Comments on: The Art of Letter Writing: The Sympathy Note

By: Edward

Edward — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 18:16:29 +0000

The advice was excellent, consise, and made a hard job of writing a sympathy card to a good friend of our family. Thanks!

By: Losing Dad: How a Man Responds to the Death of His Father « flakes of nuisance

Tue, 06 Jul 2010 14:48:30 +0000

[...] The Art of Letter Writing: The Sympathy Note [...]

By: Michael

Michael — Sat, 22 May 2010 16:50:08 +0000

Any advice?

This morning we found out that a family we know in our small town lost their 8th grade son to suicide. We know this family very well, our 12 yr old son and their 12 yr old daughter are “dating”. I have coached their 8 yr old daughter in youth sports. We did not know the son as well and didn’t necessarily call the family “close friends”. But, liked I said know them very well. At a total loss in finding the most appropriate words.

BTW telling your 13, 12 and 8 year old sons about someone we know commiting suicide is extremely difficult. Thanks

By: Michael

Michael — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 04:55:26 +0000

Could I just say thank you to all of you at AoM? You’ve done a significant job in changing my life, and growing up without a father figure, you’ve all certainly done a marvelous job teaching me the ins and outs of manhood.

Thank you, and I respect this work so very much. It’s always been my dream to help people just like you all do. That you’ve lost your own flesh and blood and can still continue living so optimistically and selflessly really touches me in so many ways. I’ve been blessed to stroll upon these pages of manliness.

By: Nathan

Nathan — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:13:43 +0000

Honestly I have never had to write a sympathy letter yet, but when writing any letter I often refer to Abraham Lincoln for a little inspiration. He had an amazing way with words and used the English language beautifully.

By: Diane

Diane — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 18:29:31 +0000

To JonathanL,
A hallmark of a sympathy note is to let someone know you are thinking of them in their time of sadness. Frankly, someone suffering a severe loss doesn’t care what your beliefs are. Speak of the truth. Tell them that you have wonderful memories of their loved one, or that you will carry the memory of their loved one in your heart forever. These are the first two examples that come to mind. It’s not about your religious beliefs or lack thereof, it’s about showing that you care.
Also – don’t buy a pre-printed card – write a letter!

By: gift certificate guy

gift certificate guy — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:21:05 +0000

this is amazing advice, ive had stuff like this happen yet… ive no idea what to say or do i wish i would have come across this sooner

By: Mr. Pickwick

Mr. Pickwick — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 05:28:34 +0000

Nothing expresses emotions more sincerely then with the simplicity of a pen and a wee piece of paper.

By: Ashley Camm

Ashley Camm — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 22:02:56 +0000

Brett,

We too lost a child a few years ago. He would have been 18 this year. It’s still hard, but some of the sympathy cards we recieved we will display forever, because of the thought and love people put into them. We miss him every day, but a well written sympathy card can mean the world to you when you’re feeling so raw.

This article covers an important and neglected area of the human drama, thanks.

By: Beowulf87

Beowulf87 — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 20:37:51 +0000

I am so sorry about your baby. Bravo to you for getting through it like a man.

Spencer