buy and exactly what to write because we don't know your friend. But you do!

When picking out a card, think about your friend and trust your judgment. For example, if they are not religious, a very religious card may not be the best fit (even if it is the one you like best).

Handwrite your message:  This feels like it should go without saying, but in the technological age it may be tempting to consider other options. Don’t do it! It doesn't matter if your handwriting is bad or if you're out of stamps.

This is one time it is important to sit down, grab your pen, and send it snail mail. Many people keep all the sympathy cards they receive and find comfort in them during their grief. Feel free to send an email, text, or facebook message in addition to a card, but don't skip the card. 

Talk about the person who died: This may sound like a given, but so often our sympathy card messages will focus exclusively on the pain the recipient is experiencing. A card remembering the special qualities of the person who died, or even a specific memory of that person, can go a long way in offering comfort.

Offer something specific: Though grieving people often need help and support, it can be hard for them to know how to ask or what to ask for. Offer them some specific suggestions of how you could help (I would be happy to babysit Sally for a few hours any time; I would be happy to take care of mowing the lawn for you for the next few weeks).

 

Plan to send an anniversary card: When someone dies the sympathy cards roll in. But one year after the loss many grievers are faced with silence. Very few people remember the date or to check in with them. When you buy a sympathy card, buy a card for the one year anniversary of the loss at the same time (better yet, buy our anniversary of a death sympathy card).

Put the date on your calendar and stick a note on the card, then tuck it away. Send it at the one year mark to let your friend know that you are still thinking of them, that you acknowledge their grief is still difficult, and that you are still there for support.


DON’T:

Rehash the tragedy: Again, this seems like a gimme, but when you don’t know what to say all sorts of inappropriate things can pour out of your mouth/pen. A sympathy card is not the place to rehash the specific circumstances of the loss.

Say "your loved one is in a better place": They may believe this to be true. They may even say it, but you don’t want to be the one to say it first. Even if you know they believe in an afterlife, this does not ease the pain of the person being gone.

Offer something you can’t deliver on: We are all for people offering specific ways they can help but don’t offer something you can’t follow through on. It can be very hard for a griever to ask for support, so if you say you can make them dinner every Sunday this month you better be able to do it.

Say anything on the WYG ‘what not to say” list: Check out our full list of what not to say before you write your card. 

Fall back on stock phrases from greeting cards. A personal message is crucial. A long message created by a Hallmark employee does not exactly convey your most sincere, heartfelt, or genuine sentiments. Create your own personal message, no matter how tough it is. A sincere personal message will go further than a Hallmark message every time.

 

That is it! That's our wisdom. I'm sorry we can't give you exact phrases to copy, but we will share a few examples below.


Sympathy Card Messages:

General Format:

Dear ___________,
Offer condolences. Talk about the person who died. Offer something specific. Close.
Sign.

Specific Examples:

Example #1

Dear Kaitlyn,

I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I can’t even imagine the pain of losing a parent. Though I didn’t know your mom well, she was always so kind and had such a wonderful sense of humor. I will miss talking to her in the yard about her beautiful garden – she was a pleasure in the neighborhood. Since I live right next door to your mom’s house, please let me know if I can be helpful by picking up the mail, mowing the lawn, or addressing any other maintenance needs. Please take care and don’t hesitate to call me if I can be of any support.

Take Care,
Dave

Example #2

Concerned because you didn’t know the person who died and you need to send a sympathy card? This can be tough because you can't talk about the person. Don’t worry. In this case, you can replace specific memories about the person who died with special qualities of the bereaved. Rely on what you know and have observed.

Dear Janis,

I am so sorry for the loss of your mom. I can’t even imagine the pain of losing a parent. I can tell from the way you talk about your mom how close you were. Your incredible support to her through her illness is a testament to your love for her. She raised an amazing daughter. I am sure you will have many arrangements to take care of in the next few weeks. I would be happy to watch the girls for a few hours if it would be helpful. You, Rick, and the girls will be in my thoughts.

Love,
Donna

 

Example #3

Still worried about writing a sympathy card when the loss is someone you don’t know? Feel like it is impossible to make it personal and heartfelt? For some final inspiration, see the letter below written by Abraham Lincoln to mother who lost multiple sons during the civil war. He had never met her or any of her children.

Dear Madam,

I have been shown in the files of the War Department a statement of the Adjutant-General of Massachusetts that you are the mother of five sons who have died gloriously on the field of battle. I feel how weak and fruitless must be any words of mine which should attempt to beguile you from the grief of a loss so overwhelming. But I cannot refrain from tendering you the consolation that may be found in the thanks of the Republic they died to save. I pray that our Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement, and leave you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.

Yours very sincerely and respectfully,
Abraham Lincoln


Looking for something to send with your card? Consider our ideas of 'What To Send Instead Of Flowers'

You can also pick up some great and unique grief gift boxes over at Here For You - from practical to self-care. And Here for You even kicks in to support WYG's free grief and bereavement support every time a box is sold from here! 

Supporting someone after a death is an important but challenging role and we know sometimes you might need a little help. If you don't want to miss any articles on this topic we recommend you subscribe to receive our posts straight to your e-mail inbox. We're here for you!

 

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After writing online articles for What’s Your Grief for over a decade, we finally wrote a tangible, real-life book!

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8 Comments on "How to Write a Sympathy Card"

Click here to leave a Comment
  1. Chris  December 3, 2019 at 8:45 pm Reply

    Any acknowledgement of a loss is better than nothing. We recently lost our daughter. People would look at us and not know what to say so the would ignore us. That’s what hurts. Just do or say something.

    4
  2. Joanne  July 13, 2019 at 1:11 pm Reply

    Saying or doing nothing is worse than the fear of the wrong thing. If you can’t send a card right away, send it when you can….. grieving is a process and your words will likely arrive at a time when they need encouragement.

    1
  3. KIRSTY  November 19, 2016 at 4:58 am Reply

    I also like how it points out that everyone is different.

    1
  4. KIRSTY  November 19, 2016 at 4:57 am Reply

    Thanks for this. There are so many articles out there that simply tell you what NOT to say. Which can leave those of us who are inarticulate in such situations feeling completely paralysed – you can end up saying nothing at all for fear of saying the wrong thing. This article is much more helpful.

    1
  5. Memorial Stationery  January 5, 2015 at 4:09 am Reply

    We offer a professional, personal service for all our customers and we take pride in every order that we receive. We understand how important memoriam stationery is to remember the life of a loved one, therefore our professional designers are always there to help. All our cards are expertly designed and finished to the highest standards which will be treasured for decades to come.

    1
  6. Cathy Miller  May 13, 2013 at 9:25 pm Reply

    You can get a lot of sample condolence letters from the internet or simply go to department stores and buy cards with words of condolences. If it is a formal condolence letter, you write it by heart. Just keep it short, simple and plain. Be humble and show your respectful sorrow.

    1
    • Litsa  May 13, 2013 at 10:05 pm Reply

      Thanks Cathy! I agree that a simple note can often be best. Though it can be tempting to go to the internet for samples or buy a card with words of condolence, these often don’t convey the same sincerity as note written “from the heart”, just as you mention. Taking the extra time to find the right words that show your respectful sorrow is a good suggestion. Your friend will appreciate the time you took.

      1

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