Sympathy card question

[Tinkim]

I need your opinion on something. I was wondering if it is ever too late to send a sympathy card? One of our neighbors across the street lost his elderly wife. She had been sick for some time and she stopped going out so we figured she must be very ill. We don't talk a lot because they were never out much. I think he spent his time inside taking care of her but when we saw him we would say hello and the kids and I brought them cookies at Christmas and things like that. We found out after the fact that his wife had died. Apparently there were no services so we couldn't have gone anyway. I would like to send him a sympathy card but I feel awkward because we didn't find out right away. Do you think it would still be appropriate to send the card even though it has been about six weeks since she passed? I would appreciate your opinions.

 

[Pea-n-Me]

I would definitely send it.

 

[GailT]

I would send it

 

[Traveliz]

I received cards and notes well after a month from the time my mom died. I always felt if I hadn't sent the card in the first few days I was too late and now realize they are appreciated for months to come...so yes I would send it.

Liz

 

[clh2]

I agree - please send it. It will be appreciated.

 

[va32h]

I would suggest sending a personal note - not a card. I just don't like sympathy cards. I've always felt that an occasion as serious as a death deserves one's own sentiments, not a mass produced card.

 

[mafibisha]

Oh yes, send it!

It's never too late to send thoughts of concern and love.

You could send a *belated* card or just write a note.

I'm sure anything would be greatly appreciated.

 

[LoveWDW]

Send it. When I send sympathy cards I always include a note about the loved one if I knew them at all, or about my caring for the bereaved.

You didn't ask, but it might be nice to invite the gentleman over for a meal. My first thought was to suggest taking a meal over, but he might like the company of a meal at your place.

 

[Disney Doll]

It's never too late to express sympathy. You could write a note in the card saying something like "I just found out your dear wife had passed away". Add whatever other sentiments you think would be appropriate. If you remember something about, that's always nice to add, like "I remember watching her garden outdoors and always enjoyed how lovely the yard looked" or something like that.

Sometimes it's nice to get something after the first "crush" of the death is behind you. You get so many cards in those first couple of weeks that sometimes you don't really remember who sent what.

 

[ChrisnSteph]

Yes, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

[lulugirl]

I agree, send it!
About a year after my father passed away I recieved a card from a high school friend I had not spoken to in years. It was just a short note saying how sorry she was to learn of his death and how she remembered him fondly. I can't tell you how touched I was.

 

[ilovepcot]

Everyone here is RIGHT! Do it. And if you're especially fond of the gentleman, you could bake something and take it over as an opportunity to tell him how sorry you are to learn of his wife's death. I'd imagine he could really benefit from your friendship.

 

[swilphil]

Everyone here is RIGHT! Do it. And if you're especially fond of the gentleman, you could bake something and take it over as an opportunity to tell him how sorry you are to learn of his wife's death. I'd imagine he could really benefit from your friendship.

I like the idea of baking something and taking it over along with a card or note. It also would be nice to offer to have the man over to your house for a meal or even just coffee. I imagine he is very lonely.