Simple Heartfelt Sympathy Cards ~

Sad to say, but I probably send out more sympathy
cards than any other and it seems that I never have enough on hand when I need them. So, this past weekend I selected one of my favorite layouts and did some mass-production.











Most of the products used are from Stampin' Up! The cardstock is barely banana and basic black. In the past, I've made this same card with river rock and black and really like it too. Obviously, you could use any color.

I've stamped two different backgrounds...filigree and simple stripes. The flowers are from the "Happy Harmony" set. "In Sympathy & Friendship" is from an Innie & Outie double stamp by My Sentiments Exactly. The other half of the stamp says "Our hearts, our prayers and our love are with you." (S146-IO) The inside sentiment that I've used on these is from Morning Star Stamps. It reads, "May you have comfort in each happy memory and in the assurance of Heaven."

Often, it is difficult to know exactly what to write in a sympathy card. The purpose is to offer comfort and inspire hope so I try to write a personal heartfelt message of remembrance, if appropriate. Or, you could enclose a poem or scripture that has personal meaning to you. Years ago, when my wonderful Dad passed away, one of our dear friends gave me a beautiful book by Helen Steiner Rice. She had written a personal message inside the cover with reference to this particular poem:

When I Must Leave You

When I must leave you
For a little while,
Please do not grieve
And shed wild tears
And hug your sorrow to you
Through the years,
But start out bravely
With a smile.
And for my sake
And in my name,
Live on and do
All the things the same.
Feed not your loneliness
On empty days,
But fill each waking hour
In useful ways.
Reach out your hand in comfort
And in cheer,
And I, in turn, will comfort you
And hold you near.
And never, never
Be afraid to die,
For I am waiting for you
In the sky.
~ Helen Steiner Rice ~

Thanks so much for blogging by...and to all of you who've left comments. I read each and every one and appreciate you all SO much!

May your week be filled with happy moments!
Smiles,