tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16094556638766590222011-11-27T16:09:00.904-08:00the soulnoreply@blogger.comBlogger11100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1609455663876659022.post-58806254939586860032008-02-03T11:31:00.001-08:002008-02-03T12:01:23.149-08:00<span style="font-family:georgia;">It's fair to say that expressing condolence and sympathy is challenging at best. Have you ever wanted to say something to a grieving friend or acquaintance but ultimately just couldn't find the words?<br /><br />Even for the most eloquent of writers, having the words to say during these times is very difficult. The issue seems to be twofold: 1) words feel like a small and almost trivial gesture for such a huge and life-altering event in someone's life; 2) how can you be sure to be completely sensitive and not risk offending the bereaved individual/family.<br /><br />It helps to remember a few things to counteract the thoughts that might prevent you from writing a sympathy card or letter.<br /><br /></span><ol><li><span style="font-family:georgia;">A <span style="font-weight: bold;">sympathy letter is meant to show support and love</span> to the family/friends suffering from a loss. It's true that your words can't bring anyone back from the dead, <span style="font-style: italic;">but</span> words can offer support. The world feels like it stops completely for grieving individuals, and it validates their experience when they receive a card or letter that acknowledges this for them. They just need to know it's okay and that their world has in fact been taken off its axis.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:georgia;">Chances are that your <span style="font-weight: bold;">words will not offend</span> the bereaved <span style="font-weight: bold;">if they are well thought out</span>. You can view <a href="http://www.memorial-keepsakes.com/sampleletterofsympathy.html">a sample letter of sympathy</a> and ideas on how to write<a href="http://www.memorial-keepsakes.com/sympathynotes.html"> sympathy letters</a> to help guide you through the process.</span></li><li><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Sending a sympathy letter and expressing support is always better than not doing so.</span> Sometimes moving beyond your own discomfort is the key to finding the words to say to someone. Ultimately -- expressions of sympathy can mean a lot to people experiencing loss.<br /></span></li></ol><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/1609455663876659022-5880625493958686003?l=sympathyandbereavement.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>the soulnoreply@blogger.com10