Expressing Condolences

There will come a time in everyone's life where they sadly loose someone they love.  Here are some tips to properly express your condolences during that difficult time.

Writing a sympathy or bereavement note is one of the hardest kinds of notes there is.  But when you first learn of someone's passing, getting a note in the mail as soon as possible is important.  Take note of your stationery style that you choose as a more formal style is more appropriate here. (Some good options by Rytex can be found here.  We also think these below work well.)

The note does not have to be long.  You can keep it to a few short sentences about how deeply sorry you are for his/her loss, how you hope they are comforted knowing you are thinking of them and your thoughts and prayers are with them.   

We also like to incorporate a personal touch about the person who has passed.  For example, "John was a wonderful man. I'll never forget when we went skiing in 2012 and sat around the fire in the lodge for hours because it was too cold to ski!"  A personal anecdote makes it more thoughtful.  After all, it's that connection lost that makes it so hard.

Here are some other creative ways to express your condolences: 

1. In lieu of flowers, contribute to a charity or cause the person was passionate about.
2. Bake the family cookies or sweets, or bring them a home cooked meal.
3. Get them a book they will enjoy.  Go the extra mile with a subject matter or genre the deceased enjoyed, anything that reminds you of the person who has passed. 
4. Buy a silver frame, get it engraved with the dates of the person's life and fill it with a photo.
5. Put together a care package -- a funny movie, popcorn, some baked brownies, candy, a bottle of wine, a cozy blanket, a box of tissues and a note.

Whatever you do, make sure that when you reach out, you do so with sincerity and care.  It can be awkward but sometimes just letting the person know you care makes a huge difference.  If you have good ways to express condolences, share them here with us and fellow readers.