patski

I also have signed the "on line" book but send a card as well. It gives that immediate comfort and the card follows. I know I have had losses and any kind words were welcome no matter on line, card or in person

Julie in NM

Mom has advanced alz. Found out one of her best friends died and I was a classmate of her son. I did on line comment mentioning how grateful I was for the friendship the two had while living in the same town. His mom was so helpful to my mom when Dad died. Just felt he needed to know that.

alwayslearning

I use the on-line guest book often when it is someone I knew or a family member of someone I knew from my home town. I moved away over forty years ago and I do not have current addresses, I hope it gives the family some comfort to know that someone from their past cared enough to say something positive. I was very moved, when my father died, that people who had been neighbors before I was born (and at that time I was in my late 30's) reached out to the family. The only negative has been, I was contacted be an old boyfriend.

Sandygirl

I know that when the online condolence came into existence, I was not comfortable with the idea of posting to them. With this said, it allows people to post their condolences when maybe they would never get around to sending a card or even know where to send the card.

I enjoyed reading the online comments. They were still just as comforting to me when my beloved mother passed in 1999. And, yes, if it is someone in my "circle", i make a point to snail mail a card vs the online. Or maybe both!

Sandy

nygal

I've done both. My my father died it was so nice to read online the many comments people who knew him made.

duckydo

My husband and I go to TX in the winter months, and being able to sign the guest book online is wonderful for me. I do send a snail mail card also, but I think the families appreciate the guest book signing if you are unable to attend.

Tothill

We have family in several different countries. For the most part all our communication is online. I do not have postal addresses for most of them.

I have sent online condolences when former classmates family members have died too. I have not seen these people for over 30 years, but want to acknowledge their loss.

I know there is a generation that feels only hand written communication is meaningful. That is what was taught when they were growing up. But even then, a telegram received at a wedding or funeral was considered a very special and extravagant gesture.

Email, online condolences etc have only been around a short time, but they are to this 40 something valid forms of communication.

tenngal

I don't care for them. The things I remember most when my son died after college were the hugs and personal notes I received in the mail and people who came to the house and the funeral. I didn't even think of going online.

fayeberry

I have had several family pass on and received comments from the on line guest books. I was glad to hear from people I had lost touch with. There were comments, however, from complete strangers which was odd.

Seaside gal

I think it all depends on the situation. Many times I do not have an address especially if they are in rural areas. I think it is a wonderful way to say something positive about the person.