When Steve’s mother passed away, he was the funeral director in charge. It probably seems weird to many reading this, but it was a normal choice for his family. With that being said, he did everything from getting the casket, to putting the obit out, and being in charge at the cemetery. Just a normal everyday event until you paused and realized it wasn’t.
I think because of the normalcy I forgot how the little things make such a difference. Having a sweet friend drop by whom also lost her mother and hearing her as she said she was sorry. The texts and calls from friends all over the world who simply wanted to remind us how we are loved. Even as of yesterday, we are still receiving sympathy cards.
I wonder if we all really understand how a piece of paper can be such a comfort when we are grieving. How being able to read someone’s condolences makes us feel less alone. The time and effort it took to mail their thoughts makes the act so much dearer.
Because of these cards we have heard from numerous individuals and families that we do not see that often and yet they thought our loss important enough to recognize and acknowledge through a shared correspondence. I sit and look at two today and think, “How precious it is to be loved by the family of God.” We do not attend the same church and yet regardless of what you think, I believe we are family. A shared blood runs through our veins if we love and adore God while recognizing all Jesus did to make us his brothers and sisters.
I heard a preacher I dearly love state that if nothing else the quarantine has reminded many that denominational titles divide more than unite. Each week we listen to those that encourage us in our daily lives and many of those share our beliefs but not our denominational affiliation. The sympathy cards not only show me that, but they remind me again that we are not alone in our grieving. People are praying for us, thinking about us, and even taking time to remind us they care.
If you do not know what to do if someone you care about has lost someone then I would suggest sending a sympathy card. Give them something tangible that they can keep, to look at later or can share with others in their family. I know that everyone of the cards we have received has reminded me of the importance of this simple act.