I just received an email from a former coworker that I haven't seen in about a year, and have traded maybe a dozen emails with in that time. She was writing to thank me for pictures of my baby that I had sent, and mentioned that her husband passed away about a month ago. I knew he had a chronic illness, but wasn't expecting that. I have no idea how to respond to her email now. Thank you for any suggestions!
2006-09-29 15:48:11 · 8 answers · asked by Bug's Mama 4 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Give her your condolence-I am so sorry at the loss of your husband- and then communicate as before .It is a sould searing pain to lose a loved one ,more than likely why she is reaching out not for a lot of talk at the loss of her husband but communication to take her mind away from it. Just be normal and be a friend for God will bless you for it.
2006-09-29 16:29:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The others are right, she may be reaching out to you. Tell her the truth. I'm so sorry, I knew he had a chronic illness, but I wasn't expecting/did not anticipate his passing. I am so sorry. Offer whatever help you can and will be able to do, an E-mail shoulder to cry on, for instance. If you have her address, you can send a Hallmark card with a little message hand-written, , or a small arrangement of flowers, or a little goody box of mailable cookies or other treats. Or if you know her well, a gift certificate to her favorite store. Call it shopping therapy for when she feels better.
Whatever you can do and afford, and what you think she might like. If she lives near, offer to take her shopping, or invite her somewhere for tea.
It is so hard to know what to do. I was so grateful for all the attempts people made to be sympathetic when my parents passed.
2006-09-29 19:39:41 · answer #2 · answered by riversconfluence 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
“I know that nothing I can say will ease your pain but I wanted you to know that my heart goes out to you. You have my deepest sympathy and if you need to talk to someone in your time of grief feel free to write me. “
The loss of a loved one can be the loneliest time in a person’s life. She is reaching out to people in need of human contact and if you are the person I think you are (by asking this question) you need to be there for her.
Understand that you can not ease her loss and grief with words, it is your company that she needs. A shoulder to cry on, a person from the past that she remembers happy times with and/or an understanding soul is what she is reaching out to find. Be there and be yourself without pity but with compassion for she is a fellow human being in emotional pain.
2006-09-29 20:23:30 · answer #3 · answered by thewolfskoll 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just say you are sorry for her loss. She was reaching out to you by writing - and you need to respond to her as soon as possible. Just tell her you are sorry, and just be there for her.
2006-09-29 15:58:35 · answer #4 · answered by Karla R 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There's not much you can say--don't expect yourself to write a big long message that'll make her feel better, or anything like that. It's unlikely that anything you say could make her feel better, so just say: "I'm so sorry."
2006-09-29 15:51:07 · answer #5 · answered by Kat 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dear Former co-worker
Please accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. I know you must miss XXXX, and I hope your are doing well. If there is anything I can do for you, please let me know. AGain, my deepest sympathies. Love, XXXX
2006-09-29 15:52:25 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just say you're sorry for her loss and ask her how she's been
2006-09-29 21:59:41 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your husband. Please accept my heartfelt condolences".
2006-09-29 15:51:00 · answer #8 · answered by Esther 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