Comforting someone who is grieving is not an easy task. While there is nothing you can do that can take their pain away, there are some ways that you can help to lessen it. Expressing your sympathy through cards or letters is one way to provide comfort and peace of mind to someone who is mourning. However, finding the right words is tricky, and deciding what to write in a condolence card can be difficult.
While we may not know what someone is going through, we do know that saying something is better than saying nothing at all. That is why we have compiled 52 sympathy messages to help you write your condolence card and hopefully bring light to a grieving heart. Follow these guidelines and suggestions for what to write in a condolence card, and depending on your relationship with the card’s recipient, do what feels most natural.
- For the Loss of a Father
- For the Loss of a Mother
- For the Loss of a Child
- For the Loss of a Husband or Wife
- For the Loss of a Coworker or Friend
- For the Loss of a Pet
- Additional Sympathy Sentiments
- How to Sign a Sympathy Card
- Funeral Flower Messages
Sympathy Messages for the Loss of a Father
There is a reason that “father figure” is a popular term. It represents someone special in a person’s life that they can look up to, lean on and go to for advice. Losing such a strong presence in life can be extremely hard to cope with. When writing a condolence card for someone who lost their father, try bringing up pleasant memories or retelling stories about them. That way, instead of dwelling on the loss of a great man, they can remember how he lived.
- “Your father was one of the most generous men I have ever met. He was always lending a hand to others and reaching out when they were in need.”
- “Your father was an extremely caring and kind man. I know that no matter where you are, he will always be watching over you.”
- “I remember the first time I met your father. He made me feel so welcome and comfortable right away.”
- “I could always count on your father to lighten the mood with a good joke. There will never be another man quite like him and his memory will live on forever.”
- “Let the memories of your father provide you with comfort and serve as guidance.”
- “A father’s guiding hand always sits on the shoulder of his children.”
Sympathy Messages for the Loss of a Mother
A bond between mother and child is unparalleled. For a girl, they are that support that is so crucial during those adolescent years. For boys, they are a female presence that teaches love and respect. Mothers provide a shoulder to cry on and are an infinite wealth of advice. A mother’s love is unconditional and losing someone like that is never easy. Here are some examples of ways that you can console those who lost a mother.
- “There is no one in this world like your mother. She was a special woman and she will be with you always.”
- “I always admired your mother’s caring and selfless nature. She was a true friend and someone who was always a pleasure to have around.”
- “Your mother’s kindness was contagious and her memory will live on forever.”
- “My deepest condolences to you and your family during this time. Your mother was an amazing woman and she will truly be missed.”
- “I will always remember the special times your mother and I spent together. She was one of my closest and dearest friends. She will be missed.”
- “A mother is with us always, first in her lifetime, then forever in our memory.”
Sympathy Messages for the Loss of a Child
Losing a child is a traumatic event for parents, and finding the right words to say are not easy. It is an unimaginable occurrence, so finding the proper condolences for this particular loss is a challenge. There are no words that can mend the broken heart of bereaved parents. However, this is when they need your support the most. What you write in your condolence card should reflect that.
- “Extending our deepest sympathy to you during this time. Our prayers and blessings are with you.”
- “No amount of words can express the pain that you are going through. We are sending you love and prayers and hope you are able to find strength during this dark time.”
- “The love and joy that your child brought to us will never be forgotten. We are thinking of you and your family during this tragic time.”
- “Your son/daughter was a true inspiration to everyone around him/her. I am lucky to have known him/her for the time that I did. Our prayers are with you.”
- “Your child’s big heart and personality were contagious. My heart breaks for you and your family during this time.”
- “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.”
Sympathy Messages for the Loss of a Husband or Wife
The loss of a spouse is one of the most painful events that can happen to an individual. To lose a true love and partner in life is something that no one is ready for. It is someone they had promised themselves to, through thick and thin and now they are gone. When this happens, the other partner might feel lost and alone. That is why, when writing a condolence card to someone who has lost their spouse, it is crucial to let them know that they are not alone. Here are a few ways that you can do that.
