One of the most difficult things to do when a friend, family member or even a business associate loses a loved one is writing and sending a sympathy card. Just how do you put your heart on paper? If you have experienced this first hand, it can stir up overwhelming emotions for yourself, and be easy to afford this task all together. If you have not encountered this, it is hard to get started.  Here are some tips that may help you.

Instructions

1. Start out by picking a greeting card to express your sympathy and your heartfelt feelings. Greeting cards with heart felt messages are often kept by the card receiver, and stored in a keepsake box. Some are even displayed on a desk or shelf for sometime, so choose a card that is expressive about your feelings. A blank note card is even fine for your expressions of sympathy, but avoid cards with sarcasm or humor. Please avoid sending an e-card, text or tweet as these methods are not received as sincere by the grieving individual.
2. The words you write should be heart felt and sincere. Start your card with a simple introduction, such as: “I was deeply saddened to hear about your loss”. Then express your condolences in an appropriate way, such as: “please accept my heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your grandfather” or “my prayers are with you and your family during this challenging time.”
3. If you knew the person, it may be appropriate to share a short story about how you will remember the lost one in your sympathy card. You may also reflect on a moment of deceased’s life. As an example, you might say something like “Ellen was a wonderful teacher, and her students learned many lessons that they will embrace for life.”  If the deceased person has passed after a long illness, you may want to say something such as “I know that Janet was in a great deal of pain over the past few months. I hope that you find peace knowing that she is no longer suffering.” If you want to offer support in some way in your greeting card, try to list a specific example you can help. Some suggestions may be baby-sitting, preparing meals, or just being a good friend to talk to when needed. Bereavement is difficult, and the process of preparing for a funeral can be overwhelming. Offering to help with some basic chores or tasks may be very supportive to a grieving friend.
4. After the death of a loved one, some level of depression is common. A heart felt greeting card is comforting, however, staying in touch with some who is in bereavement is very important. With the death of a family member, there are many activities in preparation for a funeral, memorial, etc. However, when everything is complete, memories of the lost one may be difficult to manage. Call your friend, take him or her to lunch, and keep in touch. If you are a card sender, send more to let your friend know how much you care. Remember to invite him or her over for holidays, and know that grief affects people in many different ways. Greeting cards are a wonderful treat, and everyone likes to receive one in the mail. Sending one week or even months later may be a nice added touch to tell your friend just how much you care.
5. We’d like to suggest the following cards from our collections: Kiss Goodbye and The Son.Revised and reposted by Judi Kenney;  eHow.com