Since my mother's recent death, I've received many notes of condolence. All very very much appreciated. We all have to send messages of sympathy from time to time. I often find it awkward. Do I say I know what they're going through? In some sense I think I do, but I'm sure I don't, and would it be comforting? I don't think so.#
When people say "It's tough," or talk about what you're "going through" that makes me want to object. I don't think it's tough, that's not the word I'd use. There are silver linings. New freedom. And expressing sadness is just sad, it's not tough. It's the easiest thing in the world. And is "going through" the right term? That assumes there's an end. There isn't always an end. And at the outset it doesn't at all feel like there is. #
An example, from an anonymous sender (not wanting to embarrass them).#
Just caught up with the news and wanted to express my condolences.#
Say something kind about the relationship between the departed and the person you're writing to, even if you didn't know the departed.#
Offer a little closure, and then talk about the bright future, in terms of the qualities of the person you're writing to. #
I just wanted to write this up, as a writer, who appreciates effective writing, and as a son who is going through something that is bittersweet and full of meaning, and is anything but tough.#