After the loss of a loved one, people may receive floral arrangements, mass cards, and sympathy cards. Many mourners may have travelled long distances to show their support at the time of a loved ones funeral. Some may wonder if all of these people should to be acknowledged with a Thank You Card / Acknowledgement Card. While it is always recommended that a floral arrangement or mass card is acknowledged with a card it is not considered necessary to reply to every Sympathy Card received. Sometimes, the sheer volume of cards received makes this a very difficult task.
However in recognising all the people who were so thoughtful, loving, kind, and supportive, it can help the bereaved to realise they are not alone. Writing out these greeting cards may bring about thoughts and memories of the loved one they lost, helping them to grieve. It can also be very comforting to read messages and stories from friends and acquaintances and really help with the grieving process.
Who to Send a Thank You Card / Acknowledgement Card
Thank You Card / Acknowledgment Card is the family’s thank you to all those who helped and supported them in any way, before, during and after the funeral. They can be sent to a wider circle of friends and acquaintances or anyone who helped and provided support in any way for example; neighbours; members of your community; any medical professionals, nurses and carers; a particular ward in a hospital; any associations or charity you would like to acknowledge; the celebrant, musicians and those who participated in the Mass / service / celebration of life; the funeral directors.
If you are in the process of composing Thank You Cards / Acknowledgement Cards, you may want to include a personal thought or two about your deceased loved one that is appropriate for the recipient or you may want to keep your note very simple by saying “Thank you for your expression of kindness.” The type of message you include depends on your relationship with the recipient. If the card is being sent to a co-worker or client the message might be brief; with family and close friends something with more meaning would be appropriate.