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Cynthia's avatar

Very helpful Anne.

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Emily Christensen's avatar

Sympathy notes are one area where I’ll let myself over-write a bit, e.g: “I’m so terribly sorry for your loss.” Words do fail, so we do our best.

I agree with your note about timeliness, especially given the nature of grief. I couldn’t bear to read any of the sympathy notes that arrived at my father’s house in the week after my mother’s death and would have been touched to receive a card at nearly any time. You could even argue the first anniversary is an equally appropriate occasion for an expression of sympathy.

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Anne Welsbacher's avatar

Oh that is a great idea, Emily! Yes, anniversaries are notably painful, and I can't think of a more thoughtful act than to send a card then. Thank you for this insight.

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Brian Haney's avatar

Pinning this for future reference. Thanks.

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Anne Welsbacher's avatar

Thanks, Brian.

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