An Unexpected Shortage Due to the Virus

Of all of the things I would never have expected to be in short supply is this:  Condolence cards.  No kidding!  So I went digging.

The Greeting Card Association reports that one should have cards on hand because they are a way to express your sympathy and sorrow, acknowledging this event without really doing anything.  Like jumping on a plane and going to the funeral, if any.  You have done your part with a tasteful card.

Tasteful to mean your handwritten note inside the card does not start "So - how much did the old bastard leave you anyhow?"

Europe was slow to get in on this card business. I can speak for the French when I report that the cards sold today are only for New Year's or one's saint's day - not birthday cards to an individual.  Few were sold in 1971, but by 2006 sales had picked up considerably.

Same source - Greeting Card Assoc.  Women buy more condolence cards and/or flowers  than men.  Their nurturing nature is thought to be the reason.    Never mind the witches you may know.

Here is a sort of all-purpose message written by (no kidding) Helen Keller:
"What was once enjoyed and deeply loved, we can never lose.  For, all that we deeply love becomes a part of us."

I don't think you'd send a card to a chocolate cake, but her description fits a helluva lot of things.
Maybe send it to Alcoholics Anonymous for a sort of secondary Serenity Prayer?

Oh, and while card shopping - just to have a stock on hand - don't forget your friends' pets.  Yes, cards are now on the market for the demise of our furry/feathered/finned friends.  And commerce rolls on.  Get your billfold out.