Mourning the death of a loved one.
There is no single correct way to express your gratitude to those who have shared your pain at the loss of a loved one. A card should be mailed to those who sent flowers, attended the funeral or sent cards of sympathy. Just as thank you cards are sent on happy occasions, they should similarly be sent at a time of pain. A bereavement thank you card to those who cared should be sent as soon after the funeral as possible.
Instructions
Writing Thank You Cards
1. Wait until the mourning period has passed. Check out the funeral parlor's book of names for a list of those who attended the funeral. Find the cards that came with the flowers and condolence cards that came in the mail. Put them in a safe place until your mind has cleared and you feel ready to write thank you cards.
2. Buy cards that say "Thank You" on the outside and are blank inside. This is where you will hand-write your thoughts of appreciation.
3. Write something simple like, "Thank you for caring and sharing our loss," to those who were not personal friends or relatives but might have been co-workers, or strangers who read or heard about the death in the obituaries. Make sure you add the name of the deceased, the date and your signature including your courtesy title--Mr., Ms. or Mrs.--and your first and last name.
4. Understand that family members or friends who sent flowers should receive a more personal note. Write a little message on the card thanking them for the flowers or gift, and for their attendance at the funeral. Tell them how grateful you were to have them share this sad moment with you, and how much it meant to you. The words and thoughts should be brief, but warm and sincere. Address family and close friends by their first names at the top of the message, and use your first name as the signature.
Tags: cards that, attended funeral, cards that came, sent flowers, that came, your first