Words of Sympathy - Balm for the suffering family

Priorities | Activities | Environment | Relatives | Travel | Crisis

Words of sympathy are very important when family members face hard circumstances and crisis. Sympathy is sharing the feelings of others (especially feelings of sorrow or anguish). It is also an inclination to support or be loyal to those in need. Words of comfort and understanding are critical in helping to restore the sufferer. They can uplift, revive, reassure, and cheer the receiver. Reaching out can mean affection and acceptance.



There are many circumstances that will cause trauma or stress. These experiences can be painful, exhausting, and discouraging. It could be friction in a relationship. It might be failure to reach a goal. It could be unexpected misfortune or the loss of a loved one. Adapting to change can also be a significant stressor. These are all areas where finding the words of sympathy to express love will help the healing process. Coming along side the hurting family members is a bright indicator of family unity.

The opportunity to reenforce family unity in crisis mode was experienced by my family. In the summer of 2000 we were on a vacation trip to Oregon visiting relatives. During this trip we had a close call with tragedy.

We were traveling around visiting relatives over a weeks period. At the end of the week, we spent the day at the beach. At the end of the day, we started back towords my parent's home. We were all tired. I had not slept well the last two nights. My wife was beside me (aleep) and our two child were in the back seat (also asleep).

We were traveling on a two lane highway going between 35 - 40 mph. I was very drowsy. I momentarily fell asleep and our car drifted into the other lane. Before I had a chance to catch myself, we hit headon with another vehicle coming in the other direction. Both cars were totalled.

My wife and I both had some injuries. Our son had a deep gash on his forehead just above his eye. My daughter, thankfully, had no injuries. The driver of the other vehicle was also hurt (broken ankle). We did not know at the time what the extent of the injuries were.

Because of the nature of my son's injury, it was decided to airlift him by heliocoptor to a major hospital. My wife and I were taken in separate ambilances to a hospital in a town nearby. This was a very frightening experience. Family unity in this crisis was being severely tested. I needed comfort and words of sympathy.

We had no idea the condition of my son or even what hospital they had taken him. I was totally at fault but could not rewind the clock. We arrived at the hospital and were taken to separate examining rooms.

Expressions of sympathy After being examined, my wife and I were taken back to emergency. This was the first time we were able to talk to each other since being taken from the accident scene. The first thing my wife said was, "I still love you very much. We will get through this together." This meant alot to me. I already knew that our marriage was strong, but was feeling very shaky about the situation. Her sympathy message was a reassuring indication that our family could withstand a difficult test. This definitely showed the need to reenforce family unity in crisis.

This was a stiff test for our family. It demonstrated the valve of family unity through words of sympathy.

The following is a supportive link:

Nurturing Mother
Nurturing Mother...what are the qualities of such a mother? I will tell you how to become the nurturing mother you've always dreamed of becoming.

Leaving Family Crisis | Returning to Family Unity

Home | Terms&Conditions | About Us | Site Map | Contact Us