DEAR MISS MANNERS: A very good friend's mother passed away recently. I promptly sent a condolences card by U.S. Mail upon learning of her passing.
Unfortunately, the same friend's father then died, literally less than a week later. All this must have been a terrible blow, and I am genuinely so sad for him and his family.
I suppose I should send a second card, but I feel like it seems untoward for some reason. (Especially since I use note cards from a purchased sets -- it then is obvious that I'm working through the same box of cards.)
Would one normally send two cards back-to-back like this? Should I at least switch up the type of note card that I use?
GENTLE READER: Given the doubly tragic circumstances, it seems highly unlikely that your friend is keeping track of your stationery. And if these cards are truly suitable for condolence letters, they are plain and unremarkable anyway.
Miss Manners does recommend, however, that you take pains to ensure that the content of your second letter is worded differently, and refers to the father, as the previous one was about the mother. Your friend’s grief will not likely sufficiently cloud their memory if the sentiments are (the handwritten version of) cut and pasted.