How to Write a Sympathy Note

One of the hardest things in life is reaching out to someone who has just lost a loved one. A lot of us want to avoid those in that situation and look the other way. Either we don’t know what to say, how to say it, or are afraid of saying the wrong thing. While it is tempting to ignore the situation, sending a sympathy card or reaching out with a sympathy letter is probably the best thing you can do for that person.  It can go a long way in helping a grieving individual or family get through a difficult time. Your kind words can bring a moment of comfort during a difficult time, and including a planting of a memorial gift tree in remembrance is a gesture that will not only leave a lasting impact, but is also good for the earth, bringing life full circle.

My suggestion is always find time to reach out to that person or family with a personal note as opposed to email or text. Whether you live close to the person or far away, whether you knew the person they lost well or not at all, take the time to connect. It can actually be preferable to share your sympathies in a card as opposed to bringing it up to the person the next time you see them. It  can make it easier when you do see that person as they will know that you have already reached out and it will make that experience less awkward.

I can’t stress enough about sending a tangible expression of sympathy. It won’t sit there “not opened” in an email box, or worse yet, get lost in a spam filter. It also gives the recipient more control over when it is read. Furthermore, a sympathy note can be read over and experienced in the privacy of one’s home.

Keep it simple. It doesn’t have to be in flowery language. Remember that you are not trying to fix anything. The recipient just wants to know you are thinking of them and feeling for them during a difficult time. When struggling to find just the right words, The Gifted Tree provides some guidance and heartfelt samples so that your voice and sentiments shine through. The Gifted Tree also has a range of presentation options that will really show the recipient that you care. A beautiful forest scene note card enclosure is also available allowing you to express additional thoughts that you don’t want to include on the tree certificate.

Finally, it is never too late to connect and plant a tree in memory of a loved one. Many people find that they are surrounded by love in the days surrounding their loss but find themselves grieving and feeling very alone weeks and months down the road when everyone else seems to have forgotten. Receiving a memorial gift tree a few months later, or even on the first anniversary of a death, can go a long way toward helping a grieving person feel remembered and supported, and letting them know you care.

Yours Treely,
Doug and Laura