When there are no words …
Finding the right words for a message of sympathy for the loss of mother is a daunting task. Searching for phrases that console or comfort those that are suffering is difficult. At the same time, I think that taking the time to write, to tell your friend that you’re thinking of her, is something that is appreciated, even if it’s hard to come up with the right words. I am a true believer in the written word. To my way of thinking, a phone call or a text message is “second best”. Better than nothing, yes, but not Red-Ribbon.
Why am I thinking of that today? Because today is my Mom’s birthday. Well, her “Heavenly Birthday”, that is. She left us almost 2 years ago, just after her 80th birthday. On the shelves, just behind my computer screen, I have a box of notes and letters that we received at the time of her passing. None were written in calligraphy, but many were written in beautiful hand-writing. Let’s face it, most of her friends went to school at a time when people were taught to write properly!
In the video below, you’ll see me write a note to a friend who, too, lost her mother. Yes, I’m writing in French (and the audio is also in French – but YouTube will allow you to choose English sub-titles).
Google offers this translation of my text: Losing a mother is a great sadness that shakes the pillars of our life. No words can console the pain linked to her disappearance. We can only express our most sincere condolences to you. Honestly, I think it’s more poetic in French!
Create a file of messages
I have one very nice text for a message of sympathy for the loss of a mother to share with you, but I didn’t make it up. It’s impossible to give credit to the author, because I don’t have the faintest clue where it came from. Take the general idea and put it into your own words:
May the constant love of caring friends soften your sadness. May cherished memories bring you moments of comfort. Let lasting peace surround your grieving heart.
It’s a good idea to create a file to refer to when you are looking for a specific type of message. In the file, you certainly don’t have to put only messages to send at the loss of a mother, but texts that are suitable for any occasion. You may remember the card I made for a friend’s 60th birthday. The idea for the interior of that card, too, has now gone into my “Messages for all occasions” file.
People who receive handwritten notes are likely to keep them. Personally, I have a whole stash of notes and letters that I have received over the years, that I love to look back through every once in a while. I know, that’s prehistoric … but so much a part someone who loves paper and ink.
