A mother's son is murdered in cold blood. A husband loses his beloved wife of two years, just before the Feast. You know both families and want to comfort them, but what can you say in the face of such a terrible loss?

Flowers, cards and food are certainly appreciated, but there is something even more special that only those who knew their loved ones can give. That is the gift of words.

"A word fitly spoken..." is especially applicable in a situation like this. Words about memories that you have of their loved one let them know that their loved one was also valuable to you. They let them know that the world is a better place because this person not only lived, but lives on in your mind and heart.

The more specific you can be, the better; but the important thing is to express your feelings in your own words. An example would be telling the mother how much you enjoyed taking her son to basketball games along with yours and what a credit he was to the church basketball team. You could tell the husband how warm and friendly his wife was when you attended their church congregation and how she always made you feel right at home.

Writing words of comfort is not hard to do, and you can even do it by e-mail for free. Yet doing just that is beyond price to grieving people who themselves are special and need your comfort more than they can express. Don't be surprised if they still thank you for it years later.