Condolence Phrases

Let`s face it, we all have experienced the loss of some loved ones at some point in our life and have heard many condolence phrases. Although, we don`t think much unless, we have to suffer such a loss… which I pray no one does.

I was much like happy-go-lucky myself & knew nothing of the harsh realities in life. However, one day it all changed when my friend died in a car crash. I was left shell-shocked. I was at a loss for words.

However, soon I realized that I need to get myself in a good shape & give the bereaved family some support. Many of us might have faced such things. So, I`m gonna list some of the common condolence phrases which will go a long way in reducing the pain of those affected.

Those guys who don`t have much idea of how to express their compassion, need not worry. I suggest you read on for more info & use the following condolence phrases.

Useful Condolence Phrases

* At this time of sorrow, words cannot express our emotions.
* In this moment of pain, we are always by your side.
* Our sincere condolences for the loss of your……
* In our thoughts & prayers, you would be always there.
* We pray to the almighty to give us strength during these difficult times.
* We are sorry for your loss.
* Please accept our deepest sympathy.

There are also wonderful condolence phrases written by an unknown author & I quote,

"Although it is impossible to see beyond your pain, May we look back in to good memory to comfort and help you today May your heart and soul to find peace and happiness.

May the blessings of God be upon you, May peace is always within your soul, May its essence illuminate your heart, Now and forever more

Hold tight the good memories for comfort, rely on your friends and loved ones for strength, and always remember how you are loved.

We pray for the love of God to bring you smiles during your difficult times and it helps you to heal your pain with the passage of time.

May the love of those around you help you in the coming days. Please accept our most sincere condolences for your loss. Our hearts are with you and your family during this difficult period.

Our hearts are with you in your time of sorrow.

While we are mourning the loss of our friend, we are always delighted to find you always here among us

Maybe they are not stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our missing pours through and shines on us to let us know we are happy.”

The aforementioned popular words of condolence phrases are very close to my heart & I thought I will share a few of them, with you. I just hope, people will feel their pain eased to some extent upon hearing some of those condolence phrases.

It is really very difficult to express your feelings of compassion but I hope some of these writings will go a long way in helping you out.

Do remember that those receiving your messages are not looking for something out of the ordinary but just, a sincere expression of your emotion.

Sample Condolence Letters

A few of you guys might have experienced the loss of a loved one and actually received something that may have seemed to come from sample condolence letters. Some of you might be lucky enough to have never had such an awful experience. I have also had a few of those terrible experiences. Many of us can`t figure out how to write a condolence letter. I know from experience that its quite difficult to keep your mind at peace during that time but then you have got to write one, eventually. The sooner you come out of it, the better it is for you & also, for the bereaved.

Being a friend or a well-wisher, you should take it as a responsibility, to help those who have been finding it hard to recover, from the shock of the sudden death of their dear ones.

So, I have decided to share a few sample condolence letters. I have tried to incorporate these samples considering all the circumstances, which we face in our lives. Here it goes:

Sample Condolence Letters Part #1

Office of the ______

Ms. ____________

______________

___________________

Dear Ms. ________:

On behalf of the employees of _________________, I wish to convey our deepest sympathy to you upon the death of your husband, __________.

During __________’s many years of Government service, he distinguished himself among his co workers and supervisors with his pleasant, enthusiastic manner and continuing high quality performance. He was a valued member of our team, and you can be justly proud of his contributions. His friends and co workers remember him with respect and admiration and he will be missed by all.

I extend my condolences to you and your family. I hope that time and memories will help lessen the burden of your sorrow, and that you may draw some measure of comfort knowing that others care and share in your loss.

Sincerely,

___________________

__________

________

Sample Condolence Letters #2

Dear __________,

I learned of the death of Mr/Ms_____________ through my friend Mr. Anderson. Although his/her death was expected, please be aware that you are not alone at this time.

He/She was a very brave person who used to face adversities with courage. He/She used to help us, whenever, he/she could. I trusted him/her with my life and he/she was the one, that I could count on anytime.

I still have a fond memory of, when we first met in college. He/She had such a nice attitude towards others that you could click, instantly with.

He/She was very close to you as a father. I am glad that you stood by the side in his/her last moments. Although, it is terribly hard, but we do remember his/her dying wish…. that to keep smiling, even if, he/she dies.

I`ll be flying to Houston tomorrow to meet you. In this moment of great sorrow, I`m always by your side….

Sincerely,

____________

_______________

Sample Condolence Letters #3

Dear ______,

We are completely shocked at the sudden demise of your _______. May God give him/her eternal rest and may his/her soul rest in peace! Please be strong and accept our condolences!

Peace to you and the rest of your family.

Regards,

________

____________

In case you need some inspiration or ideas, take these sample condolence letters and add a bit of personal touch to them. Condolence phrases can be tough things to write, I will be the first to admit that. If you are having a tough time coming up with the words to say, use these sample condolence letters and hopefully you can add some positivity to someone whose life is on a downslope at the moment.

