When someone you know loses a loved one, it can be hard to know exactly what to say. You want to show you care without stepping over any boundaries. A few weeks ago, we shared what not to say to someone who is grieving where we included a few kind messages, but today we want to share even more examples of messages to send to someone who is grieving.
We’ve included short and sweet messages that could be sent over in a text message or short card, as well as longer messages for when you really want to get your love across clearly. Over the past two decades, we have read thousands of messages that our customers write to their grieving loved ones. So we’ll be sharing examples inspired by the love we’ve seen over the years. Additionally, if you’re looking for ways to offer comfort beyond words, a thoughtful memorial gift tree can be a meaningful way to show your support and care during difficult times.
Plus, we’ve included a few of our favorite sympathy quotes.
Short Messages to Send to Someone Who Is Grieving
- I am here for you. Groceries, babysitting, whatever it is, you can call me and I’ll be there. Please let me know if there is any way I can support you in this tough time.
- I am so sorry for your loss. You can always lean on me during this difficult time.
- [Insert loved one] will never be forgotten. What a blessing it was to know and love them. Thinking of you in this heartbreaking time.
- I was deeply saddened to hear the news of [insert loved one] passing away. I can’t imagine the pain you’re experiencing, but I feel for you and your family. Please let me know how I can support you.
- Holding you very close in my thoughts. I know you’re handling this as best as you can, but please reach out for support when you need it.
- Nothing prepares us for a loss like this. I hope you know how loved you are and how sorry everyone is you’re having to go through this. [Insert loved one] will truly be missed.
- I am so honored I was able to get to know [insert loved one] during their remarkable life. What a good and generous person they were. I hope you’re doing okay and always know I’m here for you.
Sympathy Quotes
- “Only people who are capable of loving strongly can also suffer great sorrow, but this same necessity of loving serves to counteract their grief and heals them.” — Leo Tolstoy
- “What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” — Helen Keller
- “Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.” ― Vicki Harrison
- “Our joys will be greater, our love will be deeper, our life will be fuller because we shared their moment.” — Unknown
- “Never. We never lose our loved ones. They accompany us; they don’t disappear from our lives. We are merely in different rooms.” — Paulo Coelho
- “It’s hard to forget someone who gave you so much to remember.” —Unknown
- “Death ends a life, not a relationship. All the love you created is still there. All the memories are still there. You live on- in the hearts of everyone you have touched and nurtured while you were here.”— Mitch Albom
- "There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love." — Washington Irving
- “There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” — Mahatma Gandhi
- “How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” — A.A. Milne
Long Messages to Send to Someone Who Is Grieving
- I heard about your [insert loved one] and I can’t imagine how difficult this is for you. I’ll be checking in on you, but I’ll always be here if you ever need anything. [Insert loved one] was such an incredible human being that I feel lucky to have had in my life for the time that I did. I know nothing prepares us for losses like this, but you are so loved.
- I just saw that you lost [insert loved one] and I know living life as normal won’t be easy for while. I want to drop off a few home-cooked meals for you this week. Will you please let me know if there is anything you and your family particularly likes or doesn’t like? I’m here to support you in this time so please let me know if there is anything else I can do.
- I am so sorry to hear about the passing of [insert loved one]. I’ll never be able to understand the exact feelings you’re going through, but I know what it’s like to lose a loved one. If you want to talk about how you’re feeling I would be more than happy to meet up or talk on the phone whenever. Whatever you need—even if it’s just some space—I’m happy to give it to you.
- I know this is hard. Nobody should have to go through losing a loved one. [Insert loved one] was such a sweet and loving soul and this world will not be the same without them. I love you so much and I hope you know how loved you are and how many people are grieving the loss of the amazing life your [insert loved one] lived. I’ll be checking in on you.
- The pain of losing a loved one is one we’re never prepared for and I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now. [Insert loved one] was so special. I still remember [insert fond memory]. [Insert person] and their memory is going to be cherished by so many for so long. If you need to talk I’m here for you 24/7.
- I am really sorry to hear about [insert loved one]. I hope you’re giving yourself grace with your grief and that you know that each and every one of your feelings are valid. Grief doesn’t have a time limit or instruction book. You’re doing the best you can and you are just so so loved. I’m here to listen today, in a month, or even a year.