Nowadays, the expectations for people to write thank you notes have eased a little. It used to be that the poor person who has just lost a very near relative or spouse had to hand write dozens or even hundreds of thank you notes to everyone who paid their respects and condolences to the family of the dead loved one. Thankfully, society is more aware of the pain and emotional toll a lost loved one has on an individual and thank you notes are not so strictly pressured.
If you are the one who has lost a loved one and are deciding how to handle the thank you notes, don’t be overwhelmed. There are different ways to get it done and all are acceptable. You have just gone through a very sensitive time in your life. Gratitude to those who were there for you is understandable, but don’t make it an added stress to your already weak state of emotions.
You can ask for help from family members. They can always help to write out the envelope, address, and small note, and you can sign the bottom. Mental focus for you at this time may be hard. So don’t beat yourself up over who did what. Assign someone over keeping track and let them write you a detailed list.
When it comes time to write inspirational thoughts, a book that might come in handy is Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep. This book has many inspirational words that could help you to express the feelings in your heart while dealing with your sorrow. Its just one less thing to worry about in a time like this.
Thank you notes are expected in two weeks to anyone who took an important role in making the funeral possible. Clergymen, pallbearers, eulogist, drivers of the funeral procession, and anyone who spoke or sang at the funeral, are examples of people who should be recognized for their effort and generosity. Anyone who donated, gave gifts, or flowers would appreciate a thank you note as well. Some people do things in the background like cook, clean, and baby sit to help make things easier on you. They, too, would appreciate a written word of thanks. If the lost loved one spent some time in hospital before their death, the nurses, doctors, surgeons, and staff who spent the last days caring for this person may be candidates for a special thank you note for their effort in making your lost loved one as comfortable as possible during their struggle to live.