Popular words of condolence phrases

Anyone who has been unfortunate, so as to suffer the loss of their loved ones, thinks like, it is the end of the world, and will likely hear some popular words of condolences phrases. At the first thought being a friend or a well-wisher, its awfully hard to come to terms with a cruel news of someone`s death. It is indeed very difficult. But then, the onus is on us to have a sort of calming influence on the bereaving family.

This is the very moment when they need our utmost support. The problem is, I think, many of us are at a loss of words ourselves. Popular words of condolence don't come to mind as quickly as you might think. It is really hard to find the right words to use.

When to use popular words of condolence phrases

I have had some experiences where, I found that some condolence words were more popular. What I mean by popular is the fact that some of the condolence words or phrases were more helpful in calming-down the emotions of the bereaved family. I did not notice this at first, but after a couple of gatherings & our thought exchanges with the affected family, I felt like some of the words were more helpful in conveying my emotions. Those phrases or words also had a more positive impact in a sense that the mourning family became more relaxed.

How popular condolence phrases and sayings can help a family

Nothing meant more to me at that given time than, to see them in a better state of mind both physically, as well as mentally. I felt like, I was doing my job of helping the affected family, in any which way, that I can!! Popular condolence sayings can easily make some people feel better.

A lot is expected from friends and well-wishers during that time of grief. Beating all odds they have got to deliver…. no matter, how hard it really is!

Just think it this way, if you can`t help them, lessen their pain….then, who will.

So, when you have weathered the shock, try to think of ways, to help the grieving family. First & foremost, you should think of some popular condolence sayings which are popular for soothing the pain of the affected family. There upon, you should try to convey those words or phrases in a way which should be reassuring to the deceased`s family. If you are wondering, where to find those popular condolence words then, look no further… I have searched long and heard for all those words or phrases. This is my way of helping the grieving family. Here are a few of those words:

Popular condolence messages to use

* I am always by your side during these difficult times.
* The person who just passed away, would not want to see us cry.
* You(bereaving family) could not have done much and that, you did your best.
* The _______’s spirit has survived to a better existence that you'll share and reunite in some day.
* Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel for you and your family. We are here to help, support, and do whatever you need done.

I know that we all must die once, but still it is hard to let go of those, we love, and spend so much of our lives with. What I have presented up to now is not to be taken as a hard and fast rule but instead, as a guide, which will give words to your emotion. You should always try to lend a personal touch to any such popular words of condolence phrases and sayings and ideas & the ideas, that I have suggested.

How to word a condolence message

I know, many of us live their life merrily & don`t really know the cruelty of life until, someone close to our heart passes away and we don't know how to word a condolence message. When I was a kid, even I thought that the life would go on & on…

As we grow old, we are bound to have an experience, which we wish, never happened. In any case, the true meaning of life is difficult to understand. The first thing that strikes us is a feeling of disbelief. We can`t accept the fact that our friend (or someone closer), is no more.

We think it was like yesterday, when we spent time together, he/she was looking so fit & in good shape. But sooner, rather than later, the reality dawns on us. I know its terrible but think of their family members, think about what would be happening to them!

It's never too late to learn how to word a condolence message

No matter, how bad you are feeling, the first thing which you should try to do is think of ways, with which, you can help the deceased`s family. Many would try to reach the house of the deceased. However, for some people, that`s not possible immediately if, they are far away. Although, it might be rather unfortunate but its true. So, at that moment, we should waste no time in learning how to word condolence phrases. A nicely written (or spoken) condolence message can do wonders for the bereaving family.

So, in this article I would try to help you word (or write) a condolence message. I cannot emphasize its importance anymore.

You should try to think of the deceased person, his/her good deeds. Then, try to recall the day when, you first met. How his/her personality struck you immediately. Also, think of how the void created by him (after, he/she passed away), would be impossible to fill.

If you are not able to speak immediately to the deceased`s family then, try to send them a condolence letter. Although, its hard to compose yourself after hearing about such a terrible news, you have got to calm down. You need to remember that if you panic yourself then, how are you going to reassure the mourning family. I know, its easier said than done!! But try your best, nonetheless.

Are you still wondering, how to word a condolence message? I can understand the feeling which is gripping you right now, trust me! Just try to somehow relax & take a deep breath. Then, read on….

First of all, you should try to somehow speak to the mourning family. But only after, you have got yourself in a better state of mind. Try to think that where the “passing soul” has gone is free from all the worldly nuisance like, hunger, diseases, sufferings. Try to think of good deeds he/she had done in his/her entire life. All of these thoughts should help to calm you down. Then try to reassure the bereaved family. Tell them that you are always by their side. Tell them that the passing soul will find eternal peace.

In the end, try to remind their family, that they had done everything they could & that they were by the side of the one, who died, in his/her parting moments. Do remember, that every condolence message must end with words like, “May God give her eternal rest & may her soul rest in peace”, “All my sympathy is with you”.

