Hello,

First, I want to thank everyone in here that has been so supportive!!! I honestly don't think I would be coping with my Rachael's death as well as I am if it had not been for all the kind words, easing my guilt and beautiful and touching poems/stories. I am in here reading everyday!!!! It has now been a week and 4 days since I had to end her suffering and let her go to Rainbow Bridge. I still cry, but at least I can get through the day at work without showing my tears.

Next, I am wondering how you properly thank the kind people around you that express their sympathy? I have discovered that I work with some very wonderful people. I've had flowers delivered and cards given to me at work. For several years, my co-workers knew that my husband and I had tried to have children with no success. As a result, they all know how much my furchildren mean to me! My cubicle at work is covered wall to wall with pictures of Rachael and Danny. Anyway, I say all that because it probably explains why my co-workers did what they did for me. I just found out this morning that a co-worker who heard me talking about trying to get a headstone for Rachael's grave site last week, started a collection at work for me to gather money to purchase it. I am just SO blessed to work with such caring people. They all seemed to understand that Rachael was more like a daughter to me!!!

So, how do I thank all these kind people? Is a simple thank you card enough? Is there some poem that expresses gratitude for such understanding people?

Thanks again!
Still Grieving,
Cheri

There is usually no need to send a thank you for sympathy cards and/or flowers...

However, if you feel strongly, find a nice poem that expresses friendship and support or send them a card with an appropriate pic on the front and a simple note like "You make me remember that angels aren't only in heaven" - it may sound schmaltzy, but if it's heartfelt then do it.

HUGS

Oh thank you! I didn't realize that you didn't have to send a thank you for flowers, donations, etc. This is the first time I have experienced such kindness from so many people.
I do like the idea of a poem or something. I really like what you said about Angels here too

Cheri

Dear CheriAnn,

First of all you are very lucky to have such great friends at work. I think what DJ said would be a wonderful gift. You could also bake a cake or cookies and bring them in as a gift of appreciation. I know my coworkers love food.

Vicki (Stymy's Mom)

Personally, being the food hog that I AM - I think cookies are a wonderful idea too

Hi Cheri Ann:

I'm in total agreement with DJ and Vicki..............

There is nothing like a card, with a "heartfelt sentiment" inside, telling your co-workers just how you feel about their gift of kindness; and/or DJ's comment about "Angels"......
I don't think it's "schmaltzy" at all!!!

And yes..........some yummy cookies or a cake, would be just perfect....

It's wonderful to hear that you have some very loving and understanding friends at work.....

God Bless you!!!!

Love, Denise

Hello again!

I'm afraid I am still struggling with how to thank these wonderful people. The people that donated (9 total) are scattered around in different parts of the office. So that makes it hard to just make a cake. I was going to buy small thank you cards, but decided to write a letter to each person. The letter is written from Danny, our three year old "little boy". I attached a cute picture of Rachael and Danny on the letter too.
So what do you all think? Does this sound alright? Do you think this would show them how much it meant to me? At the time they gave me the card with the money, I broke out crying!!!!! I was hugging each person, and crying all over their clothing. I even had some of them tearing up. So, I know they understand how touched I was, but I just feel like I want to show them in some other way, than the verbal "Thank You".
I guess I am rambling on here, but I am still FULL of raw emotions over the loss of Rachael.

The letter:
Dearest (person's name),

I can’t thank you enough for your generous donation for my big sister’s gravesite! Mommy has been SO, SO sad since Rachael left us. I’ve tried to cheer her up myself. I bring her my toys to play with and I lay my head in her lap when she gets real sad. However, your thoughtfulness and generosity made my mommy smile again.

Mommy and daddy have ordered a small rounded black granite head stone with a big paw print etched in the middle. It will have my big sister’s name and her dates. We will all think of you and be reminded of what special people mommy works with each time we visit her grave.

My big sister was so special to us and we loved her VERY much! We miss her tremendously. Thank you so much for caring!

Danny

P.S. – Mommy typed this for me and helped me with the big words! At three years old, I’m not real good at grammar yet

Hi CheriAnn,

Wow. You're really lucky to work with such a group of understanding people! It brought tears to my eyes (and a little envy to my heart) to read this. Wow.

I like the idea of cookies and a little note or card for each person. Maybe it's not required to give a gift in return for sympathy gestures, but it sure can't hurt to encourage them with positive reinforcement! And with the cookies, you can leave a little "package" (cookie, card, etc.) on each person's desk instead of having to try to get them all together in one place for cake or something.

I liked your note, but there's a little nagging voice inside me that's saying maybe it would be a little better if it actually was from you rather than Danny. I'm not sure why I'm getting that feeling.... Maybe it's that having your name signed to it instead would be a more personal acknowledgement of their kindness? (I'm interested to see what other people here think -- I might just be way off base with this!)

-- Wayne

I think that is adorable. It is perfect...from the heart. It brought a smile to my face and a tear to my eye.

I'll be honest, please don't hate me. Maybe it's a guy thing. The thank you note is cute but IMO (in my opinion) not appropriate. A hand written note from you I think would be much more meaningful. Perhaps with some cookies like Daryl suggests. Maybe sign it and include Danny's name there (maybe ink pad Danny's foot so he can 'sign' it). I know for myself, that something that someone takes some time to prepare means a lot more to me than something that is 'whipped off' in a mass production fashion if you know what I mean. But again, I say, that's only my opinion... Go with whatever works for you.

Thanks!
I'll take your advice and write it from myself. I'll attach each note to a little thing of cookies. I'll put Danny's little Thank you in there too at the end with a paw print.
That's why I posted...I really wanted your opinion, and NO WAY am I mad at you Gort!
I'm not thinking very clearly right now, so I really wanted your opinions.

Cheri