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I am at a loss for a card...so hopefully some of you can provide your opinions??
My kids' gym teacher passed away last night after a fight with cancer....and I am trying to get a theme going for a card. We live in a VERY small town (one gas station, Wal-mart is a half hour away...etc) and my kids are 14, 12 and 7 and he has been their gym teacher since my oldest started Kindergarten!
He was a fun and patient man...and just a plain Sympathy sentiment is not him.
What do you think of the one from SU that says: "What if the Hokey Pokey really is what it's all about?"
I am thinking of it because every year he did the school program with the 1st graders doing the Hokey Pokey and it's always such a cute part!!
Is this entirely tacky and un-sympathetic?? Or do you think the family would know that we mean well, and he really was FUN???
Thanks girls!
__________________ Cher No longer stamping...on to bigger things.
I think it is appropriate if you explain that you have fond memories of him and the hokey pokey. Families want to know that other people loved and have good memories of their loved one.
I think you can use it as Jessica says, BUT be mindful the card isn't FOR him, it's for those he leaves behind, so if they are naturally more reserved it might be best to stay this side of traditional with an annecdote on the inside.
I think you can use it as Jessica says, BUT be mindful the card isn't FOR him, it's for those he leaves behind, so if they are naturally more reserved it might be best to stay this side of traditional with an annecdote on the inside.
Sam
I agree here...but I have an idea:
Go with a traditional sympathy card, but how about some sort of frame for the family with this sentiment and a picture from the school of him and this sentiment along with an explanation as a gift to his family. That would probably make more sense and be a nice remembrance of him for his family.
Did that make sense at all?
Nancy
__________________ Visit my GALLERY...you know you want to...or at least I WANT you to!
I think the card would be fine if you hand wrote a nice letter explaining the reason behind it and how much fun that the gym teacher made things for your kids. You can never judge how someone will take something like that, but its nice to be reminded of the lighter side of life and what fun a person was.
When my mom dies of her cancer whenever that may be, most of her friends and family will be toasting with margaritas, a mariachi band and funny cards. Its just the way we are. Some people will find that offensive and horrible and prefer a somber funeral. Whatever floats your boat.
for someone who has had a tough battle with a major illness;
I like to us "a free spirit.......and inside on the left you could
add something about the hokey pokey and a regular sentiment on
the right inside
__________________ Carolyn
my avatar: (such desparation), Dear God, if you can't make me thin; make my
friends fat"
I agree. Make a generic pretty sympathy card and then include a handwritten note on the inside about the hokey pokey thing and your remembrances of him and it.
Like others have said, the ones opening and reading the card will be those left behind.
__________________ Bugga in OK
"Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible." Dalai Lama
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Quote:
Originally Posted by inkitup
I think it is appropriate if you explain that you have fond memories of him and the hokey pokey. Families want to know that other people loved and have good memories of their loved one.
I agree. If he was fun his family probably was and I'd be happy to get a not so depressing sympathy card. I'd just make sure to write in the card the good memories you have of him and the hokey pokey story. I think they would appreciate it.
Very very nice. Be sure to tell them in some ways of the fond memories that you and your children have of him... that's what makes a life truly last, it is the moments people remember!
I love the card you made! Could you use the Hokey Pokey stamp along with some photos of him with the kids on a 12x12 layout to displayed on an easel at the service?
I think your card turned out beautiful. The quote you had liked would have probably been ok, but I tend to play things safe as is too. I find sympathy cards to just be the hardest style to figure out anyway. I never feel I have the right words. I love that your card has a beautiful graceful look to it, but it is also uplifting and cheerful too. Seems fitting for someone who brought so much joy to others.
I think the card would be fine if you hand wrote a nice letter explaining the reason behind it and how much fun that the gym teacher made things for your kids. You can never judge how someone will take something like that, but its nice to be reminded of the lighter side of life and what fun a person was.
When my mom dies of her cancer whenever that may be, most of her friends and family will be toasting with margaritas, a mariachi band and funny cards. Its just the way we are. Some people will find that offensive and horrible and prefer a somber funeral. Whatever floats your boat.
;) I have requested to be cremated, and then take the money saved from an expensive funeral and put on a PAR-TAAAAAY, with appletinis all around.
__________________ Julie Ebersole (JulieHRR once upon a time . . . )julieebersole.com"So shines a good deed in a weary world." -Willy Wonka
My sympathies on the loss of a teacher and friend. Your card is just beautiful without being overly formal. I bet they will appreciate all that went into it.
Such a beautiful card. I come from a super fun family- so smart *ss cards would be perfect when any of us pass, but I think you made a smart choice to play it safe. I'm sorry for the loss you and your kids feel- he was obviously a nice man who made a lot of good memories with your kids.
Sympathy Card Etiquette??
The funeral is being held in the school gym...the district actually cancelled school Monday for it! 
