Writing Inspiration – Vintage Letter Co.

Writing to Empathize with Someone Who Just Experienced Loss

As per writing, there is no good way to send condolences to someone who had just experienced a loss. This is especially true if the recipient of your letter is a person who just lost someone who was close to them or a family member, for that matter. Although this is not an ideal situation and the least people look forward to, sending your full sympathies can be very highly appreciated in time of a loss of a loved one.

“It is a curious thing, the death of a loved one. We all know that our time in this world is limited, and that eventually all of us will end up underneath some sheet, never to wake up. And yet it is always a surprise when it happens to someone we know. It is like walking up the stairs to your bedroom in the dark, and thinking there is one more stair than there is. Your foot falls down, through the air, and there is a sickly moment of dark surprise as you try and readjust the way you thought of things.”
― Lemony Snicket, Horseradish: Bitter Truths You Can’t Avoid

How to start?

Unfortunate as it may seem, extend your sympathy towards the recipient. It may not be much but it helps a lot for those who are grieving, to know that someone out there are with them in their suffering.

How to write the content?

Start with the #throwback of good memories with the departed. It may hurt a little but the comfort of knowing that somehow their loved one has touched another being can mean a lot for those whom the departed left behind.

How to end the letter?

End your letter with your deepest regret that this moment has come. If you want, you can also put messages about life and offer yourself for emotional support. Your offer of support will be very much appreciated and will come back to you in your trying times.

Nothing beats a heartfelt letter with the purest intention and nothing beats a person with compassion and a shoulder to cry on.

How to Let Someone Know You Really Appreciate Them in a Letter

There are many ways to tell someone how much they matter to you. But finding the right words that sound authentic and from the heart can sometimes be difficult.

Here are few things to think about when writing your letter that will help you tell them how much you appreciate them.

Recall the first time you met and a positive or funny memory

A great way to start your letter could be to recall how you first met. Think about where, when and how you met. Was there a funny joke, song, or food that you shared together?

Think about how they have been there for you in the past

Strong relationships are built over time and with the support of each person. Letting that person know how much it matters to you to have their support and trust is a powerful way of making them feel appreciated.

Point out the many things you have in common and what makes your relationship special

Is it your sense of style? Humor? Food? or many shared experiences? Common interests and experiences are what makes a relationship unique and important so tell them how you appreciate them by sharing what you have in common.

Thank them

At the heart of appreciation is thankfulness. And this is what you want to express to that person. Sometimes keeping your words short and simple is just as effective as writing a long thank you sentence. A simple “I just wanted to thank you for all you do” can go a long way.