My 2 month old son recently passed away and I have received so many sympathy cards. This may seem like an odd question but am I supposed to respond with a thank you to all of them? I have already sent thanks you to the funeral home and our town for donating services and gravesites. I am planning on sending thank yous to anyone who gave us money or helped us out but I am still left with 50+ cards. Under normal circumstances I would with no questions asked but this is a very daunting task for me right now.
Anyone have any experience with this?
2007-10-03 08:30:14 · 8 answers · asked by R R 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
My first husband passed away a few years ago, and I had the same problem. I had over 400 thank-you's to write (which I normally do with no problem). I responded to at least 350, and just was unable to do any more than that. I hoped the remaining people would understand, it was a horrible time, and our 4 year-old daughter was in critical condition in the hospital during that time (they were in a car accident-she did survive). I only had one person actually ask me why I didn't send a thank you-I just shook my head and walked away. It's not a birthday gift you got-I firmly believe that anyone should understand that it is a very difficult time for the bereaved, and that isn't exactly the priority at the time. If someone doesn't understand-well, that's something they'll have to answer for later. Do it if, and when, you can. Otherwise, as you see people, thank them in person. My condolences on the loss of your son.
2007-10-03 09:39:00 · answer #1 · answered by But Inside I'm Screaming 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry for you loss. When I send a sympathy card I do not expect a reply. I want the family to know that I am thinking of them. I never mention the card to the family. Sometimes they mention it, sometimes they don't. Which is fine. I understand just trying to get through the daily steps of life during this time is tough enough. God bless.
2007-10-03 11:42:14 · answer #2 · answered by scubadiverMS 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sympathy cards do not require a thank you. Your thank you cards should go to those who sent flowers, monies, etc. anything considered a gift in the memory of your son. My deepest sympathies for you on the loss of your baby.
2007-10-03 09:43:47 · answer #3 · answered by dawnb 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry for your loss. I dealt with my grandfather's death and am now my grandmother's power of attorney; these are highly involved stations, and many people understand the amount of work (both physical and mental) that this requires.
If you feel the need to thank everyone, I would send out a mass e-mail. This would save you time, money, and guilt.
God Bless,
Sheila
2007-10-03 08:41:20 · answer #4 · answered by eriskai 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am sorry for the loss of your son. My brother recently died and we faced similar issues regarding the thank you cards. You do not need to thank people for sending sympathy cards.
2007-10-03 08:40:31 · answer #5 · answered by yeah , yeah whatever 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry for your loss. I don't think it is necessary to send someone a thank you note if they just sent you a card. I am sure they will understand.
2007-10-03 08:38:25 · answer #6 · answered by tinkerbell82 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If we are obligated to thank someone for a sympathy card then the craziness will never end....we will soon be thanking people for thank you cards.
2007-10-04 02:48:36 · answer #7 · answered by crosseyedlemon 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
NO. But when you see the ones who sent them a personal and face thank you will be expected.
2007-10-03 08:34:49 · answer #8 · answered by D B 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