Sympathy Card Message Guide
It's hard to know what to say in times of loss. It’s especially hard to write your meaningful message in a sympathy card. We are here to help.
Upon purchase of a sympathy care package, you can include a personal message. Don’t feel that you must find “the right words,” as those might not exist. By sending the care package, it already lets them know you care. If you choose to include a condolence message, gather ideas below as inspired by our community.
We’ve grouped by topic, but keep in mind all situations of grief and loss are different.
Key tips:
Don’t feel pressured to write a long note; a short, simple message can be powerful.
It’s OK not to be positive or uplifting, instead, try to find a way to acknowledge how difficult this time might be.
Try to refrain from giving specific advice.
Use the name of a deceased loved one and sharing a specific, fond memory can be thoughtful.
Try to avoid “let me know if I can do anything.” It’s helpful to be specific for ways you can help. Examples include helping to babysit, clean, do lawn work, walk the dog, pack, cook, or run errands. If you’re not near your recipient, offer a specific date and time you can call or send a note to check in.
Be prepared to hear back from your care package recipient—and when you do, the best thing you can do is be present and listen. Conversely, some activities might be overwhelming, depending on their loss, so don’t be surprised if you don’t hear back; rest assured it was meaningful.
We love this graphic from Refuge in Grief, called “Care and Feeding of Your Grieving Person,” and we hope you find it helpful too!
Check back as we update this page often.
Meaningful Sympathy Messages for Grief, Loss, and Hardship -
Until we can see each other, this is our way of wrapping you in our arms and surrounding you in love.
I want you to know you are not alone in your grief, and I'm here for you.
We won't always know what to say or do, but please know that we are here for you and we care about you.
I know I can’t take the pain away, but I will be here to listen to you and be a shoulder to cry on.
I'm so sorry for your loss and hope you feel surrounded by the love we have for you.
Hoping to bring you moments of rest and peace.
We are thinking of you through these difficult days and wish you moments of peace and comfort.
I'll be thinking of you and your family with love.
We hope these items will help in your journey towards healing.
I am holding you in my thoughts and want for you to feel a little bit of the care and comfort that I felt when I knew others were thinking of me.
Sending love your way during this difficult time.
As you continue to give all your strength and love in the coming weeks and months - I will be here for you.
Thinking of you during this time of grief.
I will listen to you. I will support you. I love you.
Keep taking time for yourself and doing what you need. I’ll be over to (write a specific helpful task—babysit, clean, lawn work, pack, cook) if you need to get out of the house.
There are no words to take your pain away. I am here to be a listening ear and shoulder to cry on anytime you need me.
We hope this small token will help as you start healing. We’re here for you in the coming weeks and months ahead.
(Religious/Spiritual) I am thinking of you during this journey. You are in my thoughts, prayers, and heart. Love and listening is the greatest gift we can give you at this time.
(Religious/Spiritual) We wish to send you healing prayers and comforting hugs.
(Religious/Spiritual) All our love and prayers to you as you navigate this time. You are heavy in our hearts.
Sympathy Card Messages for loss of an adult loved one -
I know how much (he/she) meant to you.
Thinking of you and wishing you moments of peace. We are missing (loved one’s name) along with you.
Thinking of you and wishing you small moments of comfort as you remember all of the great memories of your (loved one). We love you and are here for you always.
(Name) was such a bright light in all of our lives, and will be in our memories and hearts forever.
We are so sorry to hear about your (dad/mom/sister/brother etc.). Sending you much love and strength.
We were saddened to hear of (name’s) passing. We know what important part of the family (he/she) was. Know that we are here for you!
As you grieve, I am wrapping you in hugs and love.
Grieving can feel lonely, and I want you to know we are right here alongside you. We share in your grief, and you are not alone.
We are so saddened to hear of the sudden passing of (name). We are praying for you now and into the future as you go through the process of grieving and healing.
Wish we could be there in person to give you a hug. Thinking of you and all of your family as you each find a new way to hold (name) in your hearts.
Know that you are always on our mind and hearts during this difficult time. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family.
(Parent Loss) Thank you for your loving care of (mom/dad). (He/She) was so well cared-for and loved by you.
(Parent Loss) The grief of losing a parent takes time, here is a little something to help you feel comforted, and know that I am here for you always.
(Parent Loss) You took such great care of (mom/dad) and now it's time to take care of yourself. Know that I am always here for you and am just a phone call away.
(Parent Loss) Losing (him/her) has left a hole in our hearts and lives that can never be filled.
(Religious/Spiritual) May the strength you need come through our Heavenly Father who deeply cares for you and your family.
Sympathy Card Message Ideas for Infant Loss, Child loss, Pregnancy loss, InfertilitY, Birth Complications & Ante/Postpartum support
My words cannot express the heartache I feel for you and your family.
Know that you are loved and thought of and so very much not alone. If you need someone to listen, I'm here.
I am sending this to you as a reminder to you that you are in my heart and mind, and also, to share a moment together of remembering (name).
Please know that your family is supporting you during this time.
