Sympathy thank you cards have two style factors to consider: design and messaging.

Sympathy thank you cards have two style factors to consider: design and messaging.

Dear Amy: In the past, when I have sent sympathy cards, sometimes I get a thank you card in response.

It is peculiar to think that a mass stamped expression -- “Sympathy,” or in the case of letters of thanks, “Thank you” -- is better than the personal, handwritten word.

But there is another shortage, perhaps less obvious but more heart-wrenching. In stores, next to an ample supply of birthday cards and thank-you notes, the sympathy cards are nearly sold out.

Sympathy thank you cards have two style factors to consider: design and messaging.