Sad subject - need help with Christmas card wording for seriously ill relative

[crokky]

Hi, I don't know if anyone could help, but my uncle is in his late fifties and has quite a few health problems - he has been told that he will not live much longer (I also don't know him particularly well as we live a long way away). We would like to send him a Christmas card but just do not know what to write in it that is appropriate - he is depressed about the situation, we would just like to write something short, but have no idea what. Any ideas gratefully received.

It is hard isn't it, but can't just ignore. Just write that your thoughts and love are with him at Christmas. Perhaps pop in a photo of the children, or a small box of chocolates or nice biscuits.

i agree it is difficult, my husband has terminal cancer.
most of the cards we have had have said thinking of you all this christmas and new year. could you add some pictures you childen have done or photos?

we had a similar situation a few years ago with omeone who was terminally ill and we just gave them a card and some really nice chocolates and said we were thinking of them over Christmas. Its hard I know as you can't exactly say have a lovely Christmas but also don't want them to be left out.

Chances are he still wants to be treated as "normally" as reasonably possible. I would look for a card which is not excessively garish, and does not say "merry" or "happy" Christmas. And would also go along with "thinking of you this Christmas".

At least, that's what I did a couple of years ago, when sending a card to someone who had just lost her child

I am in similar situation crokky, with terminally ill uncle. He means a great deal to my mum and dad, I know him less well, but he was always great fun when I did see him.

I think he (my uncle, not yours) is a big grown-up man who knows what is happening to him. I couldn't let him go without him knowing that I am thinking of him. So will send a card with a few sentences saying how sorry I am that he is ill and a little appreciation of some of the occasions I spent with him. There's no skirting round the subject and as I am sure I won't see him again before he dies I just feel its best to let him know that I care for him in my small way before he goes ...

Its very very sad, but I felt better this way than just sending the usual festive greetings.

HTH.

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