During times of grief, the support of loved ones can be crucial. Fortunately, there are many ways to show appreciation for those who supported you during a loss.
Writing thank-you notes can be difficult and overwhelming, but it is also a therapeutic way to recognize the people who were there for you during your time of loss.
1. Send a card
When you experience a loss, it’s important to show appreciation for those who supported you. This includes friends and family members who were with you at the funeral, sent you comforting words, and offered a shoulder to lean on during your time of grief.
Sending a card can be an excellent way to show gratitude to those who were there for you. Writing a thank you note can be therapeutic for you and the person receiving the letter. It shows that you appreciate the support they gave to you during a difficult time and makes them feel like you value their friendship.
You may be able to find sympathy or prayer cards that already have messages written on them, or you can handwrite the card yourself. However, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure how to start, you can ask a friend or family member to help you write the card and sign it on your behalf.
Once you have a list of those to thank, begin by writing down the names of each person. This can be daunting, but it is essential to include everyone who was there for you at the funeral or during your time of grieving.
After you’ve compiled your list, you can think about what you want to say to each person. The message you use can vary depending on how the person provided support during your time of grief.
If they were part of the eulogy, you might want to write something along the lines of, “Thank you for your words of wisdom at our loved one’s funeral.” You can also mention that they brought flowers or donated money to a charity in your loved one’s honor.
2. Send a gift
When showing love and respect for your friends and colleagues mourning a loss, a gift or note can make all the difference. Whether your friend has lost a loved one or a pet or is going through other hardships, a thoughtful sympathy gift can provide comfort and support during this difficult time.
The first step is determining what the person is going through. Megan Devine, a psychotherapist and author of “Sympathy Messages: A Guide to Understanding and Providing Support,” says that a lot depends on the individual. Some people want to be reminded of their loss, while others may not.
She suggests sending a card that reflects how you are feeling and asking the recipient to choose something meaningful to them. Or, if you aren’t sure what to send, she recommends sending a care package that includes food and other comforting items that can be shared during the holidays.
Some gift ideas include a framed heart that the recipient can put on their desk, a small angel that they can place on their nightstand, or a hope-filled Bible verse trinket tray. You can also give them a handcrafted prayer box they can read or pray in daily.
A simple gift that’s easy to buy can be a great way to help your friends and co-workers who are going through a difficult time. Real Simple magazine has put together 15 gift ideas that are sure to please anyone on your list.
Another option is to offer to pick up groceries for them, clean their house or sweep their porch. You can also sign them up for a meal delivery service like DoorDash, Instacart, or Uber Eats.
3. Send a note on Everdays
One of the best ways to show appreciation for those who have supported you during a loss is to send them a note. It may not seem like a lot, but it shows that you are thinking of them and are thankful for their help.
A letter written on Everdays’ website can be a thoughtful way to show that you are thinking of them and want to say thank you. You can add a photo or even a short story about your loved one to the letter, giving it a personal touch and making it more meaningful for them.
For example, a letter mentioning their good work during the funeral or memorial service can be especially touching. This can encourage the recipient to go out of their way to remember you and be there for you in your time of need.
You can also show gratitude by recognizing them for their efforts with a special badge on their profile page. This will show you that they are a member of your Everdays community and are an important part of it.
Another way to show appreciation for the people who have helped you through this difficult time is by giving them something they can cherish forever. A nice vase of flowers can be a great gift for anyone grieving or needing some comfort.
The Everdays app allows users to announce a death and create a free memorial website to honor their loved ones. The site features a custom obituary, photo gallery, and story about the deceased. It’s a great way to let everyone know about the person who passed away so that they can mourn in their own time and remember them for years to come.
4. Send a text
When you lose someone, it can be difficult to know how to show your appreciation for all the people who supported you during this time. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to do this.
One way to show your support is by texting or phone calls. You can do this for people you’re close to or acquaintances you care about.
You can send a condolence text to a friend, family member, or colleague who’s lost a loved one. These messages are short and sweet, and they can let the person know that you are thinking of them.
But don’t go overboard when you text a grieving friend or family member, and make sure you’re not using language that might be unfriendly or inappropriate. For example, don’t use emojis in your texts, as they might not be the right tone to express your condolences.
Another important thing to remember when you’re deciding how to communicate with someone is to ask them how they prefer to stay in touch. This is because the grieving process can be incredibly draining, and it might not be the best idea to call or email them at all.
So, if you’re trying to reach out to someone, be sure to find out how they’d like to stay in touch and what would be the most convenient for them. If they don’t want to receive phone calls, try to stay on the same social media platform they do, or at least find out what apps they like to use for communicating.
Whether you’re sending a card, gift, or text, it’s crucial that you take the time to be there for those who have lost their loved ones. This is especially true when everyone else has moved on, but the grieving person needs a friend who will always check in to see if they’re OK.
5. Send a phone call
During a loss, friends and family members often offer support in ways they might not have before. Whether it’s helping with errands, shopping, or simply giving a listening ear, it can be a huge help.
It can be difficult to know what to say or how to respond, so make sure you are able to show your appreciation in a way that feels right for you. Some people prefer to reply in a more direct and immediate way, while others are more comfortable with more words of gratitude.
A simple phone call can be a great way to express your feelings of gratitude and sympathy. It can also be a good opportunity to ask them how they’re doing.
You may also want to share a personal story of how the person who died touched your life in some way. For example, they may have helped you in your career or taught you a life lesson.
Another idea is to send a thank you note to anyone supportive of your family and/or loved ones during the last few months, weeks, or years. This includes close friends and family, co-workers, nurses, doctors, hospice caretakers, or other individuals or groups who showed compassion during this time.
Including specific memories or events can be especially meaningful, such as a memory of your loved one’s favorite meal or a memory of how they helped you through a hard time in your life. For example, they might have given you advice about how to get through a job interview or encouraged you to try something new.
If you are unsure how to express your condolences over the phone, or if you have a friend who is grieving, it may be helpful to seek out a professional bereavement counselor. They can help you know how best to support your friend or relative and may even be able to suggest an appropriate support group for you to join.