Sending sympathy to a coworker?

Question

A friend and coworker's mother died recently. He will probably be unable to attend her funeral because he lost his green card and his mother is still in Europe. I am planning on buying a sympathy card for him and will have everyone at work sign it. Do you think giving him a homemade baked good would also be a nice gesture? There is nothing anyone can do to take away the pain of a mother's death, but does anyone have any suggestions on what to give him as a sign "we care"?

Answer 1

No, we never can take away anothers pain but we can be there to hold there hand and feel the pain with them.

In this case a card and a small gift is very appropriate. Very kind of you to remember his loss.

And a simple, "I'm so sorry for your loss" is about all you need to say, as there really is nothing more to be said.

In about 2 weeks he will probably start talking about it a bit, spend a few minutes with him as he reminisces about his mother and just be a friend. (Initially, people are in shock about a death, in about 2 weeks they start to talk, and they need to. Ironically, this is usually when people are "departing" if you follow) But he may not have anyone else to talk too so I hope someone will be there for him.

Good luck.

Peace.

Answer 2

Outside of a gift, I would try to relieve him of any work load you can help out with (that goes for all of your staff). As you can imagine, his head is not in the work mode right now, so the best gesture you could provide would be to allow him that room to grieve without more pressure of work-related needs. Also, be there for him by taking him out to lunch and talking to him about the situation. Provide your companionship as a gift more than the gift of a material item. He'll remember it more and it will affect him more than anything you can make or buy him. Sympathy cards and gifts are polite, but they are kind of expected and therefore, the effect is somewhat lost.

Answer 3

A card is a very thoughtful gesture. Even a collection to help pay for his airfare to get back to Europe for the funeral? If he doens't use it for that then maybe it will help him anyway.

Answer 4

honestly it depends how close you are to him -

if he's been with the company a while then a card and a baked good is a sweet gesture (and maybe a bottle of scotch)

if you arent that close or he hasnt been there that long then a card is sufficient

Answer 5

If the person is a co-worker( not necessarily friend)Send a mixed planter(a container holding a variety of tropical and flowering plants) It makes a nice living remembrance.

Answer 6

I tink d baked goods is a good idea!!!It shows a bit of personal touch!!!I tink just let him no dat ur dar 4 him n dat he can talk 2 u if/wen he feels ready!!!!Mayb flowers mit b good 2!!Day show dat u care deeply bt first find out if he wishes 2 recieve flowers!!!!Good luck and i hope dat it all works out well!!!!

Answer 7

hi,
I think a card is a great idea. you know if he lost his green card he can get a temporay one. emergency one! I think baking a cake or pie is great idea and i am sure he will appreciate that even more.

Answer 8

Just being there and expressing your your sympathies and condolences can mean the world to this person.

Answer 9

Yes do it.I used to do it all the time at work and people have always came back and said how much it met to them,It will mean alot to him,

Answer 10

I think your udea is great because just like you said you can show you care.
Do it. The world needs more people like you.