My cousin died a month ago, and my mother has been nagging her sister about writing thank you notes to the people who sent flowers or cards. I don't think my aunt needs to write anything, and that people who sent cards or flowers don't expect any acknowledgment. Do you agree?
Signed,
Wondering
Dear Wondering,
When your aunt feels up to it, she should write a short note of thanks to those who wrote nice messages in sympathy cards or sent flowers, but it doesn't need to be done right now. Although people may not expect any acknowledgment, it's always nice and proper to thank them for their expression of sympathy or condolences.