Thinking of you and your sweet baby (girl/boy).
I know your loss can't be described with words. I wish I could help lessen your pain — I am here for you.
Just wanted to send a little care for your soul during this heartbreaking and emotional time.
We are so sorry to hear about (child’s name). We were fortunate to meet him when he…(provide story here). I hope this memory brings a smile, if only for a moment.
We are there to help with (any help tasks—-e.g. carpooling, volunteering, a meal), or anything else that you made need to get you through each day.
We are so sorry for the loss and grief you are experiencing now. We wish you peace and comfort and are thinking of you and (partner’s name) often.
Thinking about you and your sweet (girl/boy). We want you to know we are remembering (him/her) on this day.
Baby (baby’s name) touched so many lives in beautiful ways.
(New mom/parent support) Know that you are cherished and loved by your family and friends. We are here to support you.
(New mom/parent support) In the midst of all the chaos, please find time for yourself to rest and recharge.
(New mom/parent support) It's okay to be sad, angry, and whatever else you might be feeling.
(New mom/parent support) Know that it is okay to feel both joyful and sadness at the same time.
(Religious/Spiritual) Please know that we will continue to pray for you all and we are thinking of you.
(Religious/Spiritual) We are grateful for wonderful memories of (child’s name). Our hearts go out to you, and we will continue to pray for you.
(Religious/Spiritual) We love you and have you in our heart along with your little angel.
(Religious/Spiritual) I am deeply saddened to hear about your sweet (child’s name) going to heaven. I will always remember (his/her) sweet smile and spirit.
(Religious/Spiritual) We are so very sorry to hear your IVF was unsuccessful. Prayers for your family will be continued as you take time to reflect on your next step. We are here for you.
Sympathy Card Messages for a Health Crisis, Medical Diagnosis (e.g. cancer), Surgery or Treatment, Mental Health, Addiction, Recovery
May your healing continue and wishing you peace, comfort and happiness.
Thinking of you as you begin this challenging journey. We know (person’s name) has a strong will and positive attitude and will beat this.
Please this gift a little something to strengthen your fight and provide peace to face the battle.
Time holds promise for healing. Respect your recovery, spend time with ones you love, and most of all love yourself fully, especially on the bad days.
Just wanted to let you know that our team is thinking about you and hoping that recovery is going well, hopefully this package will help you along the way.
We wanted to sent you love and maybe a few moments of peace. Please know that we are thinking of you all and saying prayers for everyone.
Supportive Messages for Relationship Challenges, Divorce, Separation, Infidelity, and Break-ups
We hope that you can find some peaceful moments as you find your way through your uncertainty of what will happen next.
We are so sorry for how this has unfolded for you and (partner’s name).
Thoughts and prayers go out to you everyday. You will find your way. You are so very loved by many.
I support you and I believe in the decision you made, even if it was the most difficult.
You are cherished in many lives, including mine. I am so sorry you have to go through this.
Trust your instincts.
You are an amazing person; you always have been and always will be.
We're here for you, cheering, and love you very much.
We know your kindness and love of life, and we are saddened that you are experiencing the pain and sorrow that comes with your separation.
Know that we are hear to laugh, cry, listen, advise, commiserate, or help in every capacity we can with whatever you need in that moment.
(Religious/Spiritual) We are all here to support you through this experience. We are sending prayers for comfort and clarity during this time.
(Religious/Spiritual) Oh, my friend! I am thinking of you constantly and praying for understanding, guidance, and faith in making these tough decisions!
Card Messages for Encouragement And Stress Relief:
I hope this can help with relieving some stress and anxiety during these trying times, and remember to breathe!
I wanted to send you a care package as you prepare for (big event, e.g. final exams). You are always there for me and I wanted you to know I am always there for you. I’m so proud of you!
Good luck on the exam - we're rooting for you!
Here for you if you need a shoulder or a long walk.
A little something for your self-care during a difficult time.
There is so much love that surrounds you!
You are thoughtful beyond words, and so very appreciated.
Rest & relax. Retirement is just around the corner.
At the end of a very busy holiday season, use these healing items to take some time for you!
Thinking of you and I hope this will help you get through the holiday season.
(Return to work after loss) I hope this assists in the transition back to work. I'm thinking of you and am here for you anytime.
Card Messages for Pet Loss, Job Loss, and Care Provider Burnout Support
You are taking such great care of (insert name), and we thought we’d send a little care for you!
I know how close you were with (pet name), and I am so sorry they are no longer by your side each day.
It doesn’t always feel right or fair during these times. I know you are on to a new position that will be a best fit for you. You deserve the best.
I know how much you enjoyed your work. I am sorry this role came to an end. You are in my thoughts as you begin the next steps to something new.
Sympathy Card Closing ideas:
Warmest Hugs,
With our deepest sympathies,
My heart goes out to you,
In caring sympathy,
All of our/my love,
With love,
Sending our healing thoughts and prayers,
With my deepest sympathy and love,
Love and positive energy,
Love and healing,