The Coronavirus pandemic is causing more and more deaths every day and as a result, you may find yourself in the position of having to send a condolence letter to family, friends or acquaintances. Here are a few pointers to help you with this challenging task:
Due to the current conditions, writing an actual letter for postage may be difficult. Resort to writing an email or a text. Another alternative would be to write a letter, scan it and send it as an email.
Include your contact information to enable the recipient to reach you if they need to talk to someone concerning their loss. This should be a telephone number or skype ID since a physical address would not be of any use due to social distancing.
Instead of beginning the letter with the person's name, start the letter formally to match the seriousness of the message that is "Dear Mercy" instead of "Mercy".
Emojis and stickers should be avoided.
Avoid small talk and get straight to the point while also being gentle. Begin with the reason for writing which in this case is the death of the beloved. Use words that are gentle such as loss and passed away instead of death.
Whether the person you are sending the note to knows you or does not, you should specify how you knew the deceased person by stating the role that the person played in your life and what they meant to you. Incorporate funny stories if you can to lighten up the reader's sombre mood.
Acknowledge unfamiliarity by comforting the survivor instead of focusing on the deceased if you did not know them. For example, 'I didn't know your father (well), but I know you had a very close relationship with him and what a terrible loss this is for you'
Additionally, if you and the survivor were on bad terms, you could mention it in passing and move on. For example, 'I know you and I haven't always agreed on everything but I'm here for you in this difficult time'
You may also address the uncertainty of the present times by offering empathy of the fact that the deceased may have died alone and also that you are open to meet up in future when the pandemic is over.
It is okay to keep the letter short and not delve into the deeper emotions but it is important to sign off the letter in the same way you began it, that is formally using "sincerely".
Photo by John-Mark Smith

About The Author

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Maureen Kasuku

Maureen is our resident cat lady and Beyoncé stan. She writes about spas, brunch and ballet recitals but has never been to any. Moonlights as a social justice activist in her spare time. She knows things and is obnoxiously opinionated on the internet but not in real life

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