Thank You Notes for Bereavement: An Easy Way to Do It

Bereavement thank you notes don’t have to be much of an ordeal if you use the simple method outlined below. Complaining is difficult! With everything you’ve been dealing with lately, the last thing you need right now is the added burden of social obligations. It has been a while since the tragedy occurred. The out-of-town guests have returned home, the funeral flowers are all wilted, the sympathy cards and letters are slowing down. Although you are still in the midst of one of the hardest things a human being could endure, the rest of the world seems to be getting back to normal.

Now what to do with all those flowers, cards and gift baskets you received? Have you recognized those gestures of sympathy and support?

Now, I know this isn’t exactly a high priority on your to-do list right now. Just breathing can sometimes be an effort. But did you know that responding to condolence messages can be therapeutic? Dildo? Look at this task not as a chore to endure, but as an opportunity to reflect on your loss and a focus for all of your “grief energy.”

Those who gave to you expect their kindness to be recognized. It is mandatory. Let’s go for it! Here’s a method that will allow you to take care of all your sympathy thanks in one or two nights.

I. Prepare the list – You must first list the name and address of each donor and what they gave (be specific). Buy a few packs of standard thank you cards, blank inside. Get some nice ones.

II. Ask for help – Remember those people who said “If there is anything I can do to help…”. Well, pick 1 or 2 of your close friends who have offered to help you and put them to work. Your bereavement thank you should be handwritten (never typed), but there’s no reason why it can’t be written by others on your behalf!

3rd Have a sympathy thank you “barn raising” night – Invite your volunteers and feed them dinner or provide snacks and refreshments.

IV. Bereavement Thank You Note Examples you can use.

Here’s a good template to get you started: We (Bill and I) (the children and I) (or just me) would like to thank you very much for your kind sympathy (card) (gift). Although we are going through a lot right now, his gesture was noticed and we appreciate the show of support he feels. (Say something specific about the card or gift now):

*Your gift of food (cookies) provided us with some comfort and helped feed the crowd.
*The lily spray was just lovely and was a comforting addition to the church ceremony.
*Your thoughtful condolence card gave us some support and comfort and we all read it.
*Your condolence basket was really appreciated and we are still exploring your heartwarming content.

Now here is an example of a very effective yet short sympathy thank you note:

“Dear Nancy,

Just a note to thank you very much for the beautiful fruit basket you sent. Although this is a very sad and difficult time for Jim and I, we appreciate and appreciate his thoughtful display of support. We are fortunate to have supportive friends like you in our time of need.

Thanks again for your kindness,
Suzanne”

Even though your home is in crisis and you are surely suffering deeply, you will never regret writing thank you notes to those who gave you No matter how difficult and tedious it may be, it is an expected and decent response to a show of support offered by friends and family.