Q. Following the death of my father, I have received
a large number of letters, many of them lengthy, from people I have never met but who knew Daddy (he was 50 when I was born). I am enormously moved by the length of the letters some people sent with all the memories they enclose, which I was so interested to read. I understand it is correct etiquette to write back to every person who has sent a letter of condolence, yet I feel it will be difficult to write more than the same few lines to people I have never met. What do you suggest, Mary? I do not want to be formulaic.
Name and address withheld A: Why not enclose with each brief letter a copy of the address given at the funeral or memorial service of your father? Such a document would be impossible to get hold of other than through your own devices. Your correspondents — who would not expect anything other than a short acknowledgment from you in any case — will delight in receiving it, whether formulaic or not.
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