Words of sympathy

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My 17 y/o niece has had a rough week. One of her friends had a terrible accident on Saturday and is still in ICU, fighting for her life. On Monday, another of her friends fainted at school, was taken to the hospital and pronounced dead later that night. I am not very good with words, but would like to send her a note expressing my concern for her feelings and the sadness that I feel for her and her friend’s families. Appreciate your thoughts and words.
 
I can’t begin to imagine your neice’s sadness. Be honest with her in the note - tell her that you don’t know that you can say anything that will make her fel better, but that you are thinking and praying for her. Let her know that she can talk to you about this any time. You know her well enough to add any other words of condolence.

She is so young…
 
Just a thought: you could maybe buy her a notebook (or nice journal) and write your note on the first page and encourage her to write down her thoughts. Writing always helps me through tough times, but maybe that’s not her thing.
 
I think Sally’s idea is a fabulous one!!!

Blessings,
Paula
 
I agree with the other posters – just tell her you’re sad for her and her friends and their families, and wish you could help in some way. I would also tell her that during times like these, it is even more important than ever to cling tightly to Jesus’ hand…these types of tragedies can make or break a person’s faith, so encourage her to pray, giving God her sadness, anger, and questions regarding what’s happened.

In the Diary of St. Faustina, Jesus said:
“…there is no way to heaven except the way of the cross. I followed it first. You must learn that it is the shortest way… I am giving you a share in those sufferings because of My special love for you and in view of the high degree of holiness I am intending for you in Heaven. A suffering soul is closer to My heart.”
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This is obviously a tough concept for anyone to grasp, but perhaps it will help her a bit…if not now, maybe later.

Here’s an excerpt from the Conversation of the Merciful God with a Despairing Soul (also from St. Faustina’s Diary):
Jesus: What joy fills My Heart when you return to Me. Because you are weak, I take you in My arms and carry you to the home of My Father…
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…Tell Me all, My child, hide nothing from Me because My loving Heart, the Heart of Your Best Friend is listening to you."
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I would encourage her to also pray for her friends. It sounds like you love her very much, so maybe you can pray with her and/or spend some time with her (go to lunch, whatever) to try to get her mind off things.

Offering a prayer now for you and your niece and her friends and their families. :crossrc: God bless. :hug1:
 
Thank you for the good ideas. Unfortunately, I don’t live close by but I believe a note of encouragement and sympathy would be consoling. Belle, I loved the St. Faustina diary quote and plan on using it, it seems so appropriate.
 
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OP, I would keep it simple.

“I am thinking of you and praying for you, and especially your friends. Please remember that even in these difficult times, God is always with you, to comfort you and sustain you. I will light candles in the Adoration chapel for your friends. I wish I was there so I could give you a big hug.”
 
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