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Help with writing card to commemorate birthday

10 replies

AphraBane · 05/01/2014 20:19

DH's friend and his DW lost their DD aged 10 some years back. The DD had been severely disabled from birth and her condition was life limiting, so it was something they had long been dreading, but obviously that didn't reduce their pain. Since then DH has always phoned his friend on the anniversary of her death for a chat, to show that we remember her too. Recently the friend happened to mention that they had gone over to marking her birthday rather than the day of her death, which makes sense. We did a bit of checking and realised that the 18th anniversary of her birth will be at the end of January. We'd like to send a card but are really worried about the wording - there seems a lot of scope for saying something that could be hurtful or tactless.
We know the kind of card we'd like to send (with a flower on the front that meant a lot to them), but can anybody give us some tips for the content? I've done a bit of Googling on bereavement sites and it's just made me more worried, because people are giving stories about how someone wrote/said something awful and upset them.

OP posts:
Pawprint · 05/01/2014 21:31

I think they would be thrilled with the card.

I would simply say that you are thinking of them, they will appreciate that.

Flopsygrowsup · 05/01/2014 21:36

My friends son died and we send a birthday card every year which just says thinking of name on his number birthday all our love

AphraBane · 05/01/2014 22:03

Thanks - so short and simple might be best.

OP posts:
everlong · 06/01/2014 12:06

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

everlong · 06/01/2014 12:08

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JeanSeberg · 06/01/2014 12:09

Dear x and x

Just a note to let you know that we are thinking of you today.

Sending you much love.

From AphraBane

LilyTheSavage · 07/01/2014 03:11

How lovely. My DS died almost five months ago and I didn't send any Christmas cards and two (of the few we received) said "to Me DP, DS1, DS3 and always remembering DS2." I suppose the point is that I was so pleased that somebody was remembering DS2. Mention the child's name. It means a lot.

Gini99 · 09/01/2014 14:28

I was just going to come and ask something similar (though you may well have sent the card now).

A very good friend of mine lost her little girl 4 1/2 years ago. I have always sent a card on her birthday saying something along the lines of 'we will be remembering X especially on her birthday and particularly thinking of you all'. I want to acknowledge the particularly important day but not imply that she is forgotten the rest of the time. I hope that this is OK but I always worry that I'll say something wrong. I have just written this year's to post and I always a worry a little before sending it. They do have pictures of her everywhere though and I think they would rather know that she is loved and remembered by their friends

JeanSeberg · 09/01/2014 14:33

I think that sounds lovely Gini. I imagine that the worst thing in these situations is if the occasion goes by unmarked. I think they will really appreciate your kind words.

LilyTheSavage · 09/01/2014 19:14

A "thinking of you" card with the message inside that you are also remembering DD would probably do the trick. I think that the fact that you care enough to remember will be a gift to your friends.

My favourite Christmas card was one that was addressed to me, DH, DS1 and DS3 with the message "and always remembering dearest DS2 (who died in August).

Please do mention her name. Ignoring it is more hurtful.

Your friends are lucky to have you thinking of them.

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