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Inspirational Sympathy Messages & Thoughtful Ideas


Finding the words to express your deepest feelings at a time of loss can sometimes be very difficult.  This section is dedicated to helping you find the words.   We have put together a selection of real inspirational sympathy/bereavement messages that we have personally received as well as submission from our readers.  We hope these examples will help you find your own unique way of expressing your love and concern for someone that has lost a loved one.

 

New messages and insights will be added to our website each week. Do you have an inspirational story or letter to share? 
We would love to hear from you!

 

Valentine's Day Grief Support Resources

The most important gesture you can make is from your heart. 
Your note does not have to be long; it just needs to be said with love.  
Click here for tips on What to Say...When You Don't Know What To Say.


Click Here for Thoughtful Gift Ideas  

Sympathy Poems Sympathy Quotes

Loss of a Parent  


My mother Judy, passed away in 1993 from ovarian cancer
 


May the love of your friends and family surround you and fill your heart as you journey down this new road.  It has been 16 years since my mom passed away and I know that the road ahead will bring you many ups and downs but know that your mom's love and presence will always be with you.  Be sure to be kind and gentle with yourself.  Sending you and your family lots of warm hugs. 
Lori Pederson

 


 

I am very sorry to hear of your mother's passing away.  I was glad to have met her.  Know that my thoughts are with you.  Be gentle with yourself.  
Love & Strength,  G.K.

 


I know your heart is feeling heavy. My hope and prayer for all of you is that each day your hearts will feel lighter and lighter from the loss you are feeling, until one day only sweet memories remain to comfort you.
Lori Pederson

 


Inspirational Thought:  Many people send cards and flowers the first few weeks after someone has passed.  Think of sending a card or a note a few months after the loss to remind your friend that you are still thinking about them.  Anniversaries, birthdays and holidays can be particularly difficult.   These are special times that you can let your friend or family member know that you care. 


Please call if you want to talk, or bitch about annoying family members who don't do anything, or if you want to share stories about funeral directors, making arrangements, eating sandwiches every day for what seems to be months- Having to make small talk with people whom you have never seen before, but they remember you when you were a baby, and finding yourself in the back of the room in the funeral home thanking everyone from coming to this event.  Just like you are in event planning auto pilot.  I nearly expected to be reading evaluation forms at the end of the ordeal.  Anyhow- I just wanted to tell you that I've been thinking about you and hope you are doing ok.  Take Care and Take Some Time For Yourself.   C.S.
 


Inspirational Thought:  The typical sympathy card in the store may not be the most inspirational card to send.  Think of sending a card with a beautiful flower, a fun picture or something that inspires the person to connect with life.  My favorite cards to send are ones with Mickey Mouse or a beautiful flower.


I can only imagine how difficult this has been, and my heart goes out to you and your family.  You are so young to have to suffer such an incredible loss and while time is a healer, I know that’s of little consolation now.

Know that you have many, many friends who love and care about you.  If you need anything I am only a phone call away.   K.P.



I’ve been thinking about what you must be going through, and it seems that we can’t truly understand what you’re going through until we face the same situation.  But I am ready to help in any way that I can.  E.R.



My thoughts are with you.  Take Care and think of me if you need a smile.  M.L


Inspirational Thought: When we honestly ask ourselves which person in our lives means the most to us, we often find that it is those who, instead of giving much advice, solutions or cures, have chosen rather to share our pain and touch our wounds with a gentle and tender hand. The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief or bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing, not curing, not healing, and face us with the reality of our powerlessness, that is a friend who cares. ~ Henri J. M. Nouwen


I never know what to say in letters like this, as my experience with family loss is limited.  Yet, if I were in your situation, I’d take comfort in the thought that people’s prayers and thoughts are with me.  Rest assured mine are with you.   T.L.


 

I just wanted you to know that I have been thinking about you all week, and I will keep you in my prayers.  
Love, S.L
  


 
Inspirational Thought:  Try not to say anything that will diminish your friends feelings: "your dad wouldn't want you to be sad" or "you'll feel better soon." Also, try to stay away from silly clichés.  The most important thing to do is to just be sincere.


I am so sorry for your loss, and I wish I had something wonderful to say to make you feel better. Please know that I'm willing to help you out however I can during this difficult time. I'd love to bring your family dinner or take you out for coffee if you ever need to talk to someone.



I'm so sorry for your loss. I really respect you as a friend and as a professional, and I know your dad must have had a role in making you the great person you are.


Loss of a Friend


I am heartbroken that he is gone; and I’m glad he remembered me.  I’ll never forget him.  Certain people touch your life, and he was certainly one of them.  I know you were very a special person in his life.  D.B


 I’m sending you lots of supportive hugs & love via the ether and wish I could be more ”there” for you!  My thoughts are with you and hope you are doing for yourself whatever is required.  L.K


I am sorry to hear of your friends passing.  I know he must have treasured your caring and special friendship during his illness.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.  L.D.


Inspirational Thought: People often wonder what they should do for someone when they have lost a friend or family member.  One of the most special gifts I received was from my friend Steve.  When my friend Dan passed away I did not have enough money to go to the funeral.  Steve used his frequent flyer miles to buy me a plane ticket so I could go to the funeral to be there for Dan’s family as well as give me an opportunity to say good bye.  I am forever grateful for his generosity.

 

Loss of a Pet


I’m sorry to hear about your loss. That must have taken a lot of soul searching to make the decision to put Chase to sleep and I hope, in time, you are able to heal.  V.F.


 

I was saddened to hear of the new of your kitten passing.  I'm sorry that his life was cut short, but glad that you were able to make his last week more comfortable.  Although he didn't make it, you gave him a chance to fight.  You also gave him the comfort of companionship and warmth in his final days.  Thank you for giving the little guy a fighting chance.  We appreciate your compassion and we will remember his spirit.  So sorry for your loss.  EK

Inspirational Thought:  The smallest gestures can make a big difference in someone’s life.  Some of the cards and letters I received when my mom passed away were from people I hardly knew.  I was so touched that someone would take the time to let me know they cared.  


 

 
Inspirational Thought:  Help your loved one create a Virtual Memorial that others can contribute their memories and everyone can view the memorial online. The Virtual Memorial Garden allows you to set-up a virtual Memorial for free – www.virtualmemorialgarden.net

 

 

"Kind words can be short and easy to speak but their echoes are truly endless."  
~Mother Theresa



Share Your Stories With Us…What has inspired you?

   
Do you have an inspiring story, card, or letter you would like to share.  
What did you wish someone had done for you?  We invite you to submit your stories and wish lists.

Loss of a Parent
Loss of a Spouse/Significant Other

Loss due to a Miscarriage, Still Birth & Infant Loss
Loss of a Friend
Loss of a Pet

 

Coming Soon...

Loss of a Child
Loss of a Relative
Loss of a Grandparent
Loss due to Suicide
Loss of a person serving in the Military

 

 

Please Email us at info@ididnotknowwhattosay.com 

 

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Holiday Grief Support Resources  Valentine's Day Grief Support Resources
Mother's Day Sympathy Gift Ideas  Traumatic Loss Support Resources

  Military Memorial Gifts Ideas