Writing a sympathy card for a friend or family member who has lost a loved one can be difficult. Here are 40 sweet and sensitive messages to send.

If you’re looking for the words to express your condolences to a family, friends, or colleagues, find the right ones in our list of 55 comforting messages.

GENTLE READER: 1. Text: “Could you please send me your address? I’d like to send a condolence letter.” 2. Letter. Miss Manners is grateful that we have different means for different messages.

It is peculiar to think that a mass stamped expression -- “Sympathy,” or in the case of letters of thanks, “Thank you” -- is better than the personal, handwritten word.

In light of former President Jimmy Carter's death, his foundation, the Carter Center, is asking those whose lives the Nobel laureate touched to write a virtual condolence card for him.