Sympathy Cards

How does one express sympathy?

I've written two cards today and wondered at the words I chose. One card was short and to the point; the other rambled on a bit. One card was for the old; the other was for the young. How does a person choose words to comfort the living? I know there are scriptures and quotes and all kinds of poems that inspire encouragement and hope. I wonder, though, about the person who reads those words. What will comfort them?

I think back to my grandma's funeral. I have never experienced anything like it and I seriously doubt I ever will again. She was SO ready to go; it really was a celebration of sorts, as sad as it was. She was dressed in red like she wanted and we could all laugh as we talked about her life and the legacy she left behind.

But she was old.
She had lived a full life.
Her time on earth was complete.

But the young? Now that's a tough one. I don't even want to venture too far into this one. It's too raw, too vulnerable, too confusing. Some things just don't make sense, and yet we try to find words to write on a card to try to make sense of it all. I suppose that's just our way, all the while knowing that some things will never be understood this side of heaven. That's what makes us human.

My, oh my.
This is getting too deep.
And I have a lot of work to do.

Some things are worth taking the time to think about, though, I think. People are worth the time. The living need that inspiration to live. So I'll address my envelopes, use my stamps, and mail my cards with the hope that somebody is able to find that elusive moment of peace in a time of sorrow, not necessarily from my words, but just from knowing that people care and remember those who have went on.

It's good to remember.