Sympathy Flowers

I think almost all of us would have faced some or the other “hardship” in our life, and some of us may even have received sympathy flowers from someone. Be it, either losing our job or meeting an accident. At that point we are so depressed that our thinking becomes quite negative.

Wouldn`t it be nice if some people sent you sympathy messages, at that time, when we are probably going through a difficult time. I think most people will agree but the problem is, we are really at a loss for words when writing a sympathy message. I think that`s when sympathy flowers come in handy. Flowers are probably the most beautiful expression of our thoughts. They are the perfect medium for expressing our feelings. So, I would highly recommend sending in a few sympathy flowers with your sympathy cards. Even if, you convey a sympathy message, sending flowers along with your message, works wonders to lift the mood of your friend, who is suffering.

People tend to smile instantly, seeing a flower. So, I would believe that sending sympathy flowers is definitely worth it. Even in ancient times, flowers were used as a medium to express a feeling of sympathy towards others. Sending flower bouquet is a way, to let those who've lost someone know that you care.

These flowers really help us during times when we are totally bereft of words. I recall one such incidence. I took some “White Dendrobium Orchids”, along with me, when I went to meet a close friend, who had met an accident. I didn`t really know, what to tell her… I was in a shock, myself. At that time, those flowers really helped me to convey my feelings. As soon as I gave those flowers to her, I noticed a “twinkle” in her eyes. That moment still remains precious for me. I am glad that I could bring a smile on her face when, she most needed me.

When is it too late to send sympathy flowers?

Some people think that it maybe too late for them to send sympathy flowers. While, I recommend getting a flower arrangement done, as soon as you hear the news… I think you can send them anytime within a week. Moreover, if you are not able to reach the suffering person immediately after hearing the news, due to any unavoidable circumstances, it would be a good idea to send them a bouquet of sympathy flowers. This will show your concern to them.

I think you would know that losing someone is probably the toughest time a person or a family, has to go through. During that time, every bit that you do for them counts and, is actually worth its weight in gold. You should not under-estimate the effect, few sympathy flowers have in easing the pain of those mourning, if only by a little. Let the bereaved know, that you are by their side during this phase and sympathy flowers are a wonderful way to do exactly that. What words cannot say, those flowers seem to do almost instantly.

I can go on and on about the importance of sympathy flowers but I guess, you have got the point. So, if you are in doubt whether to take a few sympathy flowers along, then my advice would be to definitely take a bouquet…or, organize a flower arrangement of some sort.

Sympathy messages

We find ourselves bereft of words, even sympathy messages, when someone has died. However, people who have lost someone, who were close to their heart, get comfort from knowing that their loved one was a part of others lives, so it will help them if, you can write a few words of sympathy, for them.

One of the most meaningful acts of kindness you can do for a mourner is to write messages of sympathy. Although, I must add that a sympathy message unlike, a condolence message, can be used at other occasions too, like when there has been any injury, divorce, or any other kind of misfortune to the said person.

The words of sympathy and memory are comforting to the surviving family. Moreover, mourners are very appreciative that you took due care to compose a personalized message to them or share a memory of the deceased. For those who work with patients who are dying, penning-down a sympathy message reflects on both the pain and the rewards of their work. When we can appreciate the privilege it is to bear witness to the courage, kindness, caring and dignity that their patients as well as their families exhibit under duress, gives them the strength to continue their work.

A message of sympathy has two things to achieve, namely, to pay tribute to the deceased and to be a source of comfort to the survivors. The best messages are like conversations, as if you were talking face-to-face. Most often, they are written to the bereaved person to whom you feel closest, although it could be a general message to the family. It should be written and sent promptly, generally within a week after the death. Use any standard stationery and write it in your own hand-writing.

A sympathy message is one of the most difficult things in the world to write. People are shocked upon hearing the news. They are at a loss of words and feel utterly terrible, due to which, it becomes even more difficult. To add to their agony, they have got to address their message to the kind of persons who are in pain and debate whether their life is even worth living, which makes the matters worse.

However, you have got to write a sympathy message if, the deceased was a friend or even a colleague in your office. It becomes imperative that you convey your sympathy sayings because if, you don`t then, people might be left wondering, how you have ignored sending your sympathy message even when a person, whom you knew, just passed away. Believe me, it will not be easy to overlook this mistake…calling it a mistake is infact, an understatement and I would have no hesitation in calling it a blunder.

