~ I Must Confess ~
December 29th, 2009 by Holly McMillen
Good morning, Friends
I have to confess. I do not do death well. Ever since I was a kid and lost someone close to me, I had a tough time grieving. When I was in middle school, a close classmate died in a horrific car accident around Christmas time and I did everything in my power not to even think about it. Even when I lost my own mother, I avoided grief. Still have.
Well, over the course of the last six weeks, we have lost two close family friends. I have made cards for both and have not sent them. I don’t know what to write. It seems wrong of me to write things like “I’m here for you”, when technically, I am not. It even feels wrong of me to say “Keeping you in thoughts and prayer”, when sadly, I am not. Oh yeah, I said a prayer for both when I got the news, but I don’t KEEP praying. I avoid thinking about them altogether! What is up with that?!
I am going to try to do better. In fact, when I saw today’s Color Combo Challenge, I thought it would make a lovely sympathy card. I have FULL intentions of sending this…. I just don’t know what to write inside 🙁
Quite frankly, the colors for today (Barely Banana, Dusty Durango and Basic Gray) kinda scared me. I had to add A LOT of white to stay within my comfort zone. It might be because I am feeling a bit off kilter today. Everything I touched on my desk ended up on the floor. I probably should have just stayed in bed…LOL
Here are my deets:
Stamps: JustRite’s Thinking of You borders and centers (from Stamp Simply)
Colors: GP White, Barely Banana, Basic Gray
Ink: Dusty Durango
Accessories: ribbon, gray 1/2 pearls, nesties labels and fleur de lis, swiss dots embossing folder, dimensionals
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Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a blessed day!!!
~ Holly ~
Such a lovely card!I am with you on making sympathy cards and sending them, I am just not good at words and have a difficult time knowing what to say.
Hugs,
Liz
Beautiful card – Sympathy cards are difficult. I usually write
“I hope that memories of happy times with your loved one will help you through this difficult time.”
Your card is inspirational – thanks.
Death is always difficult, I too have just lost 3 very dear people in my life. This is a gorgeous card, one that will lighten their spirit to see the beauty of it.
I’m sure they will greatly appreciate your card, Holly. Just knowing someone cares and takes the time to send a card will mean lots to them. The sentiment on the front says tons and no need to add much more on the inside. Can simply say “may friends and family comfort you during this difficult time and may memories sustain you in your time of sorrow” or something of the like.
Holly, I know they appreciate your cards and your sincere words, so write what’s in your heart at the moment. I usually send a prayer heavenward that God will bring them to my remembrance when they have a need…He will do that, and then a prayer or a phone call in response is simply perfect. I for one like to wait for a while to send my card…there’s such a flurry in the beginning, and they need to know that even after a while, we’re still remembering them. {{hugs}} my friend! You are such a tender heart!
Holly, this is such a beautiful sympathy card! I am sure they will appreciate a card from you. It does not even have to say much at all, just that you made a card for them will show that you thought of them! Hugs to you!!
This is an amazing, beautiful card. I do not have words of wisdom like many of the other commenters. I too have lost people important to me and I also deal with it through denial and avoidance.
I struggle with the same problem also. I just never know what to write inside of a sympathy card. It’s not like anything I say will make the situation better. I recently found a stamp that says, “May time help the hurt just as memories fill the heart”. It goes inside EVERY sympathy card that I make now. Hope that helps…
Holly, I think you have exactly what to say…”I wish I had the words to express what I’m feeling. I love you.”
Nobody says the card needs to be profound or say “the right thing”. It just needs to express what you feel…even if you don’t know what that is.
I’m very sorry for your loss.
Your card is lovely.
You really don’t have to say anything, it’s the thought that counts. I don’t think there is a “right’ thing but some of the sayings in the other posts are good.
I was widowed when I was 27. I was so happy to get the cards so many people sent. Just knowing they cared enough meant a lot to me.
It took me years to grieve so my advice to people is to try to deal with death and loss when you are young because it will come your way sooner or later. We all think it will be later but it isn’t always the case.
Truly beautiful, Holly! The card itself will convey your message of love and caring. I am so sorry you’ve needed so many sympathy cards of late. You take care — and mail the cards! They WILL be appreciated!
holly, i don’t think i’ve ever heard anyone be so honest about dealing with death!!! i think your card is beautiful and the fact that you made it shows you are thinking about them! i agree with everyone else. it doesn’t have to be elaborate or poetic. a simple i’m sorry will go so far to comfort someone during a very diffucult time of loss and pain. don’t hesitate, mail your cards. they will touch someone’s heart when they need it most! xox