Finding the right words to say can often be challenging, and it is most difficult when we are trying to offer words of sympathy and hopefully comfort to someone who’s lost a loved one. We often think, “What do I even say? What difference will it make?” But, it makes a world of difference…
My grandfather passed away last year in October. Could anyone’s words heal my pain or stop my grief? Of course not. Grief is there to be felt. But, I remember every person who called us, who showed up at our home, who checked in on us, was there with us during the final rites, I remember them all and I am so grateful for them. When we are grieving, we don’t want people to try and change how we are, what we greatly appreciate is them being there, them thinking of us. That’s all that they can do. That’s all that matters.
Knowing that we are not alone and there are people who care enough to give their time and company to us, however little that may be, it really helps. So, if you think that a card with a few words, or you showing up there and giving a hug doesn’t make a difference, I have to humbly disagree. Your words and your presence will be remembered.
So, with that, here are messages that you can send or write in a sympathy card to show the other person that you are there for them in their pain. Here are the types of messages you will find here:
Sympathy messages for a miscarriage, and the passing of a,
friendparentgrandparentsiblingpartnerchildpet
What to Write In a Sympathy Card
a. Heartfelt Sympathy Messages
Dear [name], I am really sorry to hear about your [relation]. I am here praying for you and your family. Please know that you can call me anytime. Please take care…Hey [name], during this difficult time, I want to offer my presence and care for you. You are not alone. [Name] will be missed by all of us. We are all here for you.[Name] was such an extraordinary person… No one can ever fill the space that’s left in our lives but our hearts are full of love and admiration for [pronoun]. I am here for you through it all. Love & strength.Dear [name], I was so sad to hear that [name] is no longer with us. What a privilege it was to know [pronoun]… I am sending prayers and strength to you and your family. Please know that you are not alone…Losing someone you love is never easy, so please know that I am here for you. [Name] remains one of the most remarkable people I ever had the fortune of knowing. No words can ever be enough… I will miss [pronoun] so much…
b. Sympathy Messages for the Passing of a Friend
Oh, what a person [name] was… And how blessed you were for being their friend… The loss is so great but remember that [pronoun] will always be alive, happy, and laughing, in your heart full of love. I am here for you, I really am.Dear [name], it broke my heart to hear about [name]… No words can convey how deeply [pronoun] will be missed. To have a friend like [pronoun] must’ve been one of the greatest blessings of your life. I am so sorry for the pain you have to go through. Please know that you are not alone…Dear [name], I know that my words cannot fill in the space that [name] left but I want you to know that I am here for you. Let’s remember and honor [pronoun] life together. My heart aches with yours.When I think of [name], I remember how fondly you talked about [pronoun] and the love both of you shared. A genuine friendship… And something as pure as this is eternal. [Name] is now alive in your heart and in the love you have for [pronoun]. The pain you are going through can never be measured but please know that I am here to share it, to bear it, with you.Sweet [name], I cannot put in words how saddened I am since I heard about [name]. Why does life have to be so cruel? I am holding you close in my thoughts and I honor the friendship you have with [pronoun] for it is timeless, beyond the limits of life and death. You can call me anytime, I am here for you.
c. Sympathy Messages for the Passing of a Parent
Dear [name], I am so so sorry to hear about your mother/father. I am sure that [pronoun] was the most remarkable individual. The person you are and the way you live honors how [pronoun] raised you.I am so sorry to hear about your mother’s/father’s passing. I can only imagine what you must be going through. Please know that I am here to be with you. Take care of your heart.Hey [name], I am deeply saddened to hear about your mother/father. I hope that in your pain and grief, the memories of your time together can offer some comfort. Please remember that it is okay to lean on other at this very difficult time. I am here for you.I am sending you my prayers and rooting for you as you go through this difficult time. I hope that the love in your heart can give you the strength to bear the pain of losing someone so irreplaceable. Please know that I am only a call away…Dear [name], my heart is filled with sadness as I think about the hurt you must be going through as you miss your mother/father. Know that it is okay to grieve. [Pronoun] was one of the best people I ever had the fortune of meeting and I will miss [pronoun] every day. I am here for you through it all.
d. Sympathy Messages for the Passing of a Grandparent
I am so sad to hear about your grandfather/mother, [name]. [Pronoun] was such a kind, gentle person with the most angelic smile. What a wonderful life [pronoun] lived and what incredible strength [pronoun] had. I will keep [pronoun] memory in my heart.Dear [name], I am sorry to hear about the passing of your grandfather/mother. As we celebrate [pronoun] remarkable life and personality, please know that it is okay to grieve. Losing a loved one is never easy. And remember that I am here for you.Hey [name], I was really sad to hear about your grandfather/mother. In this sadness, I remembered [pronoun] laughter and the way [pronoun] used to care for us and treat us so kindly. Thinking of these memories makes me smile and feel grateful for the change of knowing [pronoun]. Please know that I am here for you and holding you close in my thoughts.[Name], your grandfather/mother was such a special human being. Everything you told me about [pronoun] showed me the brightness of [pronoun] spirit and I know that that will live on forever. Know that I am here for you, truly. Please take care of your heart.I am going to miss your grandfather/mother so much, [name]… I am so sad that [pronoun] is not here anymore and can only imagine how much you will miss [pronoun]. Please know that I am here with you in this pain, to cry and to celebrate the extraordinary person [pronoun] was.
e. Sympathy Messages for the Passing of a Sibling
Dear [name], my heart is so distraught hearing about the passing of your brother/sister. [Name] was such a positive, happy individual who naturally made everyone else feel better too. I will miss [pronoun] so much… Please know that I am here for you in any way that you want.It is so painful to think that [name] is not here with us anymore. I can only imagine the heartache you must be going through. What an incredible human being who’ll always be smiling in my memories. Please know that you can count on me, [name]. I am here…Words cannot express how deeply saddened I am thinking of this gigantic pain that you are going through. [Name] was the most wonderful brother/sister and the love [pronoun] had for you will always be alive in your heart. I am here to support and comfort your any way that you need. I am with you…[Name], I am so terribly sorry to hear about [name]… I can’t wrap my head around this dreadful truth… I am distraught thinking of what you must be going through. Please know that I am here with you in this pain. Don’t think you are alone even for a moment. I am here…Dear [name], please accept my most heartfelt sympathies on the passing of your brother/sister. I was lucky enough to get to know how miraculous of a person [pronoun] was. [Pronoun] memory and kindness will always be remember and cherished. In this time of pain, please know that I am here for you in every way that you need.
f. Sympathy Messages for the Passing of a Partner/Spouse
Dear [Name], I am devastated to hear that [name] is no longer with us. [Pronoun] was the most wonderful human being who knew just the right thing to say to lift someone’s spirits. I am so sorry for the pain you have to go through. Please let me be someone you can rely on. I am here for you…[Name], my heart hurts so much thinking of how much we are all going to miss [name] and the shattering pain you are going through. [Name] was genuinely the kindest person I ever met and I will keep [pronoun] values in my heart and honor [pronoun] life through mine. Please know that I am here to support you in every way possible.[Name] was such a special human being and I know that every person who was lucky enough to know [pronoun] is going to remember [pronoun] forever. I am shattered thinking that of the pain you have to live with and I want you to know that you are not alone. I am genuinely here for you, whatever you need.I am so sorry to hear about your husband/wife, [name]… Life is being so cruel to you and I am heartbroken… I want to be there for you in this pain in any way that I can. I am so sorry…[Name] was one the most remarkable people I had the pleasure of knowing and it is so shocking that [pronoun] is not here with us anymore. I promise you that I will keep [pronoun] alive in my memory. And know that you are not alone, please remember that. I will do my best to support you in every way that I can.
g. Sympathy Messages for the Passing of a Child
Dear [name], I find myself at a loss of words thinking about this horrible pain. I am so so sorry… [Pronoun] memory will live in my heart forever. I am filled with overwhelming feelings of misery and shock thinking that our lovely [name] is not here with us anymore. There is nothing I can say to comfort you except that I am here… I am here with you, in this gigantic pain… I will do anything to help you.Dear [name], I am utterly shocked to hear about [name]. It is a tragedy beyond imagination. I am so distraught… I am sorry you have to go through this horrendous pain. Please know that I am here for you. I will be there very soon. I am so sorry…In this state of complete devastation, I want to just tell you that even if [name] is not here with us anymore, [pronoun] smile will live forever in the hearts of everyone lucky enough to know [pronoun]. I am here for you in this colossal pain… I am so sorry…Oh [name], I am so heartbroken to hear about our beloved [name]. [Name] had the purest of hearts and made an indelible mark on every life [pronoun] touched. I promise you that [pronoun] will live in my heart forever. [Pronoun] memory and love are eternal and timeless.
h. Sympathy Messages for the Passing of a Pet
Hey [name], I am so sorry to hear about [name]. I know how incredibly important [pronoun] was to you and how [pronoun] enlivened every person [pronoun] met. A true angel and the infinite love in your heart will keep [pronoun] alive forever. I am here for you…Oh [name], I am so sad to hear about [name]! This world will never shine as brightly again. [Pronoun] was the most wonderful, pure, and happy soul I ever met and I promise you that I will keep [pronoun] alive and joyous in my memories. I am only a call away… Please take care…Dear [name], our beautiful [name] has left a place in all our hearts that no one can fulfill. I will always remember how gentle, strong, kind, happy, and delightful [pronoun] was. I am glad that I got to know [pronoun]. [Pronoun] will be so missed and also so celebrated. I am holding you close in my thoughts.There are no words to describe how much I am going to miss [name]. [Pronoun] was truly a saint and the most wonderful company. I can only imagine the pain you must be going through. I am so sorry… Please know that you can talk to me. I want to be there for you…Sweet, angelic [name], you will be so missed, dear one… I am heartbroken thinking that I will not see your wondrous self again… [Name], I am so sorry for the pain you are going through. Please know that you are not alone. My heart aches with yours…
j. Sympathy Messages for a Miscarriage
Dear [name], I am so so sorry for what has happened. I wish you didn’t have to go through this. What must have been something so exciting is now so traumatizing. Please know that your pain is real and worthy of being felt. I am here for you… I am so sorry…I am so heartbroken to hear about this, [name]… Life can be so unbelievably cruel sometimes. I just want to say that please know that it was not your fault. And the pain that you are feeling is real. I am so so sorry… I am here to support you in every possible way.[Name], I cannot begin to understand the terrible pain you must be going through. I am so shattered that this has happened. I know that the love you have for your baby is bigger than the whole sky and you deserve all the care in the world at this incredibly difficult time. I am here for you, I am here…I am sorry for what has happened, [name]. My heart aches for the baby we all loved so much already. Please know that I am here to help you in every possible way, phone calls, crying together, and sharing a meal silently, anything. I hope you can be gentle with yourself as you go through this pain.I am holding you close in my thoughts and prayers, [name]. I am so sorry for what has happened… It is so heart-breaking. I will do anything you need to help you go through this ordeal. And please remember that it is no one’s fault. Life can just be this horrible sometimes. I am so sorry…
And, that’s it. I hope you found these messages a bit helpful in choosing what to say to someone in grief. I am praying for the people in pain and the ones who are not here anymore. Take care of yourselves. Thank you for being here…
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