The Heart Behind Shades of Grief
A short, personal tribute connecting Frances' memory to the purpose behind the cards.
Read Our StoryTestimonials
"As a bereaved mother and grief educator, I'm always searching for ways people can show up for those who are grieving. I also know how hard it is to find the right words. These cards say so beautifully what so many traditional sympathy cards cannot - offering honesty, compassion, and real understanding. I reach for them time and again when I want someone to know they are not alone in their grief. Thank you, Stader, and Frances."
"This is the card I would like to send - and the one I would have liked to receive."
"These cards really, really need to be out there. Your gift has already been more helpful than you know. Frances and God are surely up to something here!"
"When my mom passed away unexpectedly, our family experienced how difficult it can be to find the right words when someone is grieving. Shades of Grief was created from that experience. These cards offer simple, thoughtful messages from someone who truly understands loss and the quiet comfort sincere words can bring. To me, this collection is more than sympathy cards—it's a beautiful way to honor my mom while offering comfort and kindness to others during their time of grief."
"Having been introduced to Shades of Grief by a close friend, I decided to share these beautiful cards with the readership of my magazine. We received some samples last month in preparation. But prior to publication, my beloved niece lost her mother. There on my desk lay the "Beautiful Soul, Beautiful Memories" card, and I knew it was exactly what I wanted to say to my niece. With permission from Stader to put a sample into service, I sent it out that day. Several days later my heart melted when I received her reply, "Thank you for the card. I think I have read it 100 times. I have it on my nightstand." That moment let me know that while the cards represent a lovely tribute from one man to his wife, they have a much higher purpose. What a beautiful concept!"
"I absolutely love what you’re doing.
As a long-term survivor of terminal brain cancer, I dedicate my time to advocating, mentoring others, and raising awareness. When you mentor others with a terminal cancer, you find yourself surrounded by suffering.
Here’s where your cards come in… Three husbands have lost their wives. They are fumbling. They speak of being in a fog. They feel cut in half. Regular sympathy cards look dumb to them. Regular words don’t land right.
So I bought your cards to help keep in touch with these men in their hardest year.
I don’t think traditional platitudes are normally helpful. I think just knowing someone is thinking of you and your beloved person is enough."