Write a Get-well Message to a Friend or Relative Suffering from an Illness or Injury • Example Letters, Guides and Samples
Guides
A get-well letter to a friend or relative should carry a feeling of warmth and concern. It should also offer some genuine encouragement and help. Keep your letter brief and sincere.
How to write this get-well letter:
- Express your concern.
- Reassure the reader of your support.
- Close with best wishes.
Example Letter #1
Word on the street says you are laid up with bronchitis. I'm glad to hear you are taking it easy. Something like that can too easily become more serious, and we need you around for the family volleyball games. If there is anything Jane or I can do to help out, please let us know--and don't be shy. I could help with some of your errands after 6:00. Please heed our request and get well soon!
Example Letter #2
We are so sorry to hear of your accident. John and I had been wondering why we hadn't seen you lately. I'm glad it wasn't any worse than it was. We were hoping to drop in on you next week as we drive to Springfield. If there is anything we can bring to make your days pass more easily, just phone us and we will be glad to bring it. I sincerely hope you are comfortable and that you are not worrying too much about work. We know you are in good hands with Dr. Doe.
Example Letter #3
Sorry to hear about your collarbone. I guess you will be off the bike for a while and will have to listen to John's "I told you so."
When I broke my collarbone, I had a very hard time using only one arm, but then I don't do very well even with two. If I know you, though, you'll make the best of it. Here's hoping for a speedy recovery.
Example Letter #4
I told you to watch out for trees up there on the slopes. I hope you fared better than the tree! Jane and I dropped off a couple of casseroles at your home today and will keep tabs on your family for you. You concentrate on getting better so you can get back up there and assault more trees.
Write Your Letter Step-by-Step
1 Express your concern.
Sample Sentences for Step 1
- I'm sorry to hear that you're suffering from another bout of pneumonia.
- Things just haven't been the same at our quilting meetings since you've been under the weather.
- News of your surfing accident didn't reach me until yesterday.
- We're sorry that you've been sidelined by a skiing accident. It must be difficult to be immobilized, especially while on vacation.
- I was surprised to hear that you were in the hospital this past weekend, but I'm glad that you are now at home and feeling better.
- Word of your difficult delivery just reached me. I want to wish you a speedy recovery.
- All of your friends here at Camp Doe are cheering for you to get well soon.
Sample Phrases for Step 1
- am sorry you have been sidelined
- am sorry you have had another bout of
- are rooting for you
- as soon as you're allowed to have visitors
- being out of action must be
- can't be too much fun
- hope you have a quick recovery
- hope you get well soon
- is really too bad
- it's no fun being sick
- just heard the news of your accident
- must be difficult to
- must be frustrating to
- on the road to recovery
- send you our best wishes
- things just haven't been the same
- this forced inactivity must be
- was concerned to hear that
- was sorry to hear that
- wish you a speedy recovery
2 Reassure the reader of your support.
Sample Sentences for Step 2
- I know it's especially difficult to stay in bed when you have young children, so Suzanne and I will come tomorrow to take Eric and Fred off your hands until you are feeling better.
- We all feel lost without your knowledge and skills to guide us, and the discussions aren't nearly so lively without you.
- Your progress sounds encouraging. I'm sure you'll be back in the surf in no time.
- I hope your discomfort is minimal and that your arm heals quickly. After all, you're the only person I know whose racquetball game I can beat!
- The important thing is that both you and little Eric are doing beautifully now. Don't worry about the house or your children, I'll take care of them. You just rest now and let your body heal.
- You have a large group of well-wishers who miss your ghost stories and even your practical jokes.
Sample Phrases for Step 2
- a well-deserved break
- as soon as you feel better
- don't worry about
- glad to hear you are doing better
- great incentive to get well quickly
- hang in there
- have a large group of well-wishers
- hope your discomfort is minimal
- know it's difficult to stay in bed
- let us take care of
- no fun when you are sick
- only for a short time
- only for a little while longer
- progress sounds encouraging
- soon be back to normal
- the important thing is that
- when you can have visitors
- will come over tomorrow
- will take care of
- would be happy to
3 Close with best wishes.
Sample Sentences for Step 3
- Get plenty of rest and let us know if there is anything else we can do to help.
- Hurry and get well, Jane, or we may just have to close up shop! Here's a fabulous new quilting book to help pass the time while you're recuperating.
- Let me know when you're feeling up to having visitors. I'm eager to see you again.
- Get back home soon so we can get back together on the court!
- Until you are back on your feet again, I would be happy to help out in your yard, in your house, or with your kids. Just let me know what would be most helpful.
- I know you like cooking and gardening magazines, so here's a stack of the latest to help you pass the time more quickly. We will visit as soon as the doctors say it's all right.
Sample Phrases for Step 3
- all send our best wishes
- are rooting for you
- as soon as the doctors agree
- get plenty of rest
- hope your discomfort is minimal
- hope all goes well
- hope to see you soon
- hurry and get well
- if there is anything else we can do
- know you will be back with us soon
- let me know how I can help
- look forward to
- take your time
- to help you pass the time
- to having you back
- to seeing you again
- until you are back on your feet again
- when you are feeling up to it
- while you are recuperating
- wish you a speedy recovery
