Sympathy Gifts Appreciated
by Byron PulsiferIs a sympathy gift appropriate or appreciated? I'm sure you've been in the same situation as many who have already sent a sympathy or condolence note to those who have experienced the death of a loved one, a friend, or a close business colleague. And, while these cards or letters may well be appreciated by the grieving person, you may wonder what else you could send them that would help make a difference or express your continuing concern.
You may have been thinking that a beautiful arrangement of flowers is what you want to send, but there are many more choices available to you. The best gifts are those that extend from your heart, gifts that specifically say what you are feeling. Here are a few suggestions that you may want to consider:
1. If you happen to be an artisan, you can choose a piece that will stand before the griever always reminding them of your compassion and caring.
2. You may have a collection of soothing music that helps you to uplift your spirits. If you know the person loves music, pick a CD that will offer them a chance to lift their inner self to renewed heights.
3. At a recent craft show, I found a beautiful hand made memory box. If you are near a craft market, or know a reasonably priced woodworker, you can give or have made a wooden box suitable for keeping mementos of their loved one.
4. You may have a picture of the person's loved one or friend that you took that you know would be suitable for framing. Take it to your favorite picture framer, or find a nice frame yourself, have it framed, and send to friend or relative along with a short note describing where and when it was taken.
5. Sometimes, grievers need to write about their feelings, memories or record those little things they enjoyed with their loved one or friend so they can always remember them clearly. Here's an opportunity to send a nicely bound journal that can be kept close to them serving as their personal record of a life well known,
6. Since I've also done stain glass, a popular piece that provides a caring gesture is an angel sun catcher. You may be able to find one at your local craft market, or you may know of a stain glass artisan who can make one for you.
7. One item that I've sent in the past to a grieving mother was my personal photo collection of her son set in a photo album. These pictures were taken over a period of years and represented another aspect of her son, my friend, that she wouldn't have seen before.
8. As a lover of inspirational books, I have read a number of suitable inspirational books, or books of inspirational poems. If you know your friend or relative likes to read, or would find solace from a book you have read, send it with a short note on the inside cover. If you don't have a favorite at hand, a quick search on the Internet or at your local bookstore will undoubtedly help you find what you want.
a personalized gift will demonstrate your caring, and support through the grieving process.