Sympathy Thank You Notes. There are 2 sides of a sympathy note:
1) Writing a sympathy note to someone who is grieving, and
2) Thanking someone for their sympathy.
Here are some examples of what to say in both cases.
1) Writing a Sympathy Note
Writing a sympathy note confounds the most talented writer. Maybe the reason is that there’s nothing you can say that will help. You want to be comforting, warm, and meaningful but instead everything sounds stiff, formal, and cliche.
Don’t put too pressure on yourself to say just the right thing. Try to put yourself in this person’s place. Would you be dissecting each word offered to you? Probably not. Most likely you’d think of the person who was writing to you, and appreciate that they were thinking of you. That’s what counts at a time like that.
Here are some samples of wording for sympathy notes or sympathy thank you notes. Remember, the most important part of the note is your name at the bottom; that it’s you who cares. Keep it brief.
- I was so sorry to hear about Aunt Ada. I have fond memories of her at the beach house. I even still have a purse she gave me when I was little! Hugs to you and your family at this difficult time. With love….
- We’re so very sorry to hear about Marv. Please know we’re thinking of you at this difficult time. Hugs from us both.
- You’re in our thoughts.
- I was very sorry to hear about Margaret. Please know I’m thinking of you in your time of sorrow.
- Please accept my condolences. I once read a quote by Isaac Asimov that I found comforting: “Life is pleasant. Death is peaceful. It’s the transition that’s troublesome.” You’re in my thoughts during this time.
- We are so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
- Thinking of you at this difficult time.
If you are sending flowers, Flowers.com has the best deals, plus helpful advice for how to choose the most appropriate flowers for the situation.
2) Thanking Someone for Sympathy
While nobody would fault you for not writing thank you notes at a time like this, writing them could make you feel more connected and supported.
Even if you have someone write a note for you, you can rest assured that your loved ones who sent flowers, money, or other things know that you appreciate their gifts.
