21 Comforting Texts You Can Send to a Grieving Loved One | Cake Blog (2024)

These days, social media and texting are the norm for staying connected. Everyone sends and receives updates instantly. Everyone in your network communicates through texting, posting, and responding to online messages. So it's understandable why you might be wondering how you can comfort someone who's grieving through text.

Jump ahead to these sections:

• How to Comfort Someone Who is Grieving Through Text
• Comforting Texts to Send to a Family Member
• Comforting Texts to Send to a Close Friend
• Comforting Texts to Send to Someone Who Lost a Partner or Spouse
• Comforting Texts to Send to an Acquaintance or Colleague
  
• Other Ways to Share a Comforting Message

Should you pick up the phone and call? Should you send fresh flowers or a sympathy plant? Is it OK to send a text offering condolences? How do you comfort someone who is grieving through text? And how do you console someone whom you only talk to online?

How to Comfort Someone Who is Grieving Through Text

Harvard Health Publishing confirms that even small gestures, like sending a simple text, can go a long way in comforting a person who’s grieving.

Before we provide some specific examples of comforting texts that you can send, here are a few tips to keep in mind.

Let them know it's OK not to respond

Someone who's grieving may be overwhelmed with sympathy messages and communication from friends and loved ones. You can help take the pressure off by letting them know they don't have to respond to your text, and that you just wanted to let them know you're there for them.

Express your condolences sincerely

When reaching out to someone who's grieving, it's important to begin your text message by expressing your condolences sincerely. Start with a heartfelt message such as, "I'm deeply sorry for your loss," or "My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time." This empathetic gesture shows your genuine concern and sets the tone for a compassionate conversation.

Don't just talk, listen

One of the most valuable things you can do for someone who is grieving is to provide them with a safe space to express their feelings. In your text message, let them know that you're available to listen whenever they need to talk. Encourage them to share their emotions, memories, or stories about the person they've lost.

Use comforting words

In times of grief, kind and comforting words can offer solace and reassurance. Reassure them that their feelings are valid and that it's normal to experience a range of emotions during the grieving process. A simple, "I'm sending you a warm hug" or "I'm thinking of you and sending love your way" can go a long way in offering comfort.

Share memories and anecdotes

Sharing memories and anecdotes about the person who passed away can be a beautiful way to honor their memory and bring some solace to the grieving individual. Text messages are an excellent way to share stories, photos, or even funny moments that you experienced with their loved one. By doing so, you demonstrate that their loved one's memory is cherished and will live on.

Provide practical support

During times of grief, practical support can often be overlooked, but it's also immensely valuable. Consider offering your assistance through text by suggesting specific tasks you can help with, such as grocery shopping, preparing meals, or running errands.

Keep checking in

After a loss, your loved one is likely to receive a flood of sympathy messages right away. But over time, these messages of support tend to taper off as people go back to their daily lives. You can help your loved one feel supported and cared for by continuing to check in and offer comforting messages as time goes on.

Comforting Texts to Send to a Family Member

When one of your family members suffers a loss, you might not know what to say to express the sorrow that you're feeling. But when everyone else has moved on, your words of condolences can have a real impact. A shoulder to lean on during this time goes a long way in helping your family member process their grief.

Here are words to comfort someone who lost a loved one over text:

1. “I'm sorry to hear the news of your brother's passing. Please accept my deepest regrets for your loss.”

2. “I was deeply saddened to hear of your mom’s passing. She was such a great inspiration to me. Please let me know how I can help you during this difficult time.”

3. “Please accept my heartfelt condolences to you and your family on your uncle's death. I’m sure that his memory will forever live on in your hearts."

4. “I’m sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.”

5. “I am sorry for the loss of your dear Fluffy, Aunt Mary. I cannot imagine the pain you are going through right now. Please let me know how I can help you during this difficult time.”

Comforting Texts to Send to a Close Friend

When a close friend has a death in the family, it's sometimes difficult to approach them with the right words.

A simple “sorry for your loss” text gets the conversation started. It expresses regret and tells them that you're thinking of them. Consider following up your text with a phone call or visiting with a sympathy gift basket or care package.

Here are words to comfort a close friend who lost a loved one over text:

6. “My deepest sympathies go out to you, my friend. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time. Know that I’m here for you.”

7. “I heard the news, my friend. I can’t even begin to understand what you are feeling, but I want you to know that I’m here for you. I’m sending you my prayers and condolences. I’ll be checking in on you to see how you are doing.”

8. “I was deeply saddened to hear about your brother’s passing. He was like a brother to me. Please offer my sincerest condolences to your family. You have my deepest sympathy.”

9. “I’m sorry for your loss. Please accept my sincerest sympathy.”

10. “I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. I’m thinking of you and your family at this time. Please let me know how I can help.”

Comforting Texts to Send to Someone Who Lost a Partner or Spouse

When deciding what to say to a person who has lost their partner or spouse, keep in mind that they've just lost a big part of their support system. They've yet to realize the impact of the loss on their everyday lives, or how their future lives have changed. Be especially mindful of the grief they'll experience in the coming days, weeks, and months.

Here are words to comfort someone who lost a partner or spouse over text:

11. “I heard the news about your husband’s passing. Please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss. He was a great friend to me, and I will forever hold him in my heart.”

12. “I am deeply saddened by the loss of your wife. She was a wonderful woman. I will check in on you later to see what you may need.”

13. "Please accept my condolences on the passing of your partner. It is an honor to have known such a great person, and I will truly miss them.”

14. “I was thinking about your husband on this day of his death anniversary. He has certainly made a positive impact on my life. I hope you are doing well.”

15. “Sending you thoughts of love and prayer to let you know that I am here for you.”

Comforting Texts to Send to an Acquaintance or Colleague

Communicating condolences to an acquaintance or colleague can sometimes seem awkward and uncomfortable. The simple phrases below will help you bridge that gap between feeling awkward and offering genuine words of sympathy to someone you may not know very well.

Here are words to comfort an acquaintance or colleague who lost a loved one over text:

16. “I heard about your loss. May you find comfort and peace during this difficult time. Please let me know if there is anything I can do to help.”

17. “I can’t imagine what it feels like to have lost a child. I am at a loss for words to say. Please know that I have you and your family in my prayers, and I’m here for you.”

18. “Please accept my condolences on the loss of your pet, Burrito. He was always a joy to have around the office and will be missed.”

19. “I heard about your dad’s passing. I’m so sorry about your loss. I lost my dad a few years back. If you need someone to talk to, I’m here for you.”

20. “Please accept my condolences on the loss of your spouse. I’m sure that this is a very difficult time for you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.”

21. “It is terrible to hear about your loss. I express my sincere sympathy to you and your family.”

Other Ways to Share a Comforting Message

Sending a comforting text or direct message can be a simple and meaningful way to connect with someone who needs support. But you can also use the messages suggested in this article to share a message of comfort in other ways. Here are some ideas for ways to support a loved one with a short message.

Write an online memorial tribute

If someone has passed away, check to see if the family has set up an online memorial and possibly a memorial fundraiser. If they have, you can write one of these comforting messages in a tribute message to the departed person. If the family hasn't yet set up a memorial page, you might be able to help them do so using Cake's online memorial tool. Helping with this process can be a meaningful way to lend support and comfort during a difficult time.

Give a card

Sometimes, sending a physical card or letter can offer more support to someone who's grieving or in need of comfort. You can hand-write one of the messages below in a beautiful sympathy card like this one.

Give a gift

A sympathy card or simple note can also be paired with a thoughtful gift to offer comfort to your loved one. Consider attaching your comforting message to a bouquet of fresh flowers or a sympathy gift basket.

Comforting Someone Who's Grieving Over Text

Knowing what to say to a person who is grieving is never easy. Finding the appropriate words to comfort them in their time of need can prove difficult especially when you don’t have much experience with death.

Using some of the suggested words above can help you avoid the silence that follows when you are at a loss for words in many of these situations.

Sources:

1. “How to help someone who is grieving.” Harvard Health. Last modified October 2019. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/how-to-help-someone-who-is-grieving.
2. Dyregrov, Kari, and Atle Dyregrov. 2008. Effective Grief and Bereavement Support: The Role of Family, Friends, Colleagues, Schools and Support Professionals. Philadelphia: Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
3. Gross, Richard. 2016. Understanding Grief: An Introduction. 1st ed. New York: Routledge.
4. Utz, Rebecca L., Kristin L. Swenson, Michael Caserta, Dale Lund, and Brian DeVries. "Feeling Lonely Versus Being Alone: Loneliness and Social Support Among Recently Bereaved Persons." The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences 69B, no. 1 (2014): 85-94. Accessed October 31, 2023. https://doi.org/10.1093/geronb/gbt075.