HELP - How to respond to someone who has had a personal tradgey?

[Yankydoodledandy]

Im rubbish with words and really want to reply to someone I know who has been going through it - I dont know what it is, but they have sent this to me:

So sorry for not getting back to you, we've had months of hell and personal tragedy

I dont want to just say sorry to hear this...I want to acknowledge just dont know what to say

I’m very sorry to hear this. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help and support you. Much love, your name.

I think something along the lines of 'Sorry to hear that - if you need to talk I'm here' is fine (only if you mean it though!).

ok so it's a male acquaintance rather than close, close friend one I wouldn't offer help to but could be an ear...

What would you say to them? Write that down in pencil on a sheet of paper. Then add grammar. Write into a card in pen.

Don’t copy and paste something from the internet - the trick is to write in your own voice. You can’t really go wrong if you say what you mean.

I was thinking...

I’m terribly sorry to hear this XXX, it sounds like you and your family have been through an awful time. Life really is unexpectedly cruel sometimes and healing takes time but I do hope things get better for you and your family.

That sounds good.

I’m sorry but I disagree with the last poster.

Your messages smacks of how to say I don’t really care without actually saying I don’t really care!

If you aren’t actually close to them and aren’t in a position to actually offer proper support then keep it simple and ditch the lofty wording.

‘Sorry to hear that, hope things get better for you all soon.’

I would pick up the phone and ask what’s happened, how she is and what she needs

The poster has already explained that it’s just a casual Male acquaintance.

I always use 'oh' and 'so'...

Oh Sarah, I'm so sorry to hear that.