- Knowing what to write in a sympathy card, or what to say during life’s most tragic and hard times, can be difficult. As Southerners, we know mailing a card with a sympathy message, sending flowers with a condolence quote, or bringing a covered dish are good ways to express support. But it’s next to impossible to know what to say in a sympathy card; finding the right words can be quite difficult.
The first step in extending a hand during life’s tragedies is simply to do it—often, it’s the act of reaching out and trying that matters most. But if you can share words that may comfort those who are mourning, writing a sympathy message is well worth the effort. When you’re at a loss for the right expression of sympathy, these condolence messages and sympathy quotes can help you find words of comfort for friends and family.
What to Say When Someone Dies
No matter whether a death is expected or not, it always comes as a shock. How do you know what to say when someone passes away? What happens when you want to share words of comfort for a friend, but the words just won’t come, and you’re left staring at a blank card? These condolence messages will help you find the words to write in a sympathy card; simply share and sign your name, or use them as a way to begin, then conclude with your own thoughts and wishes for the grieving family.
1. Deepest sympathies. I am so sorry for your loss.
2. Sending you positive thoughts and lots of prayers.
3. You’re in my thoughts. Let me know if I can help with anything.
4. There are no words to convey how terrible this is. You are in my prayers.
5. Sending you all the good vibes I can.
6. I’m available for grocery deliveries, kid pickups, babysitting, making dinner—whatever you need.
7. There’s no wrong way to grieve. You’re doing it beautifully, although I hate that you have to do it.
8. I’m here if you need me.
9. Lean on me; I’m happy to be your shoulder to cry on.
What to Write in a Sympathy Card
Finding words of sympathy that can comfort your friends, family, and loved ones during a time of grieving is very difficult. Simply signing your name doesn’t seem like enough, but often, anything else you think of seems trivial or trite. We’ve gathered a few tried-and-true sympathy card messages to make the process a little bit easier; use one as-is in a sympathy card, or add your own unique touch to one of these ideas.
1. Our hearts are breaking for you
2. With sympathy and well wishes
3. Wishing you comfort during this dark time
4. With sympathy and love
5. In memoriam
With all our love
6. We are so sorry for your loss
7. Our prayers and thoughts are with you
8. We will always remember
9. In celebration of a beautiful life
Short Condolences Messages
Sending flowers is a lovely way to express condolences for a loss. But whether you’re sending flowers to a funeral for someone who’s experienced a family loss or ordering a special gift basket or flower bouquet to brighten the day of a friend who lost a pet or learned about an illness, it’s kind to include a sympathy message for the flowers that you send. A short condolence message is appropriate when it’s added to a small card, but how do you find the words to say when you don’t have much space?
Our short condolences messages may help.
1. Our hearts are breaking for you; we hate that you’re going through this.
2. I’m so sorry for your loss. Please don’t hesitate to call if I can help with anything.
3. Thinking of you and hoping there is sunshine in your life soon.
4. I’m just a phone call or a text away. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.
5. The sky is so gray for you right now; I hope the clouds part soon.
5.Life has given you lemons. I’ll give you vodka. Let’s get drinks soon.
6. Roses are red; sorry you’re blue!
7. I’m so sorry you’re going through this