Words of Comfort: Writing to Someone Contemplating the End of Life

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Photo by micheile henderson on Unsplash

Sometimes, one of the hardest things we face in our project is writing to someone who may be approaching the end of their life. It can feel overwhelming—what words could possibly be “enough”?

Here’s the truth: your card doesn’t need to mention illness or dying. What matters most is the love and kindness you put into it. 💌

✨ Focus on what uplifts

  • Share a warm memory, or write about something beautiful—like flowers, music, or nature.

  • Offer words of comfort: “You are in my heart” or “You are surrounded by love.”

  • Express gratitude for the light this person has brought to the world.

  • If faith is part of their story, a prayer or blessing can bring peace.

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💔 What Not to Write

  1. Don’t minimize or deny their reality.
    ❌ “You’ll beat this!” or “Stay positive — miracles happen!”
    👉 Instead: “I admire your strength and courage.” or “I’m thinking of you and holding you in my heart.”

  2. Don’t make it about your own beliefs or worldview.
    ❌ “God only gives us what we can handle.” or “This is part of God’s plan.”
    👉 Instead: “I’m wishing you peace and comfort in the days ahead.”
    (Only mention faith if you know the recipient shares it.)

  3. Don’t bring up treatment outcomes or timelines.
    ❌ “I hope the doctors can still find something that works.”
    👉 Instead: “I hope each day brings you moments of comfort and love.”

  4. Don’t offer false hope or clichés.
    ❌ “Everything happens for a reason.” or “You’ll get better soon.”
    👉 Instead: “You’re surrounded by so much love.” or “I hope you feel how loved and supported you are.”

  5. Don’t focus on loss or what’s fading.
    ❌ “I can’t imagine life without you.”
    👉 Instead: “You’ve touched so many lives with your kindness and spirit.”

  6. Don’t write long, heavy messages.
    Sometimes, a few heartfelt lines are best.
    👉 “Thinking of you today and sending gentle thoughts your way.”

  7. Avoid guilt or pressure.
    ❌ “Please don’t give up.” or “You have to fight!”
    👉 Instead: “I admire your courage — you’ve already fought so bravely.”

💛 Here are some gentle, ready-to-use examples your volunteers could copy into their cards:

🌸 Short and Simple

  • You are in my heart and prayers today.

  • Sending you love, peace, and warm thoughts.

  • You are deeply cherished and never alone.

  • May today bring you moments of comfort and light.

🌼 Warm and Personal

  • I’m thinking of you and sending a big hug in this card.

  • Your kindness and strength are an inspiration. The world is brighter because of you.

  • May you feel surrounded by love and peace. You are so special.

  • Just wanted you to know how loved and valued you are.

🌟 Faith-Based (if appropriate)

  • May God’s love bring you comfort and peace.

  • I’m lifting you up in prayer and asking God to be near you today.

  • May your heart be filled with the light of faith and the warmth of God’s presence.

  • You are wrapped in God’s love, and in the love of all who are thinking of you.

✨ Keep it simple, keep it loving
Your words are a reminder that they are seen, cherished, and not alone. Even a short note filled with kindness can bring a moment of comfort and joy.

At the end of the day, every card we send is a hug in an envelope. 🤍


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By supporting us, you’re not just donating — you’re actively helping create moments of healing, connection, and unexpected joy. Let’s keep writing hope into the world, together. Every contribution, big or small, truly makes a difference.



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