When trying to comfort someone who is grieving or, if you are grieving yourself, it can be difficult to find the right words. As a result, when we sit down to write sympathy cards or a thank you note, it often feels like the only words that come to mind are the traditional, “I am sorry for your loss” or “thank you for your support during this time.”
At Lighten, we want to help you find the right words before, during, and after a celebration of life. Hosts and invitees alike typically take time to write celebration of life card messages in either a sympathy card or thank you note. We want to help you move away from what might feel “stock” toward celebration of life card messages that are personalized and unique to the loved one being honored.
A Celebration of Life Card Message for Someone who is Grieving
When writing a celebration of life card message to show you are thinking of someone, one place to start is by building your message around a fond or personal memory about the loved one. Personalized, unique messages carry so much meaning.
Below are examples of topics or traits you can reflect on when sending a card about an individual you know well:
- Hobbies You Shared. “…was truly my favorite person to golf with because she found a way to frame every shot in a positive way, even if it ended up in the bunker. I will always think of … when I’m on the golf course.”
- Advice They Gave. “I will never forget when … gave me the best advice about framing mistakes as an opportunity to learn. It’s something I will carry with me as both an inspiration and a remembrance of him.”
- Favorite Thing About Them. “My favorite thing about … will always be their laugh. I’ve never seen someone cry so much because they laughed so hard.”
Support for When You Did Not Know the Deceased Closely
If you did not know the deceased well but still want to express sympathy to their family member or friend, you can write an individualized message that shares how the person you are writing to has conveyed the identity of the person they lost.
- “Every time you’ve spoken of … your face has been filled with so much joy and admiration as you talk about her. I am thinking of you. May you hold these fond memories of … close during this time.”
- “It always seemed that you and … had such a great relationship. I am here any time you want to share memories about him, or if you just need someone to lean on.”
Post-Event Celebration of Life Card Messages
If you are sending a card to someone after they hosted a celebration of life, your message can reflect on how special and unique the event was.
- “I know … would have loved this celebration. The music, food, and casual dress code made for such a nice and personal tribute to all they enjoyed during their full life”
Messages of Solidarity
If you are unable to attend the service, your celebration of life card message can discuss how you individually will celebrate their life.
- “I am thinking of you as you celebrate …’s life. I will be celebrating her memory from afar by partaking in their favorite meal, fried chicken and coleslaw, and thinking of all the fun we had together while I do.”
Writing a personal celebration of life card message is a beautiful way to continue the tone that family and friends have created in holding a celebration of life. Sharing memories and reflecting on a loved one’s lasting legacy provides condolence and sympathy while honoring their memory.
A Personalized Thank You to Your Attendees
After hosting a celebration of life, you have the opportunity show gratitude to your attendees for the personalized way they celebrated your loved one with a thank you note. Some examples include:
- “Thank you for making this event something … would’ve enjoyed. I know he would have appreciated the jokes you told and the adventures you reminisced on.”
- “I know…always loved when you watched football together. It was so special seeing you wear your favorite jersey to their celebration of life. Thank you for bringing that positive memory to our celebration.”
- “Thank you for celebrating … with us. I know she would’ve appreciated the stories you told, the photos you brought, and the fact that you honored her request for tears of joy only.”
From start to finish, a celebration of life is a customized way to remember and honor a loved one. The words you choose in a celebration of life card message to show sympathy or say thank you can be just as personal and special. If you are looking for help in creating an individualized event for your loved one, Lighten can help.
