Hearing about a friend who has lost a loved one can break your heart. You want to help them and let them know they are not alone in this difficult time, but what do you say? You don’t want to say the wrong thing or something that sounds phony as you truly want to offer your most sincere condolences. As providers of cremation services in Camden, SC, we know finding the right words can be challenging. That’s why today we want to talk about the best tips for writing a meaningful condolence message.  

It is often much easier to break the message down into smaller parts. This way you can focus on each section rather than getting overwhelmed by the entire note. When writing your message focus on the following sections and points: 

• Offering your condolences - This is where you offer your condolences and let your friend know you are sorry for their loss. This can be something simple such as, “I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of you mother.” 
• Mentioning good qualities about their loved one - Next you will want to add in some good qualities you admired about their loved one. This could be written something like, “I will miss her deary, she was always so kind and cheerful.” Or “John was always such a joy at work and never met a stranger.” 
• Share a story or memory - As long as it is an appropriate story or memory, you may wish to share it in the message. It may be about the first time you met them or a funny story about something that happened at work. In any case, try and keep it short as you don’t want to go into a super lengthy story. If you aren’t sure if you should share the story, ask others for advice or forgo it altogether.  
• Offer support (if you can) - If there is some way you can help, add that in here. You might offer to help with the kids or offer to take their dog to the park.  Note that it is important to only offer help if you are sincere about following through with it.  
• Closing - Once the message has been composed, you will want to sign off with something such as “with caring thoughts”, or “with out deepest sympathy”.  

Sample Message

To help you see how to put all of these elements together, here is a sample message: 

“Dear Jennifer,

I was so saddened to hear about your father’s passing and my thoughts are with you. He was such a ray of sunshine at the office and was always so cheerful and kind. I remember the first time I met him and he instantly made me feel welcomed and included. I could always count on him to make the workplace a brighter place.

Please know I am here for you if you need me to come over and help with the kids, Sarah and Jane as I am happy to baby sit anytime. I am here to help anytime so please just call if you need me.

With my deepest sympathy, Sarah”

Remember that everyone has difficulty finding the right words to say in such a devasting situation. Your friend will appreciate your condolences and thoughtfulness after their loved one’s cremation services in Camden, SC. so don’t let finding just the right words stop you from writing anything at all.