| Writing a condolence letter is not only difficult but | | | | relationship with the deceased, you should address |
| also painful. Wrought with grief, you have to | | | | the letter to both. |
| gather your thoughts and put it down on paper. | | | | In many cases the surviving children who lost a |
| Some people never get around to writing a letter | | | | parent, grandparent or sibling are often forgotten |
| because they use the excuse that it was too | | | | when it comes to condolence letters. Taking the |
| painful. However, think of the comfort your letter | | | | time to mention them specifically in your letter or |
| will bring to the bereaved as he or she reads it. | | | | even addressing the letter to the children is |
| You might want to send flowers or a sympathy | | | | therapeutic to the recipient and considerate on |
| food basket, write an email, make a post on | | | | your part. |
| Facebook or Tweet about it. Still, nothing can | | | | You can also consider sending a condolence letter |
| replace the lasting gift of a handwritten | | | | to the surviving member of a divorced couple |
| condolence letter. | | | | when the former spouse dies, depending on the |
| What are your choices - You have four ways to | | | | circumstances. If the couple's relationship after |
| write you condolence letter: | | | | their divorce was amicable, your letter will be |
| 1. Write a letter from scratch. You can see good | | | | appreciated. |
| examples of condolence letters online. Be genuine | | | | 2. How long should you wait to send your |
| and avoid pretentious language. Express your | | | | condolence letter? It is a good idea to send your |
| sympathy and acknowledge the grief of the | | | | letter as soon as you get the news. If you wait |
| person you are writing to. | | | | until you get over the shock you might never |
| 2. Use an existing letter. You can add your | | | | send a letter. You should make every effort to |
| personal touch to a letter you already have, | | | | your letter within two weeks. Waiting until after |
| putting it in your own style, you might be lucky to | | | | six weeks is a no-no. |
| find a letter, which reflects your sentiment. | | | | 3. What kind of stationary should you use? You |
| 3. Use a quotation, a reading or historical letter. | | | | can find appropriate stationary in specialty stores |
| There is nothing wrong with writing this type of | | | | or online. Soft colors such as mauve, gray, white |
| condolence letter. In fact, this will reflect how | | | | or cream is customary. Avoid bright colors and |
| much thought you gave to the importance of | | | | bold patterns on your stationary. Writing your |
| saying the right things. This only adds to the | | | | letter by hand is appropriate especially if you |
| lasting effect of your letter. | | | | were close friends with the decease or the |
| 4. Express your feelings the commercial way. If | | | | surviving family. |
| you do not wish to write a letter, sending a | | | | 4. Is there a standard length for a condolence |
| sympathy card by mail, putting a post on | | | | letter? It should be as long as you think is |
| Facebook or sending out a Tweet, is also | | | | appropriate to convey your feelings. You may be |
| acceptable. | | | | able to accomplish that in a few sentences or you |
| The Etiquette of it all. - Although there isn't a right | | | | might need a few pages. It is totally up to you. |
| or a wrong way to write a condolence letter, | | | | Good examples of condolence letters with specific |
| there are accepted principles you should observe: | | | | examples for your situation can be found online. If |
| 1. What is the relationship? Normally you would | | | | you knew the deceased well, it will be easier to |
| write the letter to the bereaved person with | | | | write your letter because you can draw on your |
| whom you have the closest connection. In the | | | | memories of the person. If you did not know the |
| case where you knew the deceased very well, | | | | person well, you can focus your letter on the |
| but not the family, you should still write a | | | | family and offer your support during this difficult |
| condolence letter. If it is a married person who | | | | time. In any case, expressing your sympathy in a |
| has lost a parent, you should write to the person | | | | condolence letter is always appropriate and |
| who lost the parent. If the spouse had a close | | | | appreciated. |