DEAR MISS MANNERS: I know someone who is in the late stages of a terminal illness. This person received one of those colorful, lovely animated email greeting cards from a close family member. The e-card wished the "Best New Year for 2017."
The recipient was shocked that someone would send such a thing. Even if it was the result of a thoughtless failure to edit a mass mailing list, it seems a horrible breach of manners. The recipient was very hurt and said so.
GENTLE READER: In this situation, there is no time left for such misunderstandings, Miss Manners would think. Perhaps the card sender thought of this as wishing for the best possible year under the circumstances.
But no matter. Please tell that person about the patient's reaction, which you might gently characterize as a misinterpretation, so that amends can be made.