Expressing your heartfelt sympathy can provide a great sense of comfort to a grieving family. While personal visits are ideal to show you care, there are times when visiting the bereaved at home is simply not possible. Here are some other ways you can express your sympathy for the family.

Conveying your sympathy via email is appropriate if you knew the deceased professionally. It’s also ideal for when you’re away, or if emailing is the only means you have to send your condolences. If you’re away, you might say that you’ll visit the family as soon as you return.

Convey your sympathy with an elegantly arranged all-white bouquet, as white represents sincerity and reverence. You may however want to opt for something more colorful to brighten the family home and add some fragrance. Flowers show you care and can also create a soothing diversion for those who are grieving. You can also send flowers directly to the funeral home.

The grieving family may be too busy to prepare meals, so bringing them a home cooked meal is the perfect way to express your sympathy. Prepare food that can be easily re-heated or stored in the refrigerator. Soups are ideal, as they can be frozen and reheated when necessary. The family might also appreciate dips, cold cuts, crackers and cheese for guests. Pre-cooked meals, sandwiches, or platters with bite-sized servings are ideal.

For a family coming from the Catholic tradition, you could give the family a mass offering or memorial card as a reminder that their loved one will be prayed for in Mass. This serves as a token of remembrance and resembles a greeting card, which can be very uplifting to those who are grieving. These cards can also be given to remember the deceased on the anniversary of their death.

Some choose to honor the deceased with a memorial donation. This is especially common if the deceased had a disease where funding for research and treatment is ongoing. If this is the case, ask the family which charity or organization they’d like memorial donations to go to, and don’t forget to leave the family’s details with the charity.

Brevity is of the utmost importance here, as the bereaved will probably be overwhelmed with calls during this time. Convey your sympathy in a genuine and honest way, but remember that the family is dealing with their own grief. Keep the topic of the phone call about them.

Attending the funeral service is an ideal way to pay your last respects. If a viewing is available, be sure to be punctual, as you may not get to see the deceased once they’ve closed the casket. You might also get the chance to speak with the family in person before the service, or during the reception.

It’s difficult to know what to say in the midst of grief. All you can do is your best to offer comfort and help to the family and to find closure for yourself.

If you need further assistance or have questions, please call our helpful staff at Tharp Funeral Home at (540) 586-3443