What you should know before sending a sympathy card:

• Even though the world communicates through internet and cell phones, sending your sympathy is still best done by sending a hand-written card, note or letter.

• If you knew the deceased but not their family, a sympathy note should be addressed to the closest living relative. If you did not know the deceased but knew a family member, send the card to that person.

• Sign your entire name to the card. You may be a close friend, but they may have several friends with the same first name.

• Sending a sympathy card as soon as possible is best, but it’s never too late to send condolences. Most people will welcome a gift or card any time as there is no time limit for grieving.

• If you deliver the sympathy card in person, it is appropriate to place the card on a table or other easy-to-find place rather than hand it directly to the person.