A sympathy letter, for when you don't know what to say
Written by hand · Sealed with wax · Sent as one link
Words of comfort are always insufficient. Even so, a few lines saying you are nearby is better than saying nothing at all.
Write a letter
Delivered quietly, with a single link
Ways to begin
“I heard the news. I don't have the right words, so I'm writing simply to say I'm sorry, and that I'm thinking of you.”
“Please don't feel you have to reply to this. I'm here whenever you want company, and I'll still be here later on.”
Frequently asked questions
Q. What should I not write in a sympathy letter?
Avoid anything that asks the grieving person to move on or to find meaning in the loss. One specific memory of the person who died, and a note that no reply is expected, is enough.