BWF
Posted on 01/13/2025 at 10:01 am by Ben White Florist / Flowers
Navigating the death of someone’s loved one is never easy to do. Even sending a sympathy card can feel difficult. What do you say to convey your heartfelt empathy for this person?
By keeping a few guiding elements in mind, you can write a sympathy card message from the heart that makes your funeral flowers feel even more special to the recipient.
The Recipient’s Relationship to the Deceased
The first step is thinking about who the deceased person was to the recipient of your flowers and card. You’ll write a very different message for the loss of someone’s spouse than for their parent, for example.
You can draw on shared memories if you knew the deceased person as well. For instance, if your best friend loses her husband, and you and your spouse were close to them, it’s good practice to write about the heartfelt memories you all shared together on double dates and game nights.
The loss of a parent or sibling requires different messaging. These people were likely intertwined with the recipient’s life for decades. Keep these relationships in mind as you write your card.
Messages for People You Didn’t Know
If you aren’t close with the recipient or didn’t know their deceased loved one very well, you might feel lost on what to write.
Some simple but thoughtful messages for these circumstances include:
These messages are general enough for any sympathy card recipient, but they still convey how sorry you are for their loss with a sense of empathy and sympathy.
What to Write for Dear Loved Ones
It’s never easy to watch your close friend or family member suffer a great loss. Maybe you’re grieving along with them. Sending a sympathy card with flowers is a great way to share in your grief and stay connected with your loved ones.
Start With a Warm Greeting
For longer, more involved sympathy card messages, you might start with a term of endearment like, “My dear sister.” This shows your personal connection to the sympathy card recipient and feels less generic.
Express Your Sorrow and Shared Grief
The first thing you want a loved one to read on a sympathy card is an authentic expression of your sorrow. Let them know that you care and are grieving with them.
Lines like, “I couldn’t be sorrier for your painful loss,” can convey just how much you care about the recipient’s feelings. You can also briefly mention your own feelings, but avoid making the card primarily about how you feel. A line such as, “I’m with you during this time, sharing in your deep grief for the loss of this wonderful person,” could be appropriate.
Mention a Specific Memory or Unique Trait About the Deceased
To make your sympathy card more meaningful and personalized, add in a cherished memory or special quality that the deceased person shared with others. For example, if your best friend’s grandmother has just passed away, feel free to mention that one time she baked you both cookies or her wonderful sense of humor.
Make sure you redirect the statement back to grief and sorrow after bringing up happy memories, avoiding overly cheerful language. The recipient has experienced a difficult loss and needs to know you aren’t afraid to acknowledge that.
Extend a Hand: Offer Your Support
After reminiscing and sharing in the recipient’s grief, let them know that you’re here for them during this difficult time. Offer a level of support that you’re comfortable following through with.
For instance, let your best friend know she can call any time for extra support, or tell your sister, “My home is always open to you during this challenging time.” Grieving people need human connection, and a sympathy card is the perfect place to offer that.
Connecting With Grieving Loved Ones After Loss
Sending a sympathy card with flowers can make someone’s whole week feel a bit more manageable. Just knowing that you care enough to reach out in this thoughtful way can make a significant difference in a grieving person’s life.
Don’t be afraid to lend a helping hand to your grieving loved one. Connecting and sharing beautiful memories together, even during hard times, can enrich both your life and the lives of others.
