Eloquent Support

It's always hard to know what to write in a condolence card.

I'm asked about it all the time.  What do I say?

Somehow, writing down our attempts to convey wisdom or sympathy seems more intimidating than taking action...stopping by with lasagne for dinner, offering to care for young children.

But, writing a note can be so comforting.  Words can be rediscovered later, when you most need them again.

Written words preserve the love and understanding you wanted to pass on when someone you care about need then the most.

I ran across a card this weekend that a friend sent us when my husband's mother died last January.  It helped me then and it helped me all over again when I read it yesterday.

There was one phrase, one suggestion my friend made that felt so right to me.  She wrote...

"I know your missing her will be great and heavy at times; and, in the next breath, I trust you will remember her and be touched always by the Grace of her beautiful and vibrant gifts." 

It's the phrase..."and, in the next breath..." that resonated so much with me.  That's how grief can and should be....we should feel it deeply, allow it to be heavy and sad, but then, in the next breath, let it go, turning our thoughts and attention to what remains.

And remembering how grateful we feel that we had such a special love in our lives.

A love that truly never dies...

Let's all try this ourselves as we process our losses.  Feel deeply and, in the next breath, remember the love and gifts we were given.

--Laurel

Comments

[Dana]

Beautiful sentiments Laurel...I'm on board with you.

[Midge]

As you always do, you once again conveyed a great sentiment.......

[Christina P. Bass]

I love the phrase that your friend shared with you. Thank you for sharing it with us. I will definitely try to put it to good use.