What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card? (original) (raw)
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Sending flowers after a death is a beautiful way to show you care. But it’s easy to get stuck when you’re trying to think of what to write on the card. There’s only space for a few words, and you want them to be just right. You’re also likely to be struggling with your own difficult feelings about the death, making it even harder to put your thoughts in words. What should you say?
The most important thing is not to let your writer’s block stop you from sending any message at all. Even if you don’t express yourself in the most beautifully perfect way, your kind words will mean the world to someone who is grieving. If you speak from the heart to express what you’re feeling, you’ll almost certainly help.
But if you’re still not sure what to say, read on for some suggested messages to include with sympathy flowers. You can combine two or more of these, or add your own thoughts, if there’s room on the card. In addition to your sympathy message, be sure to sign the card so the recipients will know who the lovely flowers are from.
What to say when you’re sending funeral flowers to someone’s home
If you’re sending flowers to the home of the bereaved, you should directly address the person or people you’re sending them to. Here are some ways you can express your condolences directly to the bereaved:
- With my deepest sympathy…
- I wish I could be there to comfort you in person.
- My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
- Holding you in my heart in this time of mourning.
- Wishing you comfort and peace while you grieve.
- I’m so sorry for your loss.
- You are in my prayers in this time of deep sorrow.
- My heartfelt condolences on your loss.
- May the love of friends bring you comfort today and in the days to come.
- There are no words for the sorrow I feel for this great loss.
- My heart aches for you after this tragic loss.
- Please accept my sincere sympathy.
What to say when you’re sending flowers to the funeral home
Sometimes, your best option is to send flowers directly to the funeral home, where they’ll beautify the visitation and funeral services before going home with the family. When flowers will be on display at the funeral, you may want to write a condolence that talks to or about the deceased. Anyone who stops to look will see the kind words you had to share about a good person.
But your message doesn’t have to be directed to the deceased. You can also write something directed generally at anyone who might read the card at the funeral. Here are some messages you can write on sympathy flower cards sent to the funeral home:
- In loving memory…
- Wishing peace and comfort to everyone who loved [name].
- Remembering one of the best people I knew.
- Rest in peace.
- In our thoughts and prayers.
- I’ll never forget you.
- You’ll be missed by so many.
- In memory of a life well lived.
- You were so loved, and you are so missed.
- My heart goes out to all who are grieving today.
- Thank you for the memories.
- Celebrating a life filled with joy and love.
Send Flowers to a Grieving Friend
A beautiful flower arrangement delivered to the funeral, or a plant sent to the home, lets friends and family know you’re thinking of them.
Linnea Crowther
News editor, Legacy.com. Named 2017's Obituary Writer of the Year by the Society of Professional Obituary Writers. Quoted by CNN, the New York Times, and Macleans.