DEAR MISS MANNERS: Two days ago, my brother-in-law's sister, whom I have spent only a small amount of time with, gave birth to twins, one of whom died in childbirth. I cannot imagine the grief felt by her and her family.
Normally, I would send a sympathy card for a death and a congratulatory card for the birth, but to do so in this case does not feel right. Sending one and not the other ignores one of the events, yet doing nothing also seems wrong.
What should I do? I am wondering if a sympathy card now and a congratulatory card later would be OK?
GENTLE READER: The parents are only too aware of their situation and the deeply conflicting emotions it brings. While Miss Manners sympathizes with your dilemma, she assures you that separating the letters will not make them more likely to forget either occurrence.
A sympathetic acknowledgment of the two events should be stated as simply as possible. "I am so excited about the arrival of the new baby, although terribly sorry for your loss. I look forward to meeting the little one as soon as you are ready for visitors."
(Please send your questions to Miss Manners at her website, www.missmanners.com; to her email, dearmissmanners@gmail.com; or through postal mail to Miss Manners, Universal Uclick, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.)