Greeting Card Tip: Sympathy Card

You've just received news of someone's passing-whether it be a family member, friend or aquaintance. One of your first thoughts might be to send your sypathies through a sympathy card/note. The hardest part of sending a sympathy card is that words don't convey well the depths of comfort you wish to send.

You may want to keep the following in mind when sending out a sympathy card:

1) If you knew the deceased well but were not close to his/her family (example: co-worker), address the card to the closest relative.

2) If you have a friend who is mourning the loss of someone, but you yourself didn't know the person, address the card to your friend and not the deceased family.

3) Express your condolences. It's okay to refer to the person's death as a loss. An example of this might be: "Please accept my sympathy for the loss of your aunt" OR "As you grieve know that I am (we are) remembering you and honoring John's memory."

4) Don't be afraid to share a short memory or story you have about the deceased. This will let the recipient know how much their loved one meant to you and maybe give them a reason to smile or laugh.

5) If a person's passing comes at the end of a long period of illness or suffering, it's appropriate to acknowledge the illness.

6) If you would like to offer any help, don't be afraid to offer it. Give specific ways you would be willing to help.

7) Avoid: Informing the recipient what's going on in your life; why you may not have written, called or visited; OR cliches like:"I know how you feel," "You will get over this in time," "It's all for the best."