This is a tradition that should end - unless it brings you comfort. With so many adult children dealing with dying parents a flight away, there isn’t time for this.

I have to write a sympathy card. Is it okay to send one I have on hand that was free? It's a nice card, just not like a $6 Hallmark card. I am under a deadline and can't go buy one, but wanted to at least acknowledge their loss.

OP, I've never heard of anyone writing thank you notes for sympathy cards, but go ahead if it makes you feel better. Don't feel obligated though.

Anonymous wrote:Thank you. (It wouldn't be the first time.)

I picked out cards that I thought the deceased would have liked and used them. Allowed me to feel a connection when writing.

OP, I’m sorry for your loss. I just want to add my voice to those who have said there is zero need for you to write any notes. If you want to, that’s one thing, but it’s not necessary or expected, truly.

Take care.

There's no expectation to receive any acknowledgment from you, OP, but truly anything is fine. Whatever you have around or could easily get--Thank You, floral, plain, seriously whatever is easiest. I'm sorry for your loss.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You also don't need to, OP. I would never expect anything from someone grieving, it'd be a ridiculous burden to put on someone at a difficult time. Let go of any guilt.

Agree completely with this. I have never given cards or flowers or donations after a death and expected any acknowledgment. Please release yourself from this burden.

+3
Not expected at all. I'm sorry for your loss. I hope you find peace (and release from thank yous)

Anonymous wrote:You also don't need to, OP. I would never expect anything from someone grieving, it'd be a ridiculous burden to put on someone at a difficult time. Let go of any guilt.

Agree completely with this. I have never given cards or flowers or donations after a death and expected any acknowledgment. Please release yourself from this burden.

When I wrote my notes after my mom died, I think I used a floral motif for at least some of the notes. I may have used a simpler Crane for others. I don't 100% recall.

Anything you use is fine.

Also, for the PP who said OP doesn't need to.... Yes, correct. BUT reaching out to people who had gone above & beyond during my mother's illness & immediately after her death certainly helped me process my grief.

You also don't need to, OP. I would never expect anything from someone grieving, it'd be a ridiculous burden to put on someone at a difficult time. Let go of any guilt.

I am doing the same thing right now and I am using simple notecards with a thin border line around the edges. I am not using the thank you notes the funeral home gave us.

Anonymous wrote:Whatever you have is fine. No one worth knowing will judge.

+1. Anything is fine. Do what works for you.

Whatever you have is fine. No one worth knowing will judge.

Thank you. (It wouldn't be the first time.)

I'm sorry for your loss.

You're overthinking it. Any stationary is fine.

After a death in the family, I realize I need to acknowledge the flowers and cards people have kindly sent, and I am -- of all things -- paralyzed by by stationery options. Is a plain, sober Crane notecard the only way to go? Can I send a card with a floral motif or a Florentine design? Please advise.