If you read nothing else, read Duck-Face for the Deceased by kalanleitch.
A Friend and often guest blogger here in the Cow Pasture takes an honest look at how we communicate condolences on the day of tragedies, whether a local, state or worldwide event.
I realize people mean well, but so often we get caught up in the social media bombardment of the moment. We feel bad. We want to do something, offer our expressions of concern, sympathy, or comment on the “trending sentiments”.
But, stop for just a moment and think before jumping on the bandwagon. Is there a better way? Could you send a personal, hand-written note? Call and ask what they might need? Donate? Send flowers? Take a dish by, or call and have a real conversation?
Social media has taken the place of personal interaction, real communication, and emotions. It becomes so easy to hide behind an emoji, Twitter handle, or other distance and impersonal handle. So, take a second, check out kalanleitch‘s post, Duck-Face for the Deceased and rethink that next social media “Like,” condolence, or Tweet.
We are first and foremost people who thrive on personal interaction, touch, eye-contact, the much-needed shoulder or a hug.
Just my two cents and thanks to kalanleitch for sharing.
I’d love to hear your comments. Talk to me. Tell me your story. I’m all ears and look for me on Facebook at SheilaMGood, Pinterest, Bloglovin, Twitter@sheilamgood, Contently, and Instagram. You can follow my reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.
I like the face-to-face or a phone call, but in a pinch I have sent a text or wrote condolences on a funeral home website. Hand written Thanks Yous are the absolute best.
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Me too for all of the above. In this day and age, it’s almost impossible not to have to text! Hoping things might change a bit in the future, but not counting on it. Thanks for reading and all the comments.
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Nothing beats a handwritten letter, a phone call, or a visit.
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Well said! Thanks for reading and joining the conversation.
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My pleasure, Sheila!
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I base my response to tragedy on how the person communicated the grief. That’s usually a good indicator of what they feel most comfortable responding to.
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That’s a good point. Thanks for joining the conversation.
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Thanks for having me, Sheila. Glad you could appreciate my point of view. 🙂
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My pleasure. Always open to other POV.
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