How To Reply To Condolences?

Condolence is an expression of sympathy. Condolence is a feeling/expression of sympathy towards someone who is bereaved of a loved one(friend, relative, family). Condolence can be offered with actions and even notes or messages. Let us know about “How To Reply To Condolences?”

How To Reply To Condolences?

To offer someone condolences is to offer support. 

Ideas On How To Reply To Condolences Message?

Responding to condolences is just as awkward as death is. You might also brush your feelings and the messages/care you receive with “it’s fine”, or ” it’s okay” when you’re far away from okay. It is profitable for you to be open to receiving and accepting condolences.

In a time of grief, responding to condolences is likely the least thought on your mind. However, it is deemed necessary to appreciate those who offered their condolences in the time of your grief and also respond to messages you may have received.

Here are some ideas on How To Reply To Condolences? online:

  • “Hi John, I appreciate you for being there for the funeral. Your presence meant a lot”.
  • ” I honestly appreciate the chocolates and sweets you sent to me. At least I got to cry with a sweet tooth”.
  • “It was so thoughtful of you to arrange flowers for my mum’s funeral. She was so fond of you; I’m certain she’s grinning at you from heaven”.
  • ” I got the groceries you sent, I shed a when I got it. I didn’t have to stress or think about going to the mart”.
  • “It was so sweet and nice of you to come for my dad’s funeral. Thank you for the bouquet; lilies were her favorite”.
  • ” I received word that you donated to my brother’s charity in his memory. I know you hadn’t set your eyes on each other in over 5 years but he always asked after you. You were his favorite friend of mine”.
  • “Thank you for offering me support all through the burial process. You made it lenient for me”.
  • ” You’re the best friend anyone could ever wish for. Thank you for being a shoulder to lean on during these tough times”.
  • “Thank you for making out time despite your busy calendar to be there for my mother’s burial. Your posture that day meant a lot to me”.
  • ” Thank you my darling for organizing drinks for the funeral. It would have cost me a lot and a huge token. I’m grateful.
  • “Thank you so much for the PowerPoint production you made of dad’s life on earth. It is the beautiful and most generous thing ever. No wonder he loved you so much”.
  • ” I appreciate the monetary gift you sent to help assist us with the burial arrangements. It’s heartwarming to know you’re thinking of us this period”.
  • “I remember how much fun you and my sister used to have when we were younger. I appreciate your presence at the funeral”.

Ideas On How To Respond In Person?

  •  ” It means a lot to every one of us that you made it to Dad’s funeral service. We don’t take your support for granted”.
  • “Thank you for being so kind to me after I lost my baby to miscarriage. Your care, support, comfort, and concern made it bearable”.
  • ” I count you in two folds when I count my blessings. Thank you for arranging a meal train for grandma’s burial”.
  • “Thank God I ran into you before you could leave. I honestly appreciate your presence here today, it means so much to me. Thank you for coming”.
  • ” Your presence here made this occasion less gloomy. We all appreciate how supportive you guys have been since the death of our sister. It’s no wonder she said the church was her happy place”.
  • “Thank you for the flowers, grandma would have cherished holding them. You know flowers were her precious things.”
  • “Thank you for being here today. I know it’s a lengthy drive for you, but you still made sure to be here. I love you too much”.
  • ” Grandma always spoke highly of you. She’d have loved the materials you picked for her funeral. Thank you for your support”.
  • “I appreciate your movie and music recommendations during this period. They made my days less gloomy”
  • “I promise to give you a big hug when I see you! Thank you for all the meals you’ve been sending since my husband died. Cooking would have been a big, depressing chore for me this period”.
  • ” A friend in need is truly a friend indeed. You’ve been my rock these past days. I don’t know how I’d have overcome this without you. I owe you”.
  • “I always admired your relationship with my mum. She was a lover of people but I think you were her best friend. Thank you for the flowers”.
  • ” Thank you for inviting my dad’s favorite brand to his funeral. He always said you do the most thoughtful things; I believe him.”
  • “I’m grateful for your presence during the funeral. Thank you for coming”.
  • “I was always looking forward to the comforting Bible texts you sent each day. Thank you for reassuring me of God’s love for me in these trying times.

How To Offer Your Condolences To A Bereaved Person?

Condolences are in various forms. You can offer condolence to someone by action, or through words. 

Offering condolences through action:

  • You can send the bereaved flowers. It’s thoughtful.
  • Do something to ease the person of some pain. You can go to the person’s house to spend some time. Your presence will help lift their mood. 
  • Some people like to be left alone during their time of grief, this means that visiting them is not an option. You can send them food, their favorite snacks, and a collection of music and movies. Anything at all for them to know that you care.
  • Share a hug with the person. Hugs are warming and comforting.

Offering condolence with words.

Condolence messages are heartfelt messages/texts you send to a grieving person. The purpose of condolence messages is to offer compassion and solace to the bereaved. Condolence messages should be thoughtful and the receiver should feel the love radiating from the message. A condolence message should bring a bit of warmth and color to a person’s gloomy day.

Below Is A List Of Condolence Message Ideas:

  • “I’m sending you all my love this period. I hope you get to feel all my love from here”.
  • ” You spoke about your mum a lot; I know she was your. I pray that God grants you the grit to bear this loss”.
  • “The news of your mum’s death came as a huge blow to all of us. We all know how much you cared for each other. Congrats on your promotion too. I’m sure she’s smiling at you from up there”.
  • ” Hey my love, I want you to know that I’m just a call away. Holla me if you need anything, I’ll be there for you.”
  • “I just ordered ice cream for you, it should get to you in 20 minutes. I hope it adds a bit of color to your day, I’m praying for you “.
  • ” Sorry about the death of your dad. He loved you so much. My love and prayers are with you”.
  • “My favorite memory of your sister is the one where she said she’d love to be buried in a shoe casket. Her love for shoes was loud. I’m going to make her wish come true” 
  • “I wish I could take your pain away, but since I can’t, I sent you chocolates. Hope it makes you smile”.
  • ” Sending you my sincere love and prayers during these trying times. I’ll be taking the day off tomorrow so I can spend it with you. Is that okay with you?”
  • “I got the news of your sister’s death and the first image that came to my mind was that of you both on your last year’s birthday. I hope you remember how much she loved and cherished you, I hope the sweet memories you both made give you a reason to smile”.
  • ” My prayers and well wishes are up for you and your family. Grandma was a sweet soul, may her soul rest in perfect peace”.
  • “Sorry about the loss of your brother. I pray for comfort during this period”.

Conclusion

Now we have learnt “How To Reply To Condolences?”, It is indeed difficult to find the right words to receive and offer condolences, it’s okay to not get it. And that is why they are other gestures to offer your genuine and honest condolences to someone. It is also okay to not be able to find the right words to thank people who are there for you. A “thank you” said with the softest of voice and gleaming honesty is truly enough and will make that simple phrase speak volumes. Don’t be hard on yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Is it proper to visit a bereaved person?

A: It depends on the person. While some grieving people would want to be left alone, others are comforted by the presence of their loved ones.

  • What can I do for a bereaved person?

A: Offer to do something for the said individual. If you’re confused about what exactly to do, you can ask the person how he/she would like to be helped.