5 Texts to Send to a Grieving Friend This Father's Day
Because Hearing From Family and Friends on Holidays is Incredibly Important.
Texting is easy and fast, but text messages carry a ton of meaning. Don't underestimate how important those little words will mean to your friends who are still riding that roller coaster of grief. No matter how long it's been since the death of their husband, father, grandfather, or father figure, your message will still mean the world to them!
These Father's Day messages are all sent with one intention: you don't need them to reply. You are sending love and support on a day that is full of memories. Open-ended questions like, "How are you?" will not serve them well on such an occasion. Send statements that don't require answers. If they choose to reply - great. But don't expect a reply and don't be upset if you don't receive one. This day is about their grief and hopefully- their healing. The face that you are reaching out is the point.
Here's are some examples that you can tailor to your friends and their loved ones. We don't get to judge other people's grief. Whether they lost fathers or father figures; if they are fathers who lost children or children who lost fathers; if they were dog dads or cat dads; if they always wanted to be fathers but couldn't for one reason or another... Grief is grief.
Take a look at these messages and use these ideas or write your own.
- "Just checking in, Kevin. We know today is going to be really tough, so please know we're thinking of you and we love you."
- "Hi Barb. Jenny and I are wearing our yellow shirts today in honor of your dad. We know it was his favorite color and we wanted you to know we remembered. He was the best!"
- Dearest Cory, we weren't able to meet your uncle, but we know you loved him and hold him dear. We're praying for you today."
In any text you send, be sure to use the name of the deceased, as your friend may miss seeing their name and reading it. You also may want to include a photo of their loved one if you have one.
Have you received any texts like these on past Father's Days? Were they helpful in your healing process?
