Books of condolence

There is much on the news today about the young Irish students who died when a balcony collapsed in California yesterday. Books of condolence have been started in various cities and online. No doubt thousands will sign them or leave messages in them, for people they have never known.

I don't want to knock the idea, but it has always seemed a bit strange to me. I tend to think that those who write in these books get more comfort from it than those who receive them. If I suffer a bereavement I may share it with my friends, but I cannot imagine strangers being a part of it, and I cannot ever imagine writing in a public book of condolence for someone I had never met.

What do others think?

Re: Books of condolence

Such a terrible tragedy, so young with everything before them, God rest their souls.
I never do the books of condolence signing Ania but the wife always does, I prefer to say a prayer for the deceased.

Re: Books of condolence

I guess it is almost tradition here, Jem, but have you ever considered asking your wife what her reason is for doing them?
I'm more like you - I'll have a little think or say a little prayer, but only in the privacy of my own home.

Re: Books of condolence

Well you're absolutely right about the traditional part, I just asked the wife and she said what I knew she'd say, because her Mother and Father always did it.

Re: Books of condolence

And they did it because THEIR mothers and fathers did it, no doubt! I'm none the wiser...

Re: Books of condolence

By the way, thanks for asking her, Jem. I'm sure this is the best way to conduct such research...

Re: Books of condolence

I haven't written in books of condolence, but I have sent cards to people who have suffered terrible tragedies. 9/11 I felt compelled to send a card to the American Embassy. I had to express the despair and sadness I felt for them, even although they will never know me. Have done similar for other tragedies. It was anonymous, but I just felt better doing it.