However, there is one important differentiating factor, I would like to bring out between a condolence message and a sympathy message. That difference is the fact that a condolence message is only offered in the case of death i.e, when a person has just passed away. Whereas, a sympathy message can be extended to those who have suffered from a natural disaster or a fire, storm, flood, job-loss (and believe me, you are bound to find plenty of those during this time of economic recession), a violent crime, or some other kind of misfortunes.

Nowadays, people seem to have forgotten that difference between a condolence message & a sympathy message. In any case, there was a very fine line separating them.

Sympathy Cards

One of the best things that you can do for a person in grief is send them a sympathy card. Sympathy cards are a nice way to express your feelings of sorrow. When people go through a period in their lives, be it, loss of property or any other valuables, all they need at that point in time, are messages of sympathy. However, if someone you know or is, dear to you, has just passed away then, its hard to express your feelings merely in a few words.

How to use sympathy cards to convey your message

That`s when, you have got to use sympathy cards to convey your feelings, which simply cannot be expressed, in words. These cards come with some wonderful quotes which the mourning family might find inspirational. It might also help to lift their mood up if, its just been a loss of valuables or something. Many people feel that they better wait for the right words to strike them with, before penning-down their sympathy message. However, what I would suggest is, to be prompt in your action.

You need to respond as soon as you hear the news of any misfortune to your friends. This gesture will show your concern towards those you love and about whom, you care. If you are thinking what to write in that message then think no more, because these sympathy cards come with some sympathy sayings which, might help you to think of something, which will help your friend to tackle these harsh times much better.

If you can personalize, these sympathy cards with your own thoughtful phrases then, nothing like it. But don`t get disheartened, if you can`t come-up with something. Just, sending a sympathy cards shows that you do care for them… and it will give your friend some comfort, too.

Sending sympathy cards in unconventional situations

Many of us have lost our jobs, during this time of economic-crisis, which no one really saw coming. My friends have been among those few unfortunates. To tell you the truth, when I first came to know about their job-loss, even I did not know what to say to them! I became so sad thinking about their families and how they are going to live their life… but then, I realized that I must not wait any more time in showing my feelings to them. Soon after, I sent a sympathy card to them. Those sympathy cards said, “The situation can only improve form here…”. In the end, I closed the message of sympathy by saying that we are always by your side in this tough phase. I must admit, a big burden was lifted of me. I thought being a friend, I had to do something for him and I did. I would advise you to do the same if, your friends are going through such kind of agony.

I would be delighted if, my advice would have helped, some of you. Some of us might not know, which situation demands a sympathy card. They tend to get confused. While, I can`t go on and discuss each of those issues, in here, I have got an advice, which might be of some help. If ever you are in doubt, whether to send sympathy cards or not, I would recommend you to send one.

Sample sympathy message

How to write a sample sympathy message can depend on the various occasions, like when your loved ones have experienced some kind of illness, or have lost their valuables. When we first get to hear the unfortunate news of someone passing away, the feeling which we experience at that point of time is unimaginable to say the least. Everything in the world just comes to a standstill. We can`t seem to figure out what has struck. While, I sincerely hope that no one ever goes through that experience, I would suggest that you learn how to write a sympathy letter promptly, if someone you know has gone through this, then revise it to make sure it sends the right message across.

Far too many people, whom I have met, tend to wait for the right words before looking at sample sympathy messages or expressing their condolence, which is not the right way. You should try to convey your feelings as soon as possible. When your emotions are at its high, you can let them flow & pour down your feelings on a piece of paper.

Some people also tend to get confused in using a sample sympathy message as a blueprint. They are very cautious while, writing it & it is totally understandable. You would want to write a letter which not only shows your grief for the deceased but also, helps in easing the pain of the surviving members. So, that caution, is to be appreciated. Hence, I thought I would dedicate this topic in showing you how to write sympathy sayings and also share a few sample sympathy messages with you.

Given below are a few sample sympathy messages. Take a look:

Sample Sympathy Message # 1

Dear __________

It is with much sadness that I learnt of ________’s passing away, following a stroke.

