What do you write, to console, a friend or acquaintance, who has lost a loved one ?

Question

Adages, famous sayings, portions of religious texts, real life stories, self experiences, motivational essays, may be included

Answer 1

What ever you write, let it come from your heart. Pre-written things are nice, but not personal. A person appreciates thoughts that come from within, they don't need to be fancy, articulate.
Avoid saying "I know how you feel" unless you have had the lost of a loved one your self.
Rather say something like,
"I feel for you lost at this time in your life etc." Don't try to go over board, just be your self in expressing you feelings.

Answer 2

Typically a grieving person doesn't want a lot of sappiness etc. Express yourself genuinely and for heavens sake don't try to sound like a motivational speaker ;). Grief is a healing process and the best way to heal is to know that you have people around who love you and are willing to help or just to be there if you need them.

If you know your friend may need help doing some things for awhile and that they aren't the type to ask for help... offer your time. It often means just as much as any letter/card.

I know from my own experiences that the sentiments are always appreciated, but when i woudl read long letters or cards that kept going on and on about things trying to make me feel better it didn't really help, in fact it got annoying... but what I remember are the gestures, people dropping by with food or making donations in my loved ones name things like that. The sentiment is what counts not the message.

Answer 3

I let them know that I am there for them !

Answer 4

i'm sorry to hear that