- “Nothing quite compares to the love of a spouse. I want you to know that I am thinking about you and am here for you always.”
- “When the person you are closest to is gone, hold on to their memories and know that they are always with you.”
- “I cannot fully express the sorrow I feel for you at this time. I am thinking about you always and am just a call away.”
- “No one can ever replace the amazing person that your spouse was. My thoughts are with you during this time.”
- “The love your spouse had for you is something that can never be taken away. Hold on to that and know that they are there with you always.”
- “If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them.” – James O’Barr
Sympathy Messages for the Loss of a Coworker or Friend
The loss of someone you were close to is never easy. To go from seeing someone every day to not at all can be hard to cope with. Someone may feel a sense of confusion or instability when a loss like this happens to them. However, that person may take comfort in the fact that you have acknowledged his or her loss. Here are some ways that you can console someone who has lost a close friend or coworker.
- “I was so sorry to hear about your friend’s passing. I hope that you know that I am here for you whenever you need.”
- “My thoughts are with you during this time. I am so sorry for your loss.”
- “(Name of friend/coworker) will be in our hearts and memories forever.”
- “Wishing you strength and peace during this hard time.”
- “Words, no matter how kind, can’t mend your heartache. However, those who care for you wish you comfort and peace of mind.”
- “The comfort of having a friend may be taken away, but not that of having had one.” – Seneca
Sympathy Messages for the Loss of a Pet
Pets are furry friends that hold a very dear place in our hearts. Even though they live shorter lives than us, it does not mean that their death hurts any less. When someone you know has lost one of their pet companions, sending a condolence message is the appropriate thing to do. Here are some sympathy messages you can use for someone you know has lost a pet.
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- “Our pets never truly leave us. They live on as memories that we will cherish forever.”
- “We will miss the joy that (pet name) brought to everyone. You and your family are in our thoughts.”
- “I am deeply saddened to know that (pet name) has passed on. His/her memory will forever be in our hearts.”
- “Your pet was an absolute joy to be around. I am so sorry for your loss.”
- “During this time, we must celebrate the long and full life lived by your pet. You have my deepest sympathy.”
- “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose; all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” – Helen Keller
Additional Sympathy Sentiments
Life can get complicated, so when loved ones face trials and tribulations a sympathy card or message can go a long way in lifting their spirits. If you are looking for additional sympathy sentiments that have not been provided above, explore our messaging examples that express condolences to different types of grief. Whether someone you know is weighing on a heavy heart or going through a difficult time share your condolences and how much you miss them.
- “May you take comfort with the friends and family that surround you.”
- “I cherish our memories together and can’t wait till we can reunite again.”
- “Your family is in our thoughts and prayers and I take comfort knowing we will see you again.”
- “Hoping your family is staying safe and healthy.”
- “We may be apart, but we will get through this difficult time together.”
- “You will always have me to rely on even if I cannot physically be there.”
How to Sign a Sympathy Card
While you should always begin your card with “dear,” how you end your card can vary. This part of the condolence card can differ depending on your relationship to that person and the nature of their loss. However, there are a few universal signatures that work perfectly when signing a condolence card. Here are a few examples:
- “My deepest condolences”
- “With sympathy”
- “Keeping you in our prayers”
- “Wishing you peace”
- “Thinking of you”
Funeral Flower Messages
Gifting flowers to someone who has lost a loved one is a popular way of expressing your condolences. When sending funeral flowers, there is usually a tiny card that comes clipped to the bouquet. With limited space to write, it is often hard to find just the right thing to say. Here are a few ideas for short and sweet sympathy messages that you can write on a card for a funeral flower bouquet.
- “Thinking of you always.”
- “With love to you and your family.”
- “May these flowers remind you of our thoughts and prayers.”
- “Please accept these flowers and hear the words that we are not able to speak.”
- “Our loving thoughts embrace you during this difficult time.”
Whether you decide to send your message with a bouquet of flowers or a box of chocolates, just letting the other person know that you are there for them will make a difference. If you are struggling to find the right flowers to give to someone who is grieving, check out our guide to the 10 most popular sympathy flowers.
Sources:
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