Knowing how to word a condolence message is sure to ease the pain of a mourning family.

Origins of Condolence Phrases

When we first hear the news about someone`s death… we become bereft of any words or condolences phrases. That`s quite understandable. When I first heard the news about the death of my “GrandPa” , I was saddened beyond words. I started to ponder upon the true meaning of our lives.

My search continued and when I got into college, I chose History, as my major. I went on a search to find about the “origins of condolence phrases”. The journey ever since then, has been pretty astonishing. I have had the chance to visit countries such as Egypt, China, India, Australia, among others. They were the counties where the human civilizations existed even, thousands of years before.

There has been some mention of condolence phrases in the Hwang-ho river valley civilization (China), Indus valley civilization (India). Most of us might not be aware of these ancient civilizations. However, I am sure that you must have heard about the pyramids (and the Mummies, that lay beneath), in Egypt. Even during those times some words or phrases were carved into stones and infact, were buried along with the Tombs. These words or phrases were messages of condolence from the erstwhile, people & especially nobility of Egypt.

I myself, have had the pleasure to visit those pyramids & see those relics. My fellow archeologists believe that still, the Egyptian relics are not quite as old as some of the messages found in Australia. Those messages had been carved out in rocks by the original inhabitants of Australia, also known as the aboriginals.

Surprising is the fact that no one knows for sure, how these aboriginals managed to reach Australia (as its an island).

Then, there are the condolence messages written by the” Mayans”, a civilization, which flourished around South America & Mexico. So, it becomes quite puzzling to find about the origins of condolence phrases.

Nonetheless, what we can gauge from the aforementioned examples, is the fact that most of the ancient civilization valued the life of a person or a human being. However, there have been some other discoveries, which suggest that people were sacrificed to please the Sun god or some other god!!

However, let`s keep our focus on the origins of the condolence phrases. Although, the exact place of its origin, might be in some doubt, there is no doubt that the origin of the condolence phrases dates back to around thousands of years ago. The messages had a sole purpose of expressing grief at the demise of their loved ones. Most of the times, these writings are followed by some sort of drawings, which suggests a person caressing the other.

The graves that the archeologists have discovered around some of these civilizations have unearthed another important thing. Two or three people have been buried together holding hands of each other, carrying some rock carvings. These rock carvings contained some messages. These messages were some sort of condolence messages which, were deciphered much later, after their discovery.

These messages (majority of them carved on stones) show that the origin of condolence phrases is indeed thousands of years old.

Condolence message etiquette

When someone “passes away”, it is a time of extreme sorrow for his/her family. For them the world comes to a stand-still. It is hard to reassure them at these times. Being a friend, you`ve got to be extremely careful with whatever, you say to them.

It is not hard to understand why….

I would advise you to follow some of the well-known etiquettes during these times. This is extremely essential if, you don’t want to hurt the feelings of the bereaving family. I know you want to help the family in any which way you can. However, in order to do that, follow some of the condolence message etiquette:

Proper Condolence Message Etiquette

* Convey your condolence message as soon as you hear the news.
* Address your condolence letter to a person with whom, you had more closeness.
* If you knew the deceased person, but don`t know his/her surviving family members… it is still advisable to write a message.
* In your message, try to express your feelings of huge sorrow but at the same time, remind them that you are always there to help.
* Try to give a personal touch to your sample condolence letters.

What NOT to do:

* Don’t wait for the right moment to write a condolence letter.
* In case that the deceased was a spouse of your friend, whom she/he had divorced then, make sure that they both had kept friendly relations even after the divorce…. Before, writing a condolence letter.
* Don’t forget to write a few words of sympathy, about the family members of the deceased.
* Don`t try to email or text message your condolence letter.
* Don’t delay your departure to the house of the mourning family.

Now, I will try to explain the aforementioned points, a tad briefly.

Using the right condolence message etiquette

Some people try to find the” right” words before writing or conveying their message of condolence. While, there is nothing bad in doing so, make sure that you don`t waste a lot of time, in doing that. As you would want to be prompt with your message, at this critical turn of events in anyone`s life.

Moreover, try to keep your condolence phrases short but long enough, to cover everything. That`s very important. Although, many people don`t mention anything about the surviving members of the deceased, I would advise you to write a few words about them. This is considered as a condolence message etiquette.

You can address the condolence message etiquette to the one with whom, you have had more closeness. If you did not know the deceased`s surviving members, even then, it is considered as an etiquette to write a condolence message.

While, you can pour down your emotions in your condolence message etiquette, always remember to remind the surviving members that you are always there to help. This gesture provides a sort of reassurance to the mourning family & helps to lessen their pain.

Some of the guys, try to send their condolence message as an E-mail or a text message, which is not advisable at all. If you write a message in your own hand-writing, it shows that you took time to express your feelings & it also lends, a sort of personal touch to your messages.

These are considered some of the most essential condolence message etiquette.