My association with him dates back to the mid ________, when he was secretary to the _________. We were both at the founding of _________ in Houston, Texas and worked with the late _________ on so many matters of interest.

The association continued when he became the chief secretary and frequently visited Houston. He will be missed for his valuable contributions to our company.

My wife joins me in sending you and the family our deepest condolences.

Sincerely,

____________

Sample Sympathy Message # 2

Dear Mr.________

I was so sorry to hear of Mrs. _________'s death. Although I haven't seen you since I left Houston, I have often thought with great affection and pleasure of those wonderful days we spent together at the races.

Please accept my sympathy on your sad loss.

Yours truly,

__________________

Sample Sympathy Message # 3

Dear ________ and _________,

We were all so sorry to hear about your father's death. He was a fine man, and all of Houston is in mourning for him. I remember seeing him take the two of you for a walk each evening after dinner when you were just little girls. I hope your memories of him will be some comfort to you.

Please, accept our sympathy and good wishes.

Sincerely,

_______________

You don’t have to write a lengthy letter, as long as it is sincere, its fine. Try to post it as soon as possible after the death, or some other loss of mammoth proportions. The letters above are simply a guide and may help you get started.

How to write a sympathy letter

Sometimes we don`t really understand the importance of knowing how to write a sympathy letter. Loosing someone is probably one of the toughest things in life that a person might have to face. You don`t know what to do during these awful times. So, one thing which you can try to ease the suffering of a bereaved is to write a few words of sympathy for them.

However, some of you might be wondering about how to write sympathy letters! Don`t worry, I will try to help you in any which way I can. I have researched extensively on this topic. What I found out is that its relatively easy to write one. You can write sympathy messages when your friends might have experienced some misfortunes, like going through divorce. While, I don`t claim to be an expert in this field, I believe, I can certainly offer a few words of advice which, I hope you will appreciate.

* At the start, you should acknowledge the loss. Let the person, to whom, you are addressing the letter, know your feelings.
* Then try to recall the day when you first came into contact with the deceased. How that person struck you… your impressions about him/her.
* Thereafter, briefly try to mention about how he/she had helped you in your life.
* Also, write a few words reassuring them & telling that you are always by their side, during these difficult times.
* Last but not the least, write a thoughtful phrase, signing your full name, in the very end.

As you can see, they are very simple steps for you to follow… simple, but at the same time very effective. Do remember to write the sympathy letter as neatly, as you can. You can write with a blue or a black pen (something, which is not too fancy).

If you are wondering how to write a sympathy letter and when to write it, all I would advice is to act as soon as you get the news. Too many of the guys I have seen try to wait for the right words before writing it. That`s not the right way to go. If you act quickly enough, it shows how concerned & affected you have been by this terrible incidence.

One more thing that I would suggest is to write what your heart says, pour down your entire feelings in that piece of paper. Also, do remember not to send those words of sympathy via e-mail or even the text message. Send sympathy flowers if you can afford it and remember that writing it in your own hand-writing definitely, lends a personal touch to your message.

What to Avoid When You Write a Sympathy Letter

Also try to avoid writing things like,” it was his/her time”. Moreover, don`t try to portray a figure of yourself, as one who knows what`s happening to the grieving family. That could not go down well with the deceased`s family. While, trying to figure out how to write a word of sympathy, make sure that you don`t go into the details of deceased`s death. That will just make the matters worse for the surviving family & make them to re-live that pain, once again. Take this time to write about his life & the moments that are to be cherished forever.

If you follow all these steps, there is no reason why the pain of the grieving family shouldn`t ease, even if, its only a little bit….trust me, it still matters to know how to write a sympathy letter.

Sympathy Sayings

People find themselves at a loss for sympathy sayings when, tragedy strikes. Your feelings in particular, are very tough to pen- down. In those moment of grief you can hardly think of anything & its not difficult to imagine why. However, being a friend, you should take it upon yourself, to help the mourning family & think of ways or sympathy sayings, which is going to lessen their pain. Sympathy sayings can be conveyed on various occasions for instance, when there has been some sort of misfortune to your friends etc.

I know its very difficult to keep control on yourself, let alone, the thought of comforting others, during that time. More so, when you hear the news of someone, suddenly,” passing away”. You can think of nothing else & all the other things become secondary in your life.

But then, just think of the deceased`s surviving family. Give a thought about what they would be going through at that point of time. It becomes a tad easy for them if, they have got someone to share their grief with. So, it`s quite essential that you regain control over yourself, as soon as you possibly can. Then, think of some of the words or sympathy sayings which are going to ease the suffering for the mourning family.

There could be nothing better at this point in time that you can do for them. So, just think of some sample sympathy messages carefully, which are not only going to help you but also, help the surviving family.

I must confess that there are indeed some words & phrases, which can be a solid way to express your sympathy, & can also do wonders in helping, the bereaved family & sooth their pain.

A few of the sympathy sayings which I would like to share in here, with you are, “________will remain in our hearts forever”, “Remember that we love and care about you & will always do”, “ You are in my thoughts”, “Memories of _________ will always be close to our heart”, “ May the peace which comes from the loving memory of ________ comfort you”.

One thing which you ought to remember in here is the fact that the mourning family is not looking for something which is a masterpiece or original, but something, that`s going to show your concern & feelings for the deceased & his/her surviving family. So, just try to relax, I know its easier said than done, but atleast try to give it your best shot.

At this point, the bereaved family goes through one of its worst phase, we can possibly imagine. Your job is to make sure that this phase gets over as smoothly as humanly possible. The task is quite tough but with carefully planned sympathy sayings, it becomes easier to heal their pain more quickly. So, just try to use the aforementioned sympathy messages & try to add a personal touch to them, which is very important.

Adding a personal touch shows that you put in some time to convey those sympathy sayings. It also depicts some concern, which you have, for the soul which has just passed away. So, just follow these steps & hopefully the pain of yours & your loved ones will be lessened to a great extent.

Sympathy message etiquette

A large number of people tend to think that a sympathy message needs to be conveyed only when, someone close to them has lost life. However, that`s not appropriate. You can send a message when your loved ones might have faced harsh times, in their lives. For instance, loss of valuables, or suffered some illness.

So, one of the most critical thing is to follow some of the important sympathy message etiquettes. Moreover, a good sympathy message is like a hand-clasp, warm and friendly.

Sympathy messages can be conveyed on the occasion of death-anniversary, death of a pet, divorce, hospitalization due to accident, miscarriage, natural disasters, such as, drought, bush-fires(like the current one in Australia). During these times you can directly express your feelings of sorrow at other person`s loss, via sympathy sayings. You ought to mention the name of the person who died or that unfortunate event, in your message.

Here are some of the things you can follow while, writing a sympathy message.

• Express your sadness or shock at hearing the news.
• If possible, write down how you came to know of it.
• Don`t forget to write a few words about the person who “passed away” or the unfortunate event.
• Offer your sympathy and good wishes, where appropriate.
• Last but not the least, show your concern & try to end it with a thoughtful phrase.

Here are some of the things which you should try to avoid:

• Don`t make your message too lengthy. Try to keep it short.
• Also, avoid the use of “dramatic” language and words such as, dreadful, appalling. A simple message of “I am sorry to hear…..” , can sometimes be more effective.
• It usually takes time for the mourning family to think of something, they would want to change. Avoid advising wholesale changes like, moving to another city, etc.
• Try to share the loss of your friends & don`t put too much focus on your own feelings, like “I have been shattered to hear……”.
• Avoid offering false cheeriness. In a Reader`s Digest article titled, “An etiquette for sympathy”, David C. Hayes says, “In the context of grief, clichés are simply bad manners…..”.
• If possible, try to write a sympathy message in your own hand-writing, which helps to show your concern for the loss of your friend.

Be tactful, but don't fear being honest…. using the word death or suicide, for example. Circumlocutions like passed on, passed away, departed, left this life, gone to their reward, gone to a better life, the deceased, and the dear departed are no longer seen very often.

What you must remember while, writing your message is the fact that your words would not take away his/her grief completely. So, you should try to accept this fact and write your message, accordingly.

There is a very fine line between pity and sympathy. You should try to show your sympathy, which in effect means, you respect that person`s ability to survive the unfortunate event whereas, pity, shows that the person has lost that battle.

These are some of the essential sympathy message etiquette, which you should try to follow.