Bereavement thank-you notes don’t have to be a big test if you use the simple method outlined below. Complaining is difficult! With everything you’ve had to deal with lately, the last thing you need now is the added burden of social obligations. It has been some time since the tragedy occurred. The out-of-town guests have returned home, the funeral flowers are all wilted, the condolence cards and letters are slowing down. Although you are still in the midst of one of the hardest things a human could endure, the rest of the world seems to be returning to normal.
Now what do you do with all those flowers, cards, and gift baskets that 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. Sometimes just breathing can be a strain. But did you know that responding to messages of sympathy could be therapeutic? Dildo? View this task not as a chore you must endure, but as an opportunity to reflect on your lost self and a focus for all of your “grief energy.”
Those who gave you hope that their kindness will be recognized. It is mandatory. Let’s go for it! Here’s a method that will take care of all your 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 some standard thank you card packages, with the inside blank. Get some good ones.
II. Ask for help – Remind those people who said “If there is anything I can do to help …”. Well, pick one or two of your close friends who offered help and put them to work. Your gratitude for grief should be handwritten (never typed), but there is no reason why others can’t write it on your behalf!
III. Have condolences for the night of “raising the barn” – Invite your volunteers and feed them dinner or provide snacks and refreshments.
IV. Grief Thank You Notes Sample you can use.
Here’s a good template to get you started: We (Bill and I) (the kids and I) (or just me) would like to thank you very much for your kind condolence (card) (gift). Although we are going through a lot right now, your gesture was noticeable and we appreciate the show of support you sent. (Say something specific about the card or gift now):
* Her gift of food (the cookies) gave us some comfort and helped feed the crowd.
* The lily bouquet was simply lovely, and it was a heartwarming addition to the church ceremony.
* Your kind condolence card gave us some support and comfort, and we all read it.
* Your basket of condolences was really appreciated and we are still exploring its heartwarming content.
Now here’s an example of an effective but short sympathetic thank you note:
“Dear Nancy,
Just a note to thank you so much for the beautiful fruit basket you sent. Although this is a very sad and difficult time for Jim and me, your attentive show of support was greatly appreciated and appreciated. We are fortunate to have loving friends like you in our time of need.
Thanks again for your kindness,
Susan “
Even though your home is in chaos and you are surely suffering deeply, you will never regret writing mourning 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.