| When someone dies it's hard to know just what | | | | on to cherished memories of a dear loved one. |
| to say to the loved ones who are left behind. | | | | Whilst it's sometimes hard to generalise, recalling |
| Sometimes there's an opportunity to say | | | | one special moment that characterises the loved |
| something at the funeral or memorial service, but | | | | one can help. For example, I wrote to the |
| both those events can be fairly overwhelming. | | | | husband of a lady who'd once been kind enough |
| You may find it easier to write down what it is | | | | to visit, take my washing away and bring it back |
| that you want to say and send it in a card. This | | | | all ironed and clean. Recalling this story brought |
| makes it easier to give some thought to the | | | | back her face and wonderful memories of the |
| actual words and to express your feelings in the | | | | person that she'd been. |
| way that you wish. | | | | If you really can't think of anything to say, there's |
| It's hard not to write anything too trite, but | | | | often little cards in places such as Christian |
| sometimes simple thoughts like "We'll all miss | | | | bookshop which are designed to have the right |
| Sophie" are often fitting and appropriate. | | | | words. |
| I remember one writer who wrote that he felt | | | | Remember, nobody knows what to say and |
| the pain of his loss as if it went all through him, | | | | there are no right words. |
| "like Brighton Rock". So, whilst what you write is | | | | Just making the effort to say that you care is |
| unlikely to ease the pain, it expresses your love | | | | enough. |
| and concern during a difficult time and helps hold | | | | |