Funny Things to Write in a Sympathy Card

Barbara has spent over forty years writing poems, lyrics, and sayings for cards, and interpreting the meanings and messages in song.

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Finding the Right Thing to Say to Someone Who Has Lost a Person Close to Them

Losing someone personally versus knowing someone who is going through a great loss are two very different things. If you've gone through a loss, you certainly understand the difference.

Until you actually live through the passing of a person you deeply love, you have no idea what to expect when the pain of loss hits. It's almost as though a light switch has been flipped, and your knowledge of life and death reaches a cosmic level.

If you've never gone through it, finding the right words to comfort people living through a great loss can be challenging. This article is designed to offer you ideas about what to say to someone enduring grief. Granted, nothing we say will erase their pain—however, it may bring a smile, lend a distant shoulder, or show them that you also feel their loss. It means a lot to read a personal note; it truly does.

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25 Thoughtful Messages for the Loss of a Father

If you need to write something thoughtful to a friend or family member about the passing of their father, then below are 20 suggestions for you to choose from:

1. His heart and his kindness will always be remembered.
2. He left a legacy of love and was a beautiful example of how to live life.
3. Your dad was like a father to me and I was honored to know him.
4. Your dad lives on in the hearts of all us; he leaves a void that no one else can fill.
5. In the winter of his life, he was still filled will grace—he was truly a beautiful soul.
6. Your loss is felt by all of us; we are all missing your dad.
7. In a world of cynics, your dad always held the candle of hope.
8. His endless gifts were his frequent kind words.
9. Not many men leave an impact like your dad did—he was a trailblazer of love.
10. In my lifetime, I will never know a greater man than your dad.
11. The loss of your father has left all of us humbled as we reflect upon his grace.
12. He passed 'go' and went directly to heaven; he was uniquely special.
13. He's reorganizing heaven as we speak.
14. His presence was huge and there isn't anything that can ever replace that void.
15. He's teaching classes in heaven on how to be the kindest person on Earth.
16. The stars dimmed their shine in honor of your dad's passing.
17. His arms were big enough to carry us all; he was a special man—rare in this world.
18. Your love for your dad was truly felt by all of us; our hearts are holding you close.
19. He wasn't just a dad, he was a living example of how to be a class act.
20. Yes, he'll always be with you in spirit—he'll watch over you as you go through life.
21. It's never going to make sense, but you'll find a way to breathe in and out until one day breathing in and out doesn't hurt as much.
22. His heart was your heart and your heart is his heart. He didn't leave, he lives in you.
23. He loved you with every breath he took. He was proud of you and most of all, he is still by your side.
24. Time will stop for quite a while but one day when you're not expecting it, the second hand will start ticking again.
25. Your dad didn't walk his road home alone, those who passed before him and who loved him were there to greet him. It was joyous and peaceful, with that I have no doubt.

The Best Thing to Write in a Card

If you're able to write a short personal story, a wonderful memory, or a positive trait about the person who has passed, then this is always the best option.

The next best choice would be a lovely, kind quote or saying written in your own handwriting inside a card.

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20 Sayings for a Sympathy Card for the Loss of a Mother

Here are 20 sayings you can write in a sympathy card for someone who has suffered the loss of their mother:

1. Moms always keep us safe, no matter what side of life they're living on.
2. Your mom will always watch over you and care for you, that part will never end.
3. Take comfort in knowing that your mom was loved and her grace was felt by all of us.
4. Your mom's gifts were endless, making her spirit and love live on forever.
5. Nobody can ever replace a mom, which is why they always watch over us from beyond.
6. Your mom was loved by so many people, so your loss is shared by many.
7. Your mom was a precious gift to many of us.
8. Know that we feel your pain very deeply and are here for you during this time of sorrow.
9. Heaven just received the classiest lady that ever lived.
10. A little grace, a little style, and a lot of heart; heaven is even better now.
11. Angels are hugging you with their wings and your mom's spirit is among them.
12. Our moms keep us close no matter where they live.
13. In your hour of need, I extend my heart and love to you.
14. Mom is in heaven watching over you; you are never alone.
15. Your mother was a ray of sunshine to many and now she gets to shine from above.
16. I loved your mother—she was an amazing human being and she will be so missed.
17. Behind your mother's smile was always another smile—her memory will live forever.
18. Kindness was your mom's specialty; we were all blessed to know her.
19. If they're handing out awards in heaven, your mom just won first prize.
20. Your mother's love was felt deeply by many.

I feel your presence every single day, and I miss you more than words can express.

Encouraging Words to Say Regarding the Loss of a Loved One

20 encouraging sayings you can put in a card for a friend or family member suffering a loss:

1. Your life was made better by his presence and will continue to be made better as he works unseen.
2. He is looking down congratulating himself for the wonderful family he raised.
3. When heaven hands out awards, your loved one will receive the Grace & Dignity Award.
4. Hope comes from the strangest places—even through sorrow there is hope.
5. A human life is our gift; a spiritual life is our eternity.
6. All of us go home where we gather around to discuss our contributions.
7. In the end, there is no end—life goes on; hold on to your loved ones, they haven't left you.
8. Hope is a place where flowers grow with or without seeds.
9. In our hearts we hold each other close, it's the place where beauty gathers.
10. Know that your love carried her and that she now carries you.
11. The spirit houses the soul as the body did, so your loved one lives on.
12. Life is a beautiful journey that continues on past this world.
13. Life begins with birth, and upon our passing is the current reflection of our soul.
14. Time never ends, life never ends, love never ends.
15. Separate and distinct from the body is the soul—it lives forever.
16. Missing someone means they are never missing.
17. We never cease to be, we are simply awakened to a new existence.
18. A heart of kindness passes into a new awakening free of encumbrances.
19. We are the total sum of our willingness to spiritually evolve.
20. In life we hold on, in death we let go; the spirit is free to love, unencumbered.

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20 Phrases for a Sympathy Thank You Card

During a time of grief, it can be very difficult to find the right words to say thank you in response to the sympathy cards and contributions such as cooking and helping. Here are 20 different ideas on how to express thanks. Feel free to write them in a card:

1. Your words were very kind and truly appreciated, thank you.
2. It's been so hard but your beautiful card brought a much-needed moment of light.
3. You're such a wonderful friend, thank you for all you did during this very difficult time.
4. Without people like you, people like me would never get through times like this.
5. You are the gift I give myself, thank you for being there.
6. During my hour of need, you were there; thank you so much.
7. I didn't think I could get through this, and there you were holding me up; I love you.
8. Your arms held me close and filled my soul with much-needed moments of peace.
9. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, it was greatly appreciated.
10. You are very special people, and your loving support meant the world to all of us.
11. I feel as though you are the only one who really understands my pain; thank you.
12. You were there for me when I needed you most—you are a true friend.
13. It's hard to explain my pain to people and yet to you I don't have to; you truly feel it, too.
14. For your time, your cooking, your help, your heart and your love, I thank you.
15. Know that I cannot put a value on what you did for me; it was deeply appreciated.
16. As I move forward in life, knowing you are still here brings me peace.
17. Your support and gracious generosity is rare these days. You are special, thank you.
18. You hold my heart, I hold your heart. Thank you.
19. In this life, knowing you are here means so much. Thank you.
20. Where there is darkness, there is light—you are my light. Thank you so much.

© 2013 Barbara Tremblay Cipak

Have you ever suffered a painful loss of someone close to you? Feel free to add any original words of thanks you may have used in the past.

Barbara Tremblay Cipak (author) from Toronto, Canada on April 05, 2018:

Thank you Ellen, much appreciated

Ellen Gregory from Connecticut, USA on April 05, 2018:

This is so helpful. I am always at a loss for the correct words and the correct words are so important at the time of a loved one's passing.

Barbara Tremblay Cipak (author) from Toronto, Canada on April 04, 2018:

Thank you Margaret - Inspired after the passing of my father

Margaret Schindel from Massachusetts on April 04, 2018:

This is such a wonderful, helpful article, Barbara! Finding the right words to honor the dead and comfort his or her loved ones is often very difficult, especially when one's own heart is heavy with grief. Bookmarked!

Barbara Tremblay Cipak (author) from Toronto, Canada on January 05, 2018:

Donna, thank you for stopping by and leaving such a thoughtful comment. When dad passed and people send cards by the 100's I couldn't believe all the thoughtful words expressed to us and was shocked by just how much we needed to read them.

Donna from East Yorkshire, UK on January 02, 2018:

It is so very hard to know what to say to a bereaved person at a time when they most need understanding and empathy. This is a lovely thoughtful article. We sometimes avoid people when they need a friend the most because we just do not know what to say and how to respond.

Barbara Tremblay Cipak (author) from Toronto, Canada on December 01, 2017:

Lorelei, it sure is, I remember when the cards and notes came in for dad, it meant a lot.

Barbara Tremblay Cipak (author) from Toronto, Canada on December 01, 2017:

Thank you Pat, and thanks for stopping by

Lorelei Cohen from Canada on December 01, 2017:

This is one occasion where I have always had difficulty finding the appropriate words to say. Thank you for this list. Grief is such a highly emotional time.

Wednesday-Elf from Savannah, Georgia on December 01, 2017:

Your idea of sharing a personal memory of someone who has died is my favorite. It's heartwarming to hear favorite stories others have of your loved one.

MariaMontgomery from Coastal Alabama, USA on July 22, 2014:

This is a beautiful, soothing lens. Thank you for sharing its contents. It will be useful to many, many people.

Tonie Cook from USA on June 10, 2014:

There are times when you just can not find the right words to express, but thanks to this site the task will be a little bit easier. Thank you for sharing this information to help others during their time of need.

saba-khan3 on March 30, 2014:

It's brilliant

Barbara Tremblay Cipak (author) from Toronto, Canada on March 08, 2014:

@Diana Wenzel: thank you so much for the kind comment - and you are sure right, I wrote these after losing Dad

Renaissance Woman from Colorado on March 08, 2014:

These are really powerful and touching sentiments you have written. We do need these thoughts prepared because it is so hard to think during the exhausting time of experiencing a loss. Only someone who has known a painful loss could write such beauty. Thank you for pouring out your heart and spirit in this way to help us all.

Marie on February 16, 2014:

Finding just the right choice of wording for a sympathy card is something so many people struggle with. This is such a helpful resource page and filled with beautiful and sensitive ideas.

Barbara Tremblay Cipak (author) from Toronto, Canada on January 10, 2014:

@Pam Irie: I did write them, thank you very much :)

Pam Irie from Land of Aloha on January 10, 2014:

Wow, did you write all these? I'm impressed! This is a super helpful page!

Shinichi Mine from Tokyo, Japan on January 08, 2014:

You know, I wish I was this lens last month when my mother's father died. I really didn't know what to write.

Barbara Tremblay Cipak (author) from Toronto, Canada on November 10, 2013:

@LisaMarieGabriel: very sorry to hear about the loss of your dad, it's been 8mths for us, and I really understand your pain

Lisa Marie Gabriel from United Kingdom on November 10, 2013:

I think of my dear father every single day, nearly two years since he passed over. There are some lovely ideas here. Thank you!

anonymous on June 10, 2013:

This is such a useful page for people who are often at a loss for words at a time when just the right words are needed. Thank you for sharing this.

flycatcherrr on June 04, 2013:

We've all lost someone dear - or, if very young, perhaps not yet; but we will experience the loss in time - and yet it never seems to help to find the words for sympathy for someone else in the same grief. I am sure that a great many people will be grateful for your suggestions for gracious, kind, heartfelt words.

My sympathy to you on the loss of your Dad; it's clear from reading this that the two of you had a very special bond and he will always hold a place in your heart and your memory.

anonymous on June 01, 2013:

Nicely done and very sweet sentiments. Thank you for sharing this. I'm sure many who have lost their loved ones will be touched by your gesture.

DougB101 on May 31, 2013:

Thanks or sharing these wonderful words. I always make my own Sympathy/Birthday cards. Now I have another source for soothing words. Thanks again.

frenchlingo on May 30, 2013:

Thank you so much for this lens. It was quite interesting to gather such information. The song I have never listened to it before so thank you so much for sharing. Really nice one to add to my collection.

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Source: https://holidappy.com/greeting-cards/sympathy-card-sayings

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