NFT: What is the best RIP message?

Too much "at this time" IMO. Last sentence seems a bit superfluous. First two are solid, and I'd go with them.

and how close you were to the deceased and/or his or her family. TBH, what you wrote is fine, but does sound a little pro-forma. I would go with something like "So sorry for your loss, I have wonderful memories of times spent with [cousin's name]. Please know that I am thinking of you in your time of mourning."

And sorry for your loss.

...traditional burial, suggest that the tombstone bear the sentiment, "Wish you were here!"

It is my hope that with time, the pain of your loss will be replaced with the loving memories of sharing your life with someone special.

I lost my son a few years ago and a great friend of mine said, 'if there were a power that could completely erase any memory of [Son], would you accept it?" It hit me like a ton of bricks. I realized that there were so many great memories that I will cherish forever. It will always hurt, but not as much as never at the expense of sharing a wonderful life...

It is never easy to write an RIP because you want it to come off as dignified but not "Hallmarky". I think a sentence with a brief memory of the deceased would be appreciated.

I recently lost a cousin that I only saw occasionally back in the 80's who always wanted to see the Giants live. I had a deal back then where I was able to buy two sets of tickets from a season ticket holder who couldn't go to all the games.

I took Kyle to one of the games....a game where Jesse Armstead intercepted the ball in OT and ran it to the house to beat the Cardinals. Gave him the whole pre and post game tailgate...the whole experience.

Whenever I saw him or talked to him, he brought that game up.

So when I sent my condolence to his wife (she (they) lives in St. Paul), I mentioned the game. We talked several weeks afterwards and she told me that it meant a lot to her to get my card because through all the grief, she smiled thinking about all the joy he got from the Giants and going to that game.

My sincerest condolences to you during this difficult time

In comment 15838856 BamaBlue said:

Quote:

It is my hope that with time, the pain of your loss will be replaced with the loving memories of sharing your life with someone special. I lost my son a few years ago and a great friend of mine said, 'if there were a power that could completely erase any memory of [Son], would you accept it?" It hit me like a ton of bricks. I realized that there were so many great memories that I will cherish forever. It will always hurt, but not as much as never at the expense of sharing a wonderful life...

That is a powerful sentiment and a really good way to think about it.

Losing a loved one can be devastating, and it's because of the love as much as the loss.

"I'm so sorry for your loss. Know that I'm thinking of you and am here if you need any support during this difficult time."

Is this a email or card you are sending or actually attending a Wake? This is a family member you are talking about be sincere.
Odd post honestly.

We were not close, but I was closer to the rest of the family...

HTH

My sincerest condolences to you during this difficult time. You have my deepest sympathy and unwavering support. Wishing you peace, comfort, courage, and lots of love at this time of sorrow.

:unsure:

Any other suggestions?

Trying to make it look perfect, and go with your heart. Authenticity wins every time.

In comment 15838967 Straw Hat said:

Quote:

Trying to make it look perfect, and go with your heart. Authenticity wins every time.

Ok, how's this:

I’m so sorry for your loss. I did not know Chris very well, but what I did know of him was good. I’m sure he’ll be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Much love,

loss

anything more than that is more for you than them, they won't care what words you choose other than that sentiment and they definitely won't spend as much time thinking about those words as you are.

In comment 15838977 Grey Pilgrim said:

Quote:

In comment 15838967 Straw Hat said: Quote: Trying to make it look perfect, and go with your heart. Authenticity wins every time. Ok, how's this: I’m so sorry for your loss. I did not know Chris very well, but what I did know of him was good. I’m sure he’ll be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Much love,

Perfect!

He had this to do, and now he's done with it.

I’m so sorry for the loss of Chris. He will be missed. Wishing you peace, comfort , courage and lots of love at this time of sorrow.

Thanks everyone for helping!

:thumbsup:

Then it will be fine.

... some version of "May his/her/their memory be a blessing" is a standard part of a condolence message - usually as the last line.

The wish is often rendered as "May his memory be for a blessing" or "May his memory be for blessing." I think those versions are closer to literal translations of the Hebrew. It's a matter of personal preference, I guess.

When my father died, I especially appreciated receiving this wish from our non-Jewish friends and relatives. We're not particularly religious, but the message showed an extra touch of respect for our culture. (As opposed to, say, sending "Thoughts and prayers.")

You could also mention a memory that you have with the deceased or something about what the person meant to you. Anything but "it was God's will" or "it was his time to go" is fine.