Grief is a weird thing. It can be overwhelming, confusing, and unpredictable. Yet, it is a universal experience that touches us all at some point in our lives. We all have our different encounters with grief, and no one experiences it the same way. Some may choose to seek help from their support systems, and some may isolate themselves to grieve privately. Frankly speaking, there is no wrong or right way, there’s just your way of dealing with things.
Sometimes, it can be hard to watch a loved one grieve. It puts you in a bit of a dilemma, because you want to be there for them, but you don’t know how, and you definitely don’t want to say the wrong things. With these message ideas for sympathy cards, you can lend them some strength to get through this tough and challenging time.
You’re never actually prepared to lose someone, even if their passing was expected. It’s normal to feel a variety of emotions, but it’s also normal to feel nothing at all. When someone you love has lost a loved one, it’s important to assure them that it’s a safe space to grieve. They may choose to talk about it, and they might not want to. Whatever their decision is, at least they know they aren’t alone, even when they tell themselves otherwise.
"Sending you so much love and hugs during this difficult time. I love you, and I will always be here for you."
"I always thought of the two of you as two peas in a pod. I’m sorry for your loss."
"From what I’ve heard, she must have been a remarkable person. Sending you all the love in the universe."
"I’m devastated for you. May you find strength in memories of him, his kindness, and his laughter."
"Getting to know her was a life-changing experience. I can’t even imagine how you must be feeling. I’m so, so sorry."
"Holding you close to my heart, and in my thoughts. My sincerest condolences to you and your family. They will be so missed."
How exactly do you be there for a friend who just lost a parent? It can be especially hard when you’ve never experienced it before. Some people feel guilt for the times they were never there for their old parents; some are filled with uncertainty once they realize they can no longer rely on their parents’ guidance; and in most cases, they are just overwhelmed with a range of emotions. It’s important to acknowledge how they feel, even if they don’t know what they’re feeling.
"I heard about your mom. I’m so sorry for your loss. I’m here if you ever need to talk."
"Your mom was an amazing person. I will always remember the days when Tita took care of me. My sincerest condolences, she will be so missed."
"Your mother will always be the kindest person I ever knew. She is so greatly loved."
"I was heartbroken when I heard that Tito passed, I can’t imagine how you must be feeling. My deepest condolences from me and my family."
"You were all your father could talk about. I hope memories of him bring peace and comfort to you."
"You took such good care of your father, he would be so proud to be able to watch over you. He was so lucky to have you, as you were to have him."
Losing someone you expected to spend the rest of your life with can be such a heart-wrenching experience. You never really expect death to arrive when you vow to love them “till death do you part,” and then you realize your love for them goes way beyond that. When someone you know has lost their life partner, nothing really comes to mind when you think of how you can comfort them. No amount of the right words can fill the hole in their chest, where their spouse used to be. We hope that some of these deepest condolence messages can help them feel a little less incomplete.
"Please know that I’m praying for you, thinking of you, and aching beside you. I’m so sorry for your loss. Your husband was an extraordinary man."
"It was in your love for each other that I learned what true love is. I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now. My deepest condolences to you and your family over the loss of your kind husband."
"Everyone who knew him, knew how much he loved you. Know that he will always be missed and loved by us all."
"Your wife was the most giving person I ever knew. I cannot begin to tell you how much she changed my life for the better. I hope you find comfort in knowing that she touched so many lives."
"There were two things I was sure of when it came to your wife: The first, she had so much love to give. Second - my God, she couldn’t stop talking about you. And I imagine that she never will. May she continue to love you from above."
"She was so giggly. We always thought she was like the sun. May you feel her infectious spirit with you every day."
Dealing with the loss of a child can be a traumatic experience - no parent expects to outlive their own child. Some parents agree that losing their child is like taking a sharp turn on a highway leading to nowhere but an empty, desolate path. The weight behind the loss of a child is one that not everyone can relate to. Even so, it’s important to remind them that they did not fail as protectors, and ultimately, to support them through their journey with life after loss.
"Your son had the power to light up the room with his smile. We will miss him dearly. Sending lots of strength and love to you and your family."
"Your little girl will always have a special, precious place in our hearts. We love you, and we are here for you whenever you need us."
"Watching your son grow into the kind and understanding man you raised him to be was a privilege. He must be as proud of you, as you are of him."
"My deepest condolences for the loss of your daughter. She was a great coworker and friend. She was someone who never made you feel out of place. She was the person who actively listened to you, when no one else in the group was. You must be so proud to be able to call her your daughter. She will always be missed."
"I hope you find peace and comfort in believing that you did the best you could for them."
"I’m so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine what you must be going through. I don’t know the right words to say, but please know that I will always be here for you."
Finding the right words to express your condolences to someone is something that no one is prepared for. In fact, it’s something that no one ever hopes to do. But, grief is only natural, and with the right support, it can be a transformative experience. It’s good to remember to celebrate their life, and try not to highlight their death. At times, you’ll even realize that the best thing to say is to say nothing at all.
Offer words of comfort to someone who's going through a period of sorrow. Consider a bouquet of flowers with your condolence messages to give them a sense of hope, renewal and growth that will ease them through their overwhelming feeling of